HUGH H. SIVERD.

[From Maple Township to Winfield.]

Winfield City Directory 1885: H. H. Siverd, constable, residence 804 e 12th.

FROM THE NEWSPAPERS.

Winfield Courier, August 17, 1876. Editorial Page.

The Republican county convention convened at the Courthouse, in Winfield, on Saturday, August 12th, at 1 o’clock p.m., and was called to order by A. B. Lemmon, chairman of the Republican county central committee. R. C. Story was elected temporary chairman and James Kelly secretary. A committee on credentials was appointed, consisting of Messrs. E. S. Torrance, J. W. Tull, A. B. Odell, T. R. Bryan, and S. M. Jarvis. The committee reported the following persons as having been duly elected as delegates and alternates to the convention.

Maple Township: Delegates, H. H. Siverd and W. B. Norman.

Winfield Courier, August 17, 1876.

Eighty-Eighth District Convention. Pursuant to call the delegates of the 88th Representative District met in Republican convention at the courthouse, in Winfield, at 10 o’clock a.m., Saturday, August 12, 1876.

Maple: W. B. Norman and H. H. Siverd.

Winfield Courier, September 21, 1876.

B. F. Baldwin, S. S. Moore, R. C. Story, H. H. Siverd, and Daniel Maher were appointed members of the Republican Central Committee, for the 88th Representative district.

[REPUBLICAN CONVENTION.]

Winfield Courier, September 21, 1876. Editorial Page.

The committee on credentials being called submitted the following report: Your committee on credentials find that the following named gentlemen were duly elected as delegates to this convention, and all are entitled to seats therein.

Maple: Wm. B. Norman, H. H. Siverd.

Winfield Courier, September 28, 1876.

Pursuant to a call of the committee of the 88th Representative District, the delegates to the representative convention met in the courthouse at Winfield on Saturday, September 16th, at 10 o’clock a.m. Capt. J. S. Hunt, of Winfield Township, was elected temporary chairman, and Chas. H. Eagin, of Rock Township, temporary secretary. On motion a committee of five on credentials was appointed: C. H. Eagin, G. L. Walker, S. S. Moore, H. H. Siverd, and F. M. Small were the members. The committee on credentials reported the following delegates entitled to seats in the convention.

Maple Township: W. B. Norman, Capt. H. H. Siverd.

Winfield Courier, September 28, 1876.

There will be a meeting of the Republican Central Committee of the 88th Representative District, at the COURIER office in Winfield on Saturday, September 30th, 1876, at ten o’clock a.m. for the purpose of organizing and transacting such other business as may come before the committee.

The following gentlemen constitute the committee: B. F. Baldwin; Daniel Maher; R. C. Story; H. H. Siverd; S. S. Moore. L. J. WEBB, Chairman Old Committee.

[COMMUNICATION FROM “HERBERT” - ROCK TOWNSHIP.]

Winfield Courier, November 30, 1876.

Esquire Fisk says Geo. Worner don’t come up to his shop lately to hear the latest news from Wisconsin. When he heard about Florida and South Carolina, he struck a resounding blow on his anvil, and remarked, “Ding Indiana!” “Let ‘er go.” Capt. Siverd says, “Now is the winter of our discontent” made glorious summer by his Hazy son.

More Anon, HERBERT.

[COMMUNICATION FROM “HERBERT” - ROCK TOWNSHIP.]

Winfield Courier, February 15, 1877. Editorial Page.

A flourishing literary society meets each Saturday evening at the Star schoolhouse, where M. N. Martindale presides with his accustomed dignity and the “Hotspur” of Maple, Capt. H. H. Siverd, with his usual ardor and vehemence, plunges into the stormy sea of wordy debate, while to fill up the exercises ever and anon arise strains of music and enlivening song. Oh, glorious privilege! to be an American citizen and belong to a debating club.

Winfield Courier, September 20, 1877.

The following persons are elected delegates to the Republican convention at the Courthouse next Saturday. Maple. H. H. Siverd, W. B. Norman.

Winfield Courier, September 27, 1877.

Pursuant to the call of the Republican County Central Committee, of Cowley County, the delegates assembled in convention at the courthouse, in the city of Winfield, on Saturday, Sept. 22, 1877, at 11 o’clock a.m.

Committee on credentials, W. P. Hackney, H. H. Siverd, James Utt, G. W. Herbert, and Daniel Maher.

Mr. Chairman: Your committee on credentials beg leave to request that the following townships and delegates therefrom are entitled to representation and seats in this convention.

Maple: H. H. Siverd and W. B. Norman.

Winfield Courier, December 6, 1877.

Captain Siverd, of Maple, was in the city Friday and Saturday last.

[REPUBLICAN COUNTY CENTRAL COMMITTEE.]

Winfield Courier, July 11, 1878.

The following constitutes the Central Committee for the 88th representative district:

B. F. Baldwin, Chairman; S. S. Moore, Secretary; R. C. Story; H. H. Siverd; Daniel Maher.

[REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.]

Winfield Courier, August 15, 1878.

Delegates chosen for the Congressional Convention: E. A. Henthorn, W. P. Hackney, R. L. Walker, Dr. N. Hughes, H. H. Siverd, R. R. Turner, S. P. Strong.

Winfield Courier, November 28, 1878.

Captain Siverd, of Maple, was in town Saturday.

[REPORT FROM “REFLEX” - MAPLE TOWNSHIP.]

Winfield Courier, December 11, 1879.

Will Atkinson has rented Captain Siverd’s property for the winter and has taken possession.

Winfield Courier, January 29, 1880.

Captain H. H. Siverd, of Maple, was among our callers last Saturday. Call again.

Winfield Courier, February 5, 1880.

Capt. Siverd, of Maple, has been appointed jailer, in place of Mr. Finch. The keys of the jail have been turned over to him, but as yet Mr. Finch holds the fort in the second story.

Winfield Courier, March 11, 1880.

Jailer Siverd has quite a collection of boarders at present.

Winfield Courier, April 1, 1880.

Cap. Siverd is cleaning up the Courthouse square and jail yard.

Winfield Courier, June 3, 1880.

Captain H. H. Siverd and Henry Asp go to Little Dutch, Friday night, in behalf of the announcement.

[Note: The above item probably refers to the stir created by Judge W. P. Campbell suing newspaper editors in Winfield.]

Winfield Courier, July 1, 1880.

Capt. Siverd keeps the courthouse square as clean as it well can be. Tuesday he had his boarders out in force mowing the grass and raking off the grounds.

Winfield Courier, July 8, 1880.

Prisoners will hereafter be a little backward about attacking Jailer Siverd. He is never caught napping.

Winfield Courier, July 8, 1880.

Early Saturday morning Capt. Siverd, the jailer, had a severe tussle with one of the prisoners, who was attempting to escape. He went into the jail to carry the prisoners their breakfast, and while stooping over, was struck from behind by Frank Wilson, one of the Hoenscheidt horse stealers, with a stove leg. The blow staggered the Captain, but he attempted to grapple with the prisoner, and received several more blows before so doing. Hearing the scuffle, Mrs. Siverd came to the rescue; but being unable to separate them, she called for help, and several men nearby took a hand in the affray and soon succeeded in landing Wilson in his cell, where he was decorated with a pair of cast-iron bracelets, and anklets with a ball and chain attached. Mr. Siverd is able to be about, but his head resembles a sore thumb all tied up. Had the prisoner been a little more accurate with his first blow, Sheriff Shenneman would now be receiving applications for the position of jailer. The Captain will hereafter keep his left eye open for these “quiet, unoffensive fellows.” Had he hesitated in the least about grappling Wilson, he would undoubtedly have been killed.

Winfield Courier, September 2, 1880.

Capt. Siverd has lost all his boarders except Munson, a prisoner of Uncle Sam, who is charged with giving whiskey to an Indian.

Winfield Courier, December 9, 1880.

The “Hotel de Siverd” will be deserted again next week. Only regular boarders can be accommodate hereafter, as he has shut down on transients.

Winfield Courier, December 9, 1880.

Capt. Siverd is very popular with his pets in the stone jug. They praise him up to the highest notch because he furnishes them with plenty of turkeys and other good things to eat, and plenty of reading matter, music, etc. The captain is a whole souled warm hearted man.

Winfield Courier, December 23, 1880.

Judge Campbell paid Jailer Siverd a high compliment in his remarks upon the sentence of Willie Fogg, a mere boy arrested for riding off his employer’s horse. The sentence was for six months in the county jail, and the judge consoled him with the thought that his confinement was in one of the best regulated jails in the state, and that he would be under the care of a man who, although firm and exacting in matters of discipline, was still kind and courteous to those under his charge. This is a deserved compliment, for in no county in the state can be found a better regulated and better disciplined jail than the one under Capt. Siverd’s care.

Winfield Courier, December 30, 1880.

Capt. Siverd gave his boarders a Christmas dinner last Saturday. Rev. Canfield was present and helped to make the occasion profitable as well as pleasant.

Winfield Courier, February 3, 1881.

Capt. Siverd visited the African M. E. Sabbath school last Sunday and addressed the scholars in words of cheer, encouragement, and advice, and the colored people are enthusiastic in their words of thanks and appreciation. They asked him to come again.

Winfield Courier, February 10, 1881.

At the last regular meeting of Winfield Lodge No. 20, I. O. G. T., the following officers were installed for the ensuing term commencing February 7th, 1881.

W. C. T.: T. H. Soward; W. V. T.: Mrs. Henry Rowland; W. S.: J. C. Rowland; W. F. S.: Mrs. M. L. Jewell; W. T.: Professor E. P. Hickok; W. C.: Rev. J. Cairns; W. G.: Miss Mary Cairns; W. Sen.: H. H. Siverd; Asst. S.: Miss Ella Freeland; I. M.: Miss Mary Clark; I. H. S.: Miss Mary Cochran; L. H. S.: Miss Libbie Smith; P. W. C. T.: Professor E. T. Trimble; L. D.: Frank W. Finch.

Winfield Courier, March 17, 1881.

Captain Siverd will be a candidate at the spring election for constable. He is one of the best qualified men that could be selected for the position. Careful and thorough, a good penman and an energetic man, he will accomplish everything he undertakes. If elected (and he will be), he will prove one of the most efficient officers the city has ever had. Let everyone who wants the right man in the right place turn out and help elect Capt. Siverd.

Winfield Courier, March 24, 1881.

A gentleman by the name of Fennimore, who has been doing a lucrative trade about town in rags and old iron, has been for the third time called upon to donate $1.75 to the sidewalk fund. The three fines and “trimmings” thereof amount to about forty dollars. His wife caused the last arrest. She tracked the gentleman to a house of bad repute, and together with the marshal made a raid upon the institution, capturing him in a rather embarrassing situation. After a curtain lecture and a scene that would draw tears from the eyes of an Early Rose potato, he was lodged at the hotel de Siverd for the balance of the night. The next morning a compromise was effected. He was once more taken to the bosom of his family and all is now as peaceful as a little rippling rill.

[REPUBLICAN CITY CONVENTION.]

Winfield Courier, March 31, 1881.

For constables: J. H. Finch and Capt. Siverd, by acclamation.

[ELECTION RETURNS.]

Winfield Courier, April 7, 1881.

The following were running for the position of two constables: H. H. Siverd, J. H. Finch, J. T. Quarles, B. McFadden, E. P. Hickok. Siverd won with a majority of 58 and J. T. Quarles won with a majority of 106.

Winfield Courier, April 14, 1881.

Cap Siverd has filed his bond as constable. It is thought that the commissioners will accept it. It represents about $175,000.

Winfield Courier, April 14, 1881.

Jailer Siverd has had his boarders at work cleaning up the courthouse grounds during the past week. It makes a wonderful improvement in the looks of the public grounds.

Winfield Courier, April 21, 1881.

Last week Capt. Siverd resigned his position as jailer, and will devote his entire attention to the business of the office to which he was elected. Mr. Siverd has run the jail in the most satisfactory manner, and leaves it with the good will of all concerned.

Winfield Courier, August 25, 1881.

The meeting at Manning’s hall on Saturday, August 20th, was well attended by the old soldiers. Capt. Haight with a section of his battery, put in a number of shots that sounded like old times to the boys. Messrs. Pixley, Requa, Woodruff, Roseberry, and others furnished old time martial music. At 11 a.m., the meeting was called to order with C. M. Wood in the chair, and Jake Nixon, secretary.

Finance Committee: J. B. Lynn, Capt. Siverd, Capt. Myers, James Kelly, and Judge Bard.

Winfield Courier, September 15, 1881.

Judge McDonald tells a good one on Capt. Siverd. The Captain was advocating Chase for sheriff last Thursday, when the judge asked him how it was going? “Oh, I don’t know,” says Capt. Siverd, “Our fellows don’t work very hard.” The judge asked: “How is it with Shenneman? Is he at work or does he repose on his reputation?” The Captain answered: “Shenneman don’t repose worth a ______ cent.”

Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.

It is kind of queer how a man will make a fool of himself. The other night it was intensely dark, the sky being overcast with dense clouds. About 9 P. M. Capt. Siverd was going by Frank Jennings’ and something possessed him to take the barn door off its hinges and set it up against Frank’s bedroom window, so as to keep it dark in the morning, and make him sleep late. He did so and left. During the night Frank got a notion that he heard a noise outside and got up, and without lighting the light, went to the window and raised it to look out. As he thrust his hand forward, it came in violent contact with the barn door, which knocked him backward upon the floor. He arose, amazed, excited, and bruised. His conclusion was that somebody outside had laid for him and hit him, so he yelled defiance to him and began to put on his clothes. Having dressed he tore outside and gazed round trying to find somebody, but failed, and in the darkness didn’t discover the barn door. Soon he heard another noise outside. Again he sprang up and rushed to look out, and again he was violently hit upon the head. That time he was wild.

He got his shotgun and without waiting to dress, ran out. He thought he saw the figure of a man a little distance away and fired at it. It didn’t fall and he fired another barrel. Then he tore into the house and got his ammunition. He tried once more to look out of the window, and a fearful whack convinced him that the villain still pursued him. Out he went. His firing had aroused one or two of his neighbors. As they drew near he blazed away at ’em, but fortunately, he missed, and they fled. He kept firing at anything he could imagine was a man until the ammunition was gone. Then the aroused neighbors pounced on him. They thought he was insane. He was nearly so. Finally lanterns were brought and the matter explained, and it was found that the “man” first fired at was the County Attorney’s seersucker suit on the clothesline. And he had aimed to hit. Matters being cleared up, Frank was persuaded to retire. But if he finds out who put that door there, gunning will be resumed.

Winfield Courier, November 24, 1881.

The Good Templars had another interesting meeting this week. The paper edited by Mrs. Beach was a gem. It sparkled with wit, eloquence, pathos, and instruction. The address by W. C. T. Finch startled the Lodge and electrified the members, but viewing it from a critic’s standpoint, I think there is great room for improvement. We have been troubled with a smoky place for some time, and last night Capt. Siverd explained the mystery by saying, “that it was caused by one of Mr. Beach’s ideas getting crosswise in the flue.” I will say to those of the members who have stayed away on account of the smoke that they can come back now, as the obstacle will be removed and put to its legitimate use next Monday night during the debate. The attendance and interest are increasing. Let us have a full lodge at the next meeting. BY A MEMBER.

Winfield Courier, December 29, 1881. Front Page.

About the 16th of May, 1881, E. J. Cooper, a young man doing a general merchandise business at Trinidad, Colorado, went to the wholesale Boot and Shoe House of J. A. Cooper & Co., of Kansas City, and purchased over two thousand dollars worth of goods on ten days time, stating that he had inherited some money from his mother’s estate and that he would then pay for the goods. Some time afterward he wrote to the Kansas City House, saying he had met with some misfortune and would pay soon. In September Cooper went before a Squire Walker in Trinidad, and there made a sale to his clerk, W. J. Bolin, had the transfer acknowledged, and Bolin paid the amount over the squire’s table, twenty-three hundred dollars in cash. In less than five hours Cooper took the cars and “shook the dust” of Colorado from his feet. In the meantime someone telegraphed to the Kansas City House and they attached the goods, locked up the store, and the sheriff of Las Animas County put the key in his pocket. Bolin then came onto the scene, produced his bill of sale and proved the purchase; the only witness that could back the contract was Cooper: and he had gone where the “woodbine twineth.” Cooper & Co., began to hunt their faithless namesake.

As time wore away it was discovered that Cooper had an aunt living at Marshalltown, Iowa; there they intercepted one of his letters, dated Winfield, October 16, 1881. In November their agent on this route gave the case to Capt. Siverd with a description of the man. Capt. Siverd watched and waited; time wore on, and at last a letter addressed to Cooper came here from Augusta, Kansas, and last Saturday a man called for that letter. Capt. Siverd soon discovered that he was the man he wanted, and sent a man to talk to him. Approaching him from behind, he said: “Hello, Cooper. I think I met you in Colorado.” “Why, yes, guess you did. I did some business there for three years and think I shall go back.”

The wires were called into use and last Monday night Cooper & Co.’s agent arrived; Hackney was called into service; a five thousand dollar bond was given from Kansas City through Read’s Bank, and by noon Thursday the agent, Jake Boyles, and Capt. Siverd were “lighting out” through Vernon Township for the residence of John McMahon, where Cooper was employed as a farm hand. His arrest was at once accomplished; his team, wagon, trunk, and clothing were attached, and Cooper invited to take a ride behind Jim Vance’s best greys. The agent gave them a sumptuous supper at the Brettun, and then Cooper was invited to Mr. Hackney’s office, where he showed his first dread of the jail. He soon lost his defiant air and “squealed.” He told the whole story of the fraudulent transfer to Bolin, signed the proper paper, and that night slept in No. 5 at the Brettun, guarded by Boyles and Capt. Siverd.

The wires were again called into use between here and Trinidad. The clerk, Bolin, “threw up the sponge.” J. A. Cooper & Co. will get back their money. E. J. Cooper goes back to his counter; the case will be dismissed; and Siverd will wear a new coat. The probabilities are that Cooper and his clerk intended to meet somewhere after Bolin could convert the stock into cash, but did not see the difficulties in the way. And after the Trinidad attachment, Cooper drifted aimlessly into Cowley County, a fugitive from Justice, and went to work among strangers to keep from starving. He went back to Trinidad, Colorado, Friday.

Winfield Courier, February 23, 1882.

“A little fun now and then is relished by the best of men.” The Catholic Fair, which closed Friday evening, Feb. 10, was the source of much amusement to the people of Winfield. Everything in the way of pleasure was there, and the citizens did not fail to patronize the good work. The businessmen when called upon for contributions responded liberally, as did the ladies, in donating the various articles for a supper and refreshment tables. The fancy articles which were donated were duly appreciated, and served to decorate the booths nicely.

Our friend, Capt. H. H. Siverd, was the winner of the hanging lamp and pickle castor; he deserved them for his energy in trying to make the fair a success.

Winfield Courier, March 23, 1882.

In another place in this paper will be found the announcement of Capt. H. H. Siverd for re-election to the office of Constable. Mr. Siverd has filled this office for the past year to the satisfaction of everyone, is an active, energetic officer, and fearless in the discharge of his duty. He should be re-elected without opposition, and from present appearances this is about what will happen. Siverd and Frank Finch will make a splendid team.

Cowley County Courant, March 23, 1882. Editorial Column.

ANNOUNCEMENT. We are authorized to announce H. H. Siverd for re-election to the office of Constable of the City of Winfield.

Winfield Courier, March 30, 1882.

Capt. Siverd and Frank Finch will be elected constables by common consent.

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. 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 6, 1882.

The election for city officers in Winfield Tuesday resulted in the election of the following named gentlemen. Constables: H. H. Siverd and Frank Finch.

Cowley County Courant, April 6, 1882.

Capt. Siverd took the blue ribbon for the largest majority and strongest vote in our city election, and those who voted for him will never have cause to regret it.

Winfield Courier, April 20, 1882.

One George Phelps, for some time in the butchering business at Douglass, stole a horse from a man by the name of Smith last week, brought it to Winfield, and sold it for a small sum. He took the train for Colorado the next morning. The horse was recovered by Constable Siverd and returned to the owner.

Cowley County Courant, April 20, 1882.

George Phelps, who was a butcher in Douglass, stole a horse from a Mr. Smith, rode him to Winfield, sold him, and took the train for Colorado. Constable Siverd recovered the horse for Smith, and Walter Denning is out fifteen dollars.

Winfield Courier, July 6, 1882.

Constable Siverd arrested Andrew Shaw, the colored man who attacked Sam Burger, Tuesday, on a State Warrant charging him with assault and battery. Andrew will probably get six months in the bastille in which to ponder over the foolishness of trying to bull-doze a man into paying him something that he never earned.

Winfield Courier, July 13, 1882.

The atmospheric condition of our city was disturbed last Friday night by the presence of Gene Wilber and George Williams. They came down ostensibly on business, but really to wear out Frank Jennings and Cap. Siverd at their favorite game of cribbage—and it is unnecessary to say they did it beautifully. It is a good thing the writer wasn’t present or they would never have carried off the honors they did.

Winfield Courier, July 20, 1882.

Hon. Jas. McDermott, Winfield, Kansas.

DEAR SIR: We the undersigned citizens of Cowley County, Kansas, anxious that an able and faithful man represent us in the coming legislature, and ever mindful of the important legislation that will come before that body, unite in requesting you to become a candidate for the office of Representative from this district, July 11th, 1882.

H. H. Siverd signed request with others. McDermott ran for the office.

Winfield Courier, July 20, 1882.

Special Order No. 5. The following enlisted men are detailed as musicians and will form the Regimental Band. W. B. Pixley, drummer. Major musicians: Wm. Smith, T. S. Rude, J. A. Elliott, Thos. Blakely, Edwin Shill, Jon Lowns, Fred Fay, C. A. Truesdell, J. Waldsmidt, Thos. Welch, B. I. Wells, R. Hite, R. C. Nicholson. H. H. Siverd is appointed Commissary of Subsistence and will be obeyed and respected accordingly.

C. E. Steuven, Col. Com’d. H. L. Wells, Adj’t.

[REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.]

Winfield Courier, August 10, 1882.

Delegates entitled to seats.

Winfield 1st Ward: H. H. Siverd, Frank Bowen, M. G. Troup, H. E. Asp, W. P. Hackney.

[OLD VETERANS’ REUNION.]

Winfield Courier, September 7, 1882.

Veterans of the late war who wish transportation to Topeka during the reunion in September, 1882. One of those who made request: H. H. Siverd, Co. B, 1st O. Cav.

Winfield Courier, November 16, 1882.

Capt. Siverd sports a new overcoat. We have been waiting five years to give him this personal.

Winfield Courier, December 7, 1882.

Mr. John Siverd, a brother of Capt. H. H. Siverd, dropped in on him suddenly Monday. They had not seen each other for twenty-two years—since before the war, and the meeting was certainly a pleasant one. Mr. Siverd will spend some time here.

Winfield Courier, December 14, 1882.

Woolen Mill. Mr. John Siverd, an old and experienced woolen mill man, is in the city visiting friends. In conversing with him on the feasibility of establishing a woolen mill in Winfield, he expressed the opinion that no more paying investment could be made. This county turned off this year over a million and a half pounds of wool, which was shipped east, made up into goods, and sent back. The goods could be manufactured here as well and almost as cheap as in the East, thereby saving cost of transportation both ways. Aside from this, if there were mills here, every farmer would keep a little bunch of sheep, using the wool for himself. Mr. Siverd estimates the cost of machinery for a mill which will work a hundred thousand pounds of wool at eight thousand dollars, with about five thousand more for working capital. He has been looking over the buildings in the city and finds two that will answer the purpose very well and can be had at a nominal rental. He favors the establishment of a small mill that will pay well from the start, and which can easily be enlarged as the demand for the work increases. Mr. Siverd has had thirty years of constant working experience in woolen mills and his opinions are entitled to great weight.

Winfield Courier, March 22, 1883.

ANNOUNCEMENT. We are authorized to announce the name of H. H. Siverd as a candidate for re-election to the office of Constable of this city.

Winfield Courier, March 22, 1883.

Capt. H. H. Siverd is announced for re-election as constable, which he will be by a rousing majority. There are few more efficient and capable officers than Mr. Siverd. Every trust is fulfilled to the letter, and neither fear nor favor stands in the way of duty. While such action makes enemies of some men who think they should be accorded more privileges than others, it wins the respect of the community at large.

Winfield Courier, March 29, 1883.

STRATEGY, MY BOY. Some of the fellows have got up a ticket for the city election next Tuesday. They call it a kind of compromise ticket, claiming that it is on both sides of party politics, prohibition, water works, and every other question. Most of the candidates named are good fair men, but there is too little prohibition in it to call it a compromise on that question, being one prohibitionist to eight antis. In politics it is five Democrats, three Republicans, and one Greenbacker. The names are: Emerson for mayor; Kretsinger and Keck for council; Snow for police judge; O’Hare for city attorney; Silver and Wallis for school board; and Long and Pratt for constables. It looks to us that the main point of the ticket is to elect councilmen in the interest of Mart Robinson’s water works, for the getters up are willing to trade off any of their candidates except Krets. The water works fellows want Krets bad. They would trade off the balance of the ticket if necessary, but he must be retained at all hazards. The fact is, they know Krets would do anything that Mart would ask and he would ask even worse things than he would do himself. If they had put Frank Finch and Capt. Siverd on their ticket for constables, they would have shown a great deal more sagacity, for they are tried men doing their duty honestly, carefully, and fairly, and will get the votes of the best men of all parties and factions. There is talk of calling a public meeting to nominate a ticket.

Winfield Courier, April 5, 1883.

The city election Tuesday passed off very quietly, but little interest being manifested. On Monday evening a number of citizens met at the Opera House and placed a ticket in the field. Another meeting was held the same evening, which made up a second ticket. Dr. George Emerson was the unanimous candidate for Mayor by both meetings. The two tickets represented no distinctive issue of any character, unless it might have been termed a “waterworks” issue. In the first ward John McGuire was elected to the council over H. Silver by three majority. In the second ward D. L. Kretsinger was elected over S. L. Gilbert by forty majority. Capt. H. H. Siverd and Frank W. Finch were re-elected constables.

Votes shown. Constables: H. H. Siverd, 299; Frank W. Finch, 251; David Long, 225; Jas. McLain, 222.

Winfield Courier, May 17, 1883.

BIRTH. A fine nine pound boy made his advent into the home of Capt. H. H. Siverd last Thursday.

[CORRESPONDENT FROM SOUTH FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP: “ROB ROY.”]

Winfield Courier, May 31, 1883.

While in Winfield last week, I had the pleasure of meeting with Captain Siverd—and, by the way, he made known to me his intentions to run for the office of sheriff. I have known the Captain for several years, and have found him to be possessed of many noble traits of character. I earnestly hope for his political success. ROB ROY.

Winfield Courier, June 28, 1883.

A Shooting Raid. Last Friday a young man rode hurriedly in town and reported that he had been robbed at Limbocker’s ford on Dutch Creek by two men. On receipt of the news, Sheriff Gary became greatly excited. Here, at least, was a chance to achieve fame and glory, and show the world that he was in truth and in fact a valiant and active officer, by starting out at once and bringing in the robbers, alone and single handed. But hold! As he buckles on his trusty revolvers and girds about his loins a fresh belt of cartridges, a change comes over the spirit of his dream. He remembers that robbers are bold, bad men, and he remembers reading in a dime novel in the long years ago about bandits who laid in ambush for their pursuers and sometimes captured them and carried them away into the fastnesses to die of starvation. As he thought on these things and wondered what raven would feed the widow and orphans when he was gone, he grew sad, until finally he decided to raise a “posse” to defend him in case the robbers refused to be arrested peaceably. No sooner was the decision made than it was carried into effect—and right here was brought actively into play our sheriff’s wonderful power as an organizer. In less than two hours he had fourteen men, seven double-barreled shot guns, and twenty-two revolvers on their way to the scene of the robbery, three miles out. The order of march was as follows: Frank Finch, with hand cuffs and shackles; Charlie Limbocker, accompanied by a double-barreled shot gun; Ben Harrod ditto; F. M. Burge ditto; A. B. Taylor, deputy sheriff, carrying in addition to his own, part of the Sheriff’s armory; Johnny Riley, double-barreled shot gun and two revolvers; W. J. Hodges and Johnny Hudson, Aids-de-camp to Sheriff and Ex-Captain S. G. Gary; Ammunition wagon. Owing to the limited time and the absence of Capt. Haight, the battery was not called out, but “held in reserve.” Arriving at the scene of action, the “posse” was halted and Sheriff Gary advanced cautiously to the front, where he discovered Constable Siverd with the alleged victim.

Mr. Siverd had been on the ground some time, examined for tracks, found none, and concluded that the robbery was a canard. He so informed the doughty sheriff, which seemed to revive his drooping spirits and the “posse” was allowed to disperse while the Sheriff returned to Winfield by way of New Salem. It was an active and valiant struggle to defend the rights of an injured citizen, and we take pleasure in commending Sheriff Gary for his energy, and for the rare power of organization he displayed in getting such a large force of men, fully equipped and on the road in such a short space of time. We tremble for the result should a bonafide robbery occur within his jurisdiction. The expenses of conveying the “posse” were only $12.50, which the county can well afford to pay.

“Because Sheriff Gary performs the duties of his office in an energetic but quiet and unostentatious manner, Greer becomes disgruntled and wants the Sheriff to make more noise and fuss. Capt. Gary is not that kind of man, Ed.” Telegram.

Winfield Courier, July 19, 1883.

H. H. Siverd is announced as a candidate for sheriff of this county, subject to the action of the Republican convention.

[CAPT. SIVERD.]

Winfield Courier, July 19, 1883.

We would call the attention of our readers to the announcement of Capt. H. H. Siverd as a candidate for the office of sheriff of this county. He was a gallant Union soldier in the late war and then and ever since has exhibited the courage, pluck, and energy which would make him the worthy successor of the lamented Shenneman. He is thoroughly well schooled by long experience in such business and in every way well qualified for the office. Indeed, in this respect he has, we think, no superior in the county. He combines with unflinching courage a kind and noble disposition and a heart as tender as a woman’s; and while he will do his duty fully, he will do it in such a way as to tone down its unpleasant features and protect the unfortunate and oppressed. His genuine kindness of heart has made him popular wherever he is known, and should he receive the Republican nomination, we predict that the will be elected by more than an old time majority.

Winfield Courier, August 2, 1883.

Some Candidates. Saturday was a big day for candidates; indeed, every day now-a-days brings forth an enterprising batch of them. But Saturday was especially active in this commodity. They were all around here and there and everywhere. The first one we observed was R. B. Pratt, that staunch old Democrat, who has been born and bred in the party ranks until he is in root, branch, and fibre Democratic. He’s running hard for the Democratic nomination for sheriff. Mr. Gary, the present incumbent, whose Democracy is of a later and more spongy growth, was also active, and slashed around until the tails of his linen duster stood out behind. His “don’t-tread-on-the-tail-of-me-coat” style is peculiarly refreshing, and as his “record,” political and otherwise, is still a matter of deep, dark, and dismal mystery, he meets with some favor in the eyes of the unterrified.

That fellow going across the street in ten steps and an old straw hat is Capt. Siverd. It is pretty generally understood that he is a candidate for sheriff and that he’s got a bushel of friends who think he will make the best kind of an officer. He is always going that way, and every time he goes something comes. The tall, handsome man Capt. Siverd is talking to is Oscar Wooley, his competitor for the honor. He is a young man of unimpeachable character, brave as a lion, and runs like a race horse.

Winfield Courier, August 9, 1883.

ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SHERIFF: H. H. Siverd, Winfield; H. O. Wooley, Vernon Township; G. W. Prater, Walnut Township; George H. McIntire, Arkansas City.

[REPUBLICAN CONVENTION.]

Winfield Courier, September 6, 1883.

Nomination for Sheriff: Chase presented H. H. Siverd; Mitchell presented Geo. H. McIntire; Tansey presented H. O. Wooley, and Cure presented G. W. Prater. On the 12^th ballot: Siverd 43, McIntire 44. Siverd withdrew before taking the 13th ballot. The nomination of McIntire was made unanimous.

[CONVENTION NOTES.]

Winfield Courier, September 6, 1883.

H. H. Siverd acted a noble part in the convention. It became understood that it was not probable that both Soward and himself could receive nomination at the hands of the convention, being both of Winfield. Siverd therefore urged that the matter of Register of Deeds should be first settled and Soward nominated if possible whatever effect it might have on his own chances for Sheriff. The result in favor of Soward as anticipated made it impossible to nominate Siverd and at an opportune moment, Siverd withdrew from the canvass for sheriff. He would surely have been nominated but for his generous self-sacrifice in behalf of others.

Geo. H. McIntire, the nominee for Sheriff, is one of the best officers Cowley County ever had. He has no bluster about him, but attends quietly to business and does it up completely in good shape. He has put thirteen prisoners in the Wichita jail within two months to stand their trial in the U. S. court at that place. Yet he has not done any blowing about and few know of the extent of his service, catching rascals either for the United States, or for this state, which have also been efficient and remarkable.

[POLITICS AT DEXTER.]

Winfield Courier, November 1, 1883.

Now that the election is drawing near, candidates are becoming numerous. Last Friday and Saturday we were honored with about all the lofty politicians of the day. First came J. B. Lynn, Democratic candidate for Treasurer, who did his electioneering in a quiet way among his friends. Then on Saturday came the squad of Republican candidates, arriving early, to hold a Republican rally as per advertisement. Though the weather was very unfavorable, they were not without a splendid audience; for at half past seven o’clock when the ring of the bell and music of our excellent band told the citizens that there was something rich for them at the schoolhouse that night, the masses poured into the house in a short time, would have told a stranger that there was a wide awake set of Republicans there and that some good speeches were anticipated. The meeting being called to order by H. C. McDorman, Chairman T. H. Soward was introduced and spoke for an hour and a half, making an able and eloquent speech, which was alike interesting to all classes and parties.

Our old friend, Booth, from Rock Township, then attempted a reply and in his comical way, gave the boys plenty of fun, and during his remarks gave the audience some instructions as to the way the knowing ones in Winfield get their drinks, since prohibition closed the saloons.

The band then struck up one of their favorite national tunes, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and to leave well satisfied with their entertainment. J. B. Nipp and George McIntire each in a short speech asked the votes of the people, and Capt. Siverd followed in a humorous speech making some good points and plenty of fun. In short, everything done seemed the right thing for the occasion, and all the Republicans went home feeling that on the 6th of November next, Dexter Township would roll up a good round majority for every candidate on the Republican ticket. A. REPUBLICAN.

Winfield Courier, November 22, 1883.

The Catholic Fair to be held November 27, 28, and 29 promises to be a grand success. Several articles of use, ornament, and value to be disposed of during the three days. Some of the articles are for raffle and some are to be voted to prominent citizens of Winfield.

A fine wax doll is to be voted on and given to Mr. Hendricks’s little daughter or Mable Siverd.

The Thanksgiving dinner spoken of will be the finest ever served in Winfield, and it is to be hoped that all will avail themselves of a delicious meal. The Fair will close by a grand ball on Thanksgiving evening, giving the young folks a chance to enjoy the day wisely set apart by our President for amusement and social recreation.

Winfield Courier, January 24, 1884.

Capt. H. H. Siverd has been appointed assignee of Goss & McConn, the “busted” firm of Geuda Springs. He will move the stock to this place and dispose of them.

Winfield Courier, February 7, 1884.

The Good Templars installed their officers for the term commencing with February, on last Friday evening, as follows.

W. C. T., H. H. Siverd; W. V. P., Mrs. E. D. Garlick; W. F. S., H. G. Norton; W. R. S., Miss Mamie Garlick; W. T., Mrs. N. J. Lundy; W. C., Mrs. Emma Smith; W. M., W. J. McClellan; W. I. G., Miss Fanny Saunders; W. O. G., F. V. Rowland; W. A. S., C. A. Garlick; W. R. S., Mrs. S. J. Hepler; W. L. S., Mrs. L. Schaffhausen; W. D. M., Miss Ella Garlick; Organist, Miss Lucy Cairns; P. W. C. T., Frank H. Greer.

Winfield Courier, February 7, 1884.

HUGH H. SIVERD, Assignee of the property of Goss & McConn, had notice printed in paper to creditors of Willis S. Goss and William V. McConn, formerly doing business under the firm name of Goss & McConn at East Geuda Springs, announcing that on June 10, 1884, at the office of the county clerk of the district court of Cowley County in Winfield he would proceed publicly to adjust and allow demands against the estate of the said Goss & McConn.

Arkansas City Traveler, March 5, 1884.

Cap. H. H. Siverd of Winfield favored our shop with a call. Capt. is as hearty as ever and it does us good to see him in this end of the county.

Winfield Courier, March 20, 1884.

Announcement. We are authorized to announce H. H. Siverd as a candidate for re-election to the office of Constable of the city of Winfield, at the April elections.

Winfield Courier, March 20, 1884.

H. H. Siverd is the man for constable and he is a candidate as appears by his announcement this week. No other man has been more active and efficient, none more reliable and trustworthy. He was the choice of a large portion of the voters of this county for sheriff last summer, but he did not sulk because he failed of the nomination. He is just as cheerful and active as before and deserves anything in the line that he will accept. Vote for him by all means.

Winfield Courier, April 3, 1884.

The election for city officers Tuesday passed off quietly, only about 550 votes being polled. The following is the result.

First Ward. Constables: H. H. Siverd, 218; T. H. Herrod, 217; Jas. McClain, 130.

Second Ward. Constables: H. H. Siverd, 146; T. H. Herrod, 128; Jas. McLain, 121.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 30, 1884.

Cap. Siverd was in our city yesterday on legal business, and rounded us up in good shape. We are always glad to see Cap.

Winfield Courier, May 15, 1884.

At a meeting of Winfield Post No. 85, the following comrades of the Post at the place were appointed a committee of arrangements: H. H. Siverd, Chairman; A. H. Limerick, James McDermott, J. E. Snow, and C. Trump, with power to appoint sub-committees. A general invitation is extended to all the Posts in the county and to all old soldiers and citizens to participate in the memorial services, May 20th. By order of the committee.

Winfield Courier, May 22, 1884.

Everyone is familiar with the staunch temperance proclivities of Capt. H. H. Siverd, but that the Captain should have made a prohibitionist of his fine sorrel horse will be news to many. The animal was standing complaisantly at a hitching post, Monday, when a passing anti-prohib accidentally dropped his empty bottle on the sidewalk in front of the sorrel. The animal instantly elevated his nose, snorted, pawed the earth, and seated his rear extremities on the ground, severing the bonds which bound him to the vicinity of the bottle. Through the aid of by-standing prohibitionists the charger was partially subdued, until the Captain could be hunted up, when a few gentle strokes on the animal’s nose by its master, as if to insure the bottle culprit the just penalty of the law, made the sorrel as meek and lowly as a lamb.

Winfield Courier, May 22, 1884.

The regular meeting of the City Council occurred Monday evening. H. H. Siverd appeared on the part of Winfield Post G. A. R. and invited the City Government to participate in the decoration services on May 30^th.

Winfield Courier, May 22, 1884.

There will be memorial services held in the M. E. Church May 25, 1884, at 11 o’clock a.m., in commemoration of our fallen heroes. Sermon by Rev. B. Kelly. Decoration services at the Union Cemetery May 30th at 1 o’clock p.m., under the auspices of the Grand Army of the Republic. The public are invited to attend.

By order of the Executive Committee, H. H. Siverd, Chairman; J. E. Snow, Secretary.

Winfield Courier, May 22, 1884.

Members of Winfield Post No. 85, Grand Army of the Republic, will meet at their hall Sunday, May 25th, 10 o’clock sharp, to attend services at the M. E. Church in commemoration of our dead comrades. All old soldiers not members of the G. A. R. are requested to join the ranks on the street and march with us to the Church.

By order of the Executive Committee, H. H. Siverd, Chairman; J. E. Snow, Secretary.

Winfield Courier, May 29, 1884.

MEMORIAL DAY, MAY 30TH, 1884. OFFICIAL STAFF. Col. Wm. Whiting, Chief Marshal; Aids De Camp: H. H. Siverd, James McDermott, James H. Finch, W. O. Whiting, and Frank W. Finch; Medical Director: Homer L. Wells, M. D.

Formation of the Procession. The Grand Army of the Republic will form on the west side of Main Street facing east, right resting on 10th Avenue. The other societies will form on Main Street, west side facing east, right on 9th Avenue according to their position in the procession.

Order of March. The column will march south on Main Street to 10th Avenue, then countermarch north on Main Street to 7th Avenue, then east on 7th Avenue to Gray Street, north on Gray Street to city limits, and thence to Union Cemetery, where the decorating of the graves of the deceased soldiers will take place, under the auspices of the Grand Army of the Republic. By Order of the Executive Committee. H. H. SIVERD, Chairman.

J. E. SNOW, Adjutant and Secretary of Committee.

Winfield Courier, May 29, 1884.

The public are requested to report the exact location of the graves of deceased soldiers in any of the Winfield Cemeteries to comrade J. H. Finch, A. D. C., prior to May 30th, 1884, or meet him at Winfield Cemetery after 1 o’clock p.m., May 30th. By order of Executive Committee. H. H. SIVERD, Chairman; J. E. SNOW, Adj’t and Sec’y.

Winfield Courier, June 5, 1884.

A Card. On behalf of the Grand Army of the Republic, we desire to thank Mrs. W. R. McDonald, Mrs. G. L. Rinker, and Mrs. J. A. Cooper for decorating the M. E. Church on Memorial Day—the ladies of the Baptist Church for the kind reception, and the Rev. Comrade B. Kelly and Rev. J. Cairns for their splendid sermons—Col. Wm. Whiting, Chief Marshal—The Fire Department—Courier and Juvenile Bands for their music—The Citizens of Vernon Township for flowers, and the public generally for their manifestation of kind feeling. By order of executive committee. H. H. Siverd, Chairman; J. E. Snow, Adj’t. and Sec’y. of Committee.

Winfield Courier, June 19, 1884.

Messrs. S. L. Gilbert, H. H. Siverd, Joe Finkleburg, and D. C. Beach, from the Masonic Lodge of Winfield, went to New Salem yesterday to assist in the funeral of Mr. W. H. Lucas, a member of the fraternity, who died there Monday.

Winfield Courier, June 19, 1884.

The Grand Army of the Republic and all old soldiers are expected to assemble at Post No. 85, over Baden’s dry goods store, in Winfield, July 3rd, at 3 p.m. sharp and march to the Fair Grounds, where a bean supper, dress parade, and grand camp fire and torch light drill will take place with other amusing army exercises. The following committees have been appointed by Post No. 85 to carry out the programme for the 3rd and 4th of July.

Executive Committee: T. H. Soward, H. H. Siverd, J. H. Finch, A. E. Davis, and Geo. Crippen.

Invitation Committee: C. E. Steuven, J. E. Snow, and A. B. Arment.

Committee on Program: S. C. Smith, W. E. Tansey, and Capt. Wakefield.

Committee on Quarters: J. C. Long, Sid Cure, and C. Trump.

Reception Committee: H. L. Wells, C. E. Steuven, Capt. Wakefield, A. E. Davis, and J. E. Snow.

Torch Committee: H. L. Wells, C. Trump, and Dr. Stiles.

Committee on Police: J. H. Finch, chief police on fair ground, J. E. Snow, and B. W. Stout.

Committee on Music: Geo. Crippen, H. W. Stubblefield, and J. W. Arrowsmith.

Fuel, quarters, and rations free of charge to all old soldiers and their families. A jolly good time to all old veterans without money and without price. Come.

Winfield Courier, July 3, 1884.

Hugh H. Siverd, Assignee, notified all creditors that a dividend of 4 percent has been declared in the matter of the assignment of Goss & McConn.

Winfield Courier, July 3, 1884.

Exchange: Udall Sentinel. Capt. H. H. Siverd, the irrepressible and rustling constable of Winfield, was in the city Thursday afternoon. He made this office an agreeable call.

Winfield Courier, July 10, 1884.

Fourth of July Celebration. On the evening of the 3rd the old soldiers gathered in large numbers at the G. A. R. headquarters and marched to the tune of “Old John Brown” to the beautiful Fair Ground Park. Here they found tents already pitched and everything in readiness for them to chase the festive bean around the camp fire and retell the thrilling stories which will never grow old to the comrades-in-arms. Regular old-fashioned “hard-tack” had been supplied in abundance and a happy reunion was had that night by the boys who wore the blue. After supper, headed by the Burden, Courier, and Juvenile bands, a torchlight procession marched into town. By sunrise Friday morning people from all sections began to pour in. . . . As we watched the old pioneers as they came into town in their handsome turnouts, we noticed on their countenances pictures of gladness and independence which can’t be beaten anywhere in this broad Union. . . . At ten o’clock Col. Wm. Whiting and Capt. H. H. Siverd, with a score of assistants, formed the procession and the march to the Park was taken up. The procession was headed by the Burden Band, led by Frank McClain.

Tony Agler, with his clown suit and goat teams, trick ponies, and other things of his own get-up, was attractive in the procession. Tony takes great pains in training his “pets” and shows commendable enterprise in turning out with them on all public occasions. St. John’s battery was prominent in the procession, and awakened the echoes by booming of cannon from Thursday evening until well along in the next day. The members of the Battery worked faithfully and well for the success of the celebration. The Robinson and Telegram Fire Companies made a splendid appearance in the procession. The paraphernalia was all beautifully decorated with red, white, and blue, and the Robinson Fire Company represented the Goddess of Liberty with one of the prettiest little misses of the city, Nina Nelson, gracefully seated on their hose cart amid the drapery. O’Meara & Randolph had a representation of their boot and shoe business, accompanied by plantation music from darkies. A feature which attracted wide attention and showed great enterprise was the stone display of Mr. Schmidt from his quarries near town. A large, wide-framed wagon was loaded with fine specimens of stone and men were at work all day sawing it up and distributing the smooth blocks among the people. Oration was delivered by Hon. J. Wade McDonald, who reviewed the progress of the Union from its birth to the present day. Then came dinner followed by an address by Mrs. Helen M. Gougar, the famous lady orator of Indiana.

Then came the amusements. The trotting race, mile heats, best three in five, purse $90, was won by “Basham,” owned by Mr. Wells of Burden over Billy Hands’ “Nellie H.” The running race, quarter mile heat, between the Blenden mare and a lately arrived horse, was won easily by the former, purse $60. Andy Lindsey of Winfield got $5.00 for climbing to the top of the greased pole. Another ambitious boy preceded him, but on reaching the top slid down without the money, supposing it was in the hands of a committee and all he had to do was to climb the pole. the crowd soon turned his disappointment into gladness by making up the five dollars. The wheelbarrow race, by blindfolded men, some six or seven taking part, furnished much amusement and was won by Allen Brown, a colored man of Winfield. It proved the uncertainty of “going it blind.” The greased pig, after a lively chase, was caught by Phenix Duncan, a colored boy. The festivities of the day closed with a flambeaux procession with Roman candles, etc. The Gas Company turned on a full head both Thursday and Friday evenings and the sixty bright lamp posts, with the stores illuminated with gas lights, gave the city a brilliant appearance. The Firemen’s Ball at the Opera House was largely attended. Credit was extended to Messrs. J. C. Long, Jas. H. Vance, D. L. Kretsinger, J. P. Baden, A. T. Spotswood, R. E. Wallis, Wm. Whiting, C. C. Black and Fred Kropp for the success of the celebration.

Winfield Courier, July 10, 1884.

Exchange: Burden Enterprise.

Inform your correspondents that the correct name of this post office is Burden, and not Burdenville. Capt. H. H. Siverd and Lou Zenor, of Winfield, came over last Friday, visited Torrance and Cambridge, then came back and took dinner with the editor—but they won’t do it again. Mr. Zenor is not a very voracious feeder, but Capt. Siverd can eat more than a hound pup. They did not find much to eat, however, is the reason we say they will not come again. The neighbors failed to come up to the scratch that day.

Winfield Courier, July 17, 1884.

Wanted. Private room in a quiet family, for family with two little ones. Inquire of H. H. Siverd.

[REPUBLICAN CONVENTION.]

Winfield Courier, July 17, 1884.

WINFIELD—FIRST WARD. Delegates: H. H. Siverd, B. Kelly, J. C. Long, H. D. Gans, Jno. A. McGuire, W. R. McDonald, Ed. P. Greer.

Winfield Courier, July 31, 1884.

The lawyers say that Capt. Siverd is one of the quickest acting and most effective witnesses ever put on the stand. For further particulars, inquire of Frank Jennings.

Winfield Courier, July 31, 1884.

Capt. H. H. Siverd delivered a temperance address last Sunday at the Sheridan schoolhouse in Sheridan Township. The Captain’s logic and fiery oratory greatly warms up an audience.

Winfield Courier, August 14, 1884.

Capt. H. H. Siverd has been selected by Superintendent Kretsinger as Chief of Police during the fair. The captain will keep things regulated in good shape.

Winfield Courier, September 4, 1884.

Anna, little daughter of Capt. Siverd, is confined to her bed with malarial fever.

Winfield Courier, September 11, 1884.

A woman’s relief corps was formed here on Monday last. This is an organization in connection with the Grand Army of the Republic, and is one of the most interesting and useful helps towards the advancement of the objects of the G. A. R. in existence.

The meetings are held every Thursday at 3 p.m., until further notice. The success of the Corps is largely due to the exertions of Comrades H. H. Siverd and J. H. Finch, committee of the G. A. R.

Winfield Courier, September 18, 1884.

Fair Notes. There were two hundred entries made on Tuesday. Capt. Siverd as manager of the police force will keep everything running right. The new addition to the amphitheater raises its seating capacity to nine hundred. Thursday will be “Winfield Day.” On that day Winfield will turn out en masse.

[CITY COUNCIL.]

The petition of H. H. Siverd et al, for a four foot sidewalk on the south side of blocks 171, 191, 2121, 231, and 251 and lots 7, 8, and 9, in block 271, was granted and an ordinance ordered.

Winfield Courier, September 25, 1884.

A meeting of the Blaine and Logan Club of Winfield was held at the Courthouse Monday evening. The meeting came to order by electing Mr. A. H. Limerick, Chairman, and W. A. McCartney, Secretary. The object of the meeting was stated by W. J. Wilson. Speeches were made by T. H. Soward and W. P. Hackney in favor of the complete organization and equipment of a Blaine and Logan club. It was decided to organize the club into three companies of torch-bearers and one Flambeau club. The following officers were elected: Colonel Whiting, Commander of battalion and D. L. Kretsinger, Adjutant; Spencer Miner, Captain “Co. A,” Frank Finch, 1st Lieutenant, M. B. Shields, 2nd Lieutenant, T. J. Harris, 3rd Lieutenant; Capt. J. B. Nipp, Captain of “Co. B,” W. P. Hackney, 1st Lieutenant, John McGuire, 2nd Lieutenant, H. H. Siverd, 3rd Lieutenant; Cap Steuven, Captain of the Flambeau club; H. G. Norton, 1st Lieutenant, W. A. McCartney, 2nd Lieutenant, Frank H. Greer, 3rd Lieutenant. The election of officers for “Co. C” was deferred until Tuesday evening. A meeting of the officers of the different companies was called for Wednesday morning for the purpose of appointing various committees, and deciding on the kind and number of suits and torches to be ordered.

[FAIR.]

Winfield Courier, October 2, 1884.

There were but two fights and no arrests on the grounds. Much credit is due chief of police Siverd and his efficient aides, Messrs. Tansey and Finch, for the able manner in which the police force was handled.

Winfield Courier, October 30, 1884.

One of the best political meetings of the campaign was held on Monday evening at Tisdale. The New Salem Blaine and Logan Club was present and the Republicans of Tisdale Township were out in all their exuberance. Addresses were delivered by Senator W. P. Hackney, Henry E. Asp, Capt. H. H. Siverd, and Ed. P. Greer and enthusiasm ran high.

Winfield Courier, November 6, 1884.

Publication Notice. In the matter of the assignment of Willie C. Goss and William V. McConn, partners as Goss and McConn: Creditors and others interested will take notice that Hugh H. Siverd, assignee of the above named Goss and McConn, will on the first day of the next term of the District Court of Cowley County to be held in the City of Winfield on the first Tuesday in January 1885, exhibit and file the accounts of his trust as such assignee and such accounts will be allowed by the court on that day unless good cause to the contrary be shown. They are further notified that said assignee intends at Said time to apply to the said District Court for a discharge from his trust as such assignee.

E. BEDILION, Clerk District Court. DAVID C. BEACH, Attorney for Assignee.

Winfield Courier, December 18, 1884.

Adjutant J. E. Snow furnishes us the following list of officers, elected by Winfield Post, No. 85, G. A. R., at its last regular meeting, Dec. 10, 1884: S. Cure, P. C.; J. H. Finch, S. V. P. C.; W. E. Tansey, J. V. P. C.; H. H. Siverd, C. of D.; H. L. Wells, surgeon; A. B. Arment, chaplain; A. H. Limerick, Q. M.; D. L. McRoberts, O. G; Wm. Sanders, J G; T. H. Soward, O G.

Winfield Courier, December 18, 1884.

The Masonic order held an election of officers Tuesday evening. The following persons were elected for the ensuing year. A. P. Johnson, W. M.; F. C. Hunt, S. W.; S. L. Gilbert, J. W; W. G. Graham, Treasurer; L. D. Zenor, Secretary; E. P. Hickok, chaplain; John Arrowsmith, S. D.; J. S. Mann, J. D.; W. W. Limbocker, S. S.; W. A. Freeman, J. S.; H. H. Siverd, Tyler.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 8, 1885.

The Bee Hive Prize Drawing. The Opera House was packed to overflowing Saturday last at 2 p.m. for the prize drawing of M. Hahn & Co. The Juvenile Band discoursed sweet music for the entertainment of the throng. Capt. H. H. Siverd superintended the drawing, to the satisfaction of all, while Capt. Myers and Lou Zenor kept the record. The lucky numbers were drawn from the box by a little girl selected from the audience. There were over eighteen thousand tickets and the array of one hundred prizes made a beautiful appearance displayed on the stage. The lucky numbers appear in the regular advertising column of this firm elsewhere in the COURIER. Everything was transacted exactly as advertised and all holders of tickets were satisfied.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 29, 1885.

Constable H. H. Siverd “took in” a number of boys last Thursday who were charged with breaking the tranquility of the lyceum at Sheridan schoolhouse, in Sheridan township, by boisterous and uncomely demeanor. Their trial is set for the first week in February, before Justice Buckman.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 5, 1885.

Constable Siverd brought Milton Johnson from Omnia township before Justice Snow last Friday. He plead guilty to “licking the wadding” out of a school mate and the fine and costs aggregated thirty-two dollars. He was sixteen years old.

[DISTRICT COURT.]

Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 12, 1885.

H. H. Siverd vs. County Commissioners. Trial by court. Judgment for plaintiff in the sum of $40.85.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 12, 1885.

Constable H. H. Siverd “took in” Jas. Cantrall, charged with conducting a secret liquor and gambling den over Best’s music store, yesterday. He was placed under bond of $500 to appear before Justice Snow for a preliminary hearing on the 20^th inst. The bond was given.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 19, 1885.

County Attorney Asp and his assistant, W. P. Hackney, with Constable Siverd and Sheriff McIntire, officials that Cowley certainly feels proud of, have been making things exceedingly sultry for violators of law during the past ten days. The sanctums of Justices Buckman and Snow have been crowded, and these worthy officials have ground out more justice in that time than was ever administered in ten days before in Winfield. Eight violators of the liquor law and about thirty gamblers have been before them: a clean sweep of every crook in the city. Most of them have already plead guilty, and what cases are undisposed pend with a certainty of conviction. The result will be about a thousand dollars in the State treasury—most of which could have gone into the coffers of the city if our marshal had done his duty. However, we are glad that we have county officials who would take this duty out of derelict hands and bring the lawless to the rack. Winfield, along with her beauty and enterprise, is a comparatively moral town; but under this lax enforcement of our municipal laws, one or two “blind tigers,” and a number of gambling holes have been nightly grinding away, roping in the susceptible. The records of Justices Buckman and Snow show that those who have been displaying a weakness for the gaming table are by no means those who could afford it. Were we to publish the list, which we refrain from doing because we believe the fact of their names existing on the criminal registers of the county and the heavy fines imposed sufficient punishment to many of them, the names of a number of boys and young men well connected and of otherwise good character would be revealed—youths who have been inveigled into the game, and having once tasted of the fascinations, were irresistibly drawn into these dens night after night. Many of the victims, too, are hard-working persons whose money should have gone to the support of their families or themselves, but has been finding its way into the pockets of these gentlemen (?) who make gambling a profession. The victims have not only injured themselves and families, but the merchant who has been generous enough to credit them with goods has suffered also. We know several of these victims who mean to be honest—as honest indeed as persons who frequent gambling tables can be—but being despoiled of their substance, they have not wherewithal to pay. But this thorough routing out of these dens is what is needed. Now it would be difficult indeed for a man inclined to hazard his money on a game of chance to find accommodation, and the whiskeyites have been given another forcible warning that Winfield and Cowley County have no room for “blind Tigers” or any other kind of whiskey holes. Our county officials now are tigers in themselves—not blind tigers, but tigers that have the grit and ability to make Rome howl all along the line; and they are doing it.

In this connection is prominent the necessity of electing in April a city government that will keep every hell-hole of vice weeded out and make Winfield a city in harmony with the high moral character of her citizens. We want a government that will stifle every brothel in its incipiency and keep a pure moral atmosphere. We not only want men of nerve, but men of broad and comprehensive views—men who fill foster the enterprises we already have and who have the necessary push and ability to properly encourage others.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 5, 1885.

The Sedan Graphic is evidently disgruntled: “Incendiarism is running rampant and unrestrained at Winfield, while the man who sells a glass of whiskey or beer in violation of the prohibitory law is hunted down with untiring efforts by the law and order citizens of that town. In the mind of the average citizen of the city on the banks of the placid Walnut, all other crimes pale into insignificance when compared with the sale of a glass of beer.”

No law-breaker can find quarters in the Queen City, and the festive fire-bug stands an equal show with any other criminal—a splendid chance to suffer the grip and penalties of outraged justice. With such officials as Sheriff McIntire and Constable Siverd to track the lawless, with County Attorney Asp to prosecute the man who thinks he is a bigger man than the “statoots” will find himself throttled with a vice-like tenacity that will might soon “knock him hout.” Unpunished violators of law promise to be exceedingly “scarce” in Cowley during the reign of these officials. They have a stalwart, intelligent, law-abiding people to back them—a people who recognize nothing but fealty to every duty and law.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 5, 1885.

Constable H. H. Siverd brought Dr. Samuel Thompson in from Maple City, Tuesday, charged with illegally selling the ardent. The Doctor plead guilty in Justice Snow’s court and got off with one hundred and forty-five dollars fine and costs. Verily, the way of the transgressor is thorny.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 12, 1885.

Capt. H. H. Siverd has signified his candidacy for re-election to the office of constable at the coming city election, and will receive the warm support of every voter in favor of fealty to duty and good government. The Captain has filled this office for years and is thoroughly well schooled in its every intricacy. He has shown himself to have no superior as an officer. A man of firm convictions, strict integrity, and undaunted courage, he is always found on the side of right and duty. Law-breakers find no leniency in Capt. Siverd, and yet in dealing with them his genuine kindness of heart insures treatment in harmony with human justice and equity. His transaction of civil business within the scope of his office is always expeditious, reliable, and satisfactory. His general capability and popularity insure his almost unanimous election. Many of the strongest enemies to principles the Captain so warmly advocates, recognize and honor his boldness in favor of right and duty and are found among his supporters.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 9, 1885.

Winfield never experienced an election day like Tuesday. But one candidate had opposition—Capt. H. H. Siverd. Every man on the ticket was such as would honor the position for which he was nominated—representative men selected from the tried and trusted of the city by a non-partisan caucus—a caucus the like of which Winfield never had before and will probably never have again. There was nothing to draw out a full vote. Everything was as tranquil as a May morning. The only riffle was caused by the feeble attempt of a certain element to down the irrepressible Capt. H. H. Siverd. But the Captain didn’t down worth a cent. The colored voters of the city made a mistake in allowing the whiskey mugwumps to cajole them into running their candidate after this honest defeat in the people’s convention. Following is the vote of the several wards.

For Constable, First Ward: H. H. Siverd, 176; T. H. Herrod, 199; Archie Brown, 55.

For Constable, Second Ward: H. H. Siverd, 105; T. H. Herrod, 103; Archie Brown, 35.

For Constable, Third Ward: H. H. Siverd, 112; T. H. Herrod, 129; Archie Brown, 55.

For Constable, Fourth Ward: H. H. Siverd, 74; T. H. Herrod, 84; Archie Brown, 23.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 23, 1885.

Capt. Siverd is a fit subject for the imbecile asylum. He loaned a printer two dollars and a half this morning.

[COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]

Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 30, 1885.

Judgment of H. H. Siverd, $40, against the county, was ordered paid.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 30, 1885.

The Grand Army of the Republic is preparing to properly observe Decoration and Memorial Days, May 30^th and the Sunday preceding. The initial steps were taken last week at its regular meeting in the appointment of T. H. Soward, A. H. Limerick, H. H. Siverd, A. B. Arment, and J. J. Carson as a committee of arrangement. This is a step that will receive the hearty encouragement of all. Nothing could be more fitting than this memorial tribute to those “vets” who have passed to the great beyond. The Decoration Day last year was slightly marred by rain, but the memorial services at the churches were very successful. Let us prepare this year for even greater success, hoping for weather propitious.

ROCK. “ROXY.”

Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 30, 1885.

We are expecting Frank Jennings and Capt. Siverd up soon to talk on railroad bonds.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 14, 1885.

Post commander and comrades of Winfield Post No. 85, G. A. R.: Your committee appointed to report to the Post a program for memorial and decoration services submit the following as their report.

1^st. The committee recommend the following as the order of services for Memorial Day, Sunday, May 24^th, 1885.

That there be memorial services held in the 1^st Baptist church of the city of Winfield on Sunday morning, May 24, at 11 a.m., and that this Post, with visiting comrades and all old soldiers, with their families, be requested to attend said services and that Dr. Kirkwood, of the Presbyterian church, be requested to deliver the address or sermon at said time and place, and that memorial services be held in the Methodist Episcopal church in the evening of said day, the address to be delivered by Rev. J. H. Reider, and that the Post march in column from their hall to each service.

The following committees are suggested to carry the above recommendations into effect.

Committee of 3 on procuring churches.

Committee of 3 on procuring speakers.

Committee of 3 on decorating churches.

Committee of 3 on seating and ushering.

Decoration services May 30^th, 1885.

The Post to meet at their hall at 9½ o’clock a.m., and immediately thereafter to send committee of three to Vernon township to assist the citizens in decoration of soldiers’ graves at Vernon Center cemetery. A committee of five to decorate the graves in the Catholic cemetery; also a committee of five to decorate the soldiers’ graves in the cemetery south of the city. These committees to perform their duty and immediately thereafter to report themselves to the Post commander.

At one o’clock p.m., an address in the Opera House by Rev. H. Kelly, with appropriate music.

At 2 p.m., the parade will form on Main street facing west, the right resting on 10^th avenue.

1^st, twelve little girls dressed in white and twelve little boys with blue jackets and caps with flowers in the van.

2^nd, Winfield Courier band.

3^rd, Visiting Posts, Winfield Post, old soldiers not members of Post, ambulances with disabled soldiers and Woman’s Relief Corps and wagons with flowers, in the order named.

2^nd division, Winfield Union Cornet band, Company C, State Guards, 1^st Light Artillery, Kansas National Guards, Winfield Fire Department.

3^rd division, Adelphia Lodge, Winfield Chapter, Winfield Commanders, Winfield Council, Winfield Lodge, K. of H., Winfield Council, No. 5, N. U., Winfield Lodge, No. 18, A. O. U. W., Winfield Lodge, No. 16, S. K., Winfield Lodge No. 101, I. O. O. F., Chevalier Dodge, No. 70, K. of P., Winfield Lodge No. 20, I. O. G. T., and W. C. T. U.

4^th division, Winfield Juvenile Cornet Band, Mayor and city authorities and citizens.

Line of march, north on Main street to Eighth avenue; east on Eighth avenue to Harter street; north on Harter street to Fifth avenue; east on Fifth avenue to Michigan Avenue, in Highland Park, and thence north to cemetery. The services in the cemetery to be held on the mound in the center of the cemetery. The officers conducting the manual services of the G. A. R. and Miss Campbell, who will recite the original poem to be on said mound; the comrades and soldiers to be formed in double rank around the drive-way next to said mound. After the poem and manual services by the G. A. R., the twelve little girls and boys and a detail of twelve veterans with baskets of flowers will follow by the column and proceed to first decorate the soldiers graves in the southwest portion of the cemetery, then in the northwest portion, then in the northeast, and then in the southeast.

The committee recommend that the Post Commander command the column and appoint such assistant commanders and aid de camps as he may desire.

We recommend that the committee on securing tombstones from the national government be appointed a committee and be ordered to secure small, white headboards, and have the name of the dead soldiers in our cemeteries, with company and regiment printed thereon, and placed at each grave not so marked, first obtaining the consent of the family of the deceased soldier, and to also mark each grave with a flag of the United States.

The committee would further recommend that the Post Commander appoint an executive committee of five, who shall have the power to appoint all sub-committees to carry this of the programme that may be adopted into effect.

The committee suggest the following committees for Decoration Day:

Committee of three on Invitation.

Committee of three on Music.

Committee of three on Procuring Children.

Committee of ten on Flowers.

The committee would further recommend that the Woman’s Relief Corps be most cordially invited to cooperate with us, and that they be requested to act with us on our committees.

Your committee further recommends that the Mayor of the city be asked to request, by proclamation, our businessmen to close their places of business from 1 to 3:30 P. M., on Saturday, May 30^th, and participate in decoration services.

Respectfully submitted in F. C. & L.

T. H. SOWARD, J. J. CARSON, H. H. SIVERD, A. H. LIMERICK.

—

Committee on Invitation: J. S. Hunt, chairman, J. B. Nipp, J. C. Long.

On churches: E. S. Wilson, chairman, T. H. Elder, D. S. Sherrard.

On speakers: S. C. Smith, chairman, F. S. Pickens, W. E. Tansey, J. M. Fahnestock.

On decorations: A. B. Arment, chairman, B. J. States, W. H. Cayton.

On music: Geo. H. Crippen, chairman, F. E. Blair, J. E. Snow.

Seating and ushering: H. H. Siverd, chairman, John Flint, J. N. Fleharty.

Committee on girls and boys: F. H. Bull, chairman, J. A. McGuire, A. E. Baird.

On marking graves: Samuel Parkhurst, chairman, Wm. Sanders, B. B. Wells.

On Flowers: D. L. Kretsinger, chairman, W. W. Painter, J. W. Millspaugh, F. M. Lacey, J. C. Roberts, Adam Stuber, M. S. Scott, J. W. Fenway, H. H. Harbaugh, J. E. Farnsworth, D. L. McRoberts.

Decoration of Catholic Cemetery: T. J. Harris, S. Parkhurst, Ed. Haight, Jno. Gill.

Decoration of Vernon Center Cemetery: H. H. Siverd, W. W. Painter, J. W. Millspaugh, Thos. Thompson, J. M. Householder.

By order of T. H. SOWARD, J. J. CARSON, H. H. SIVERD, A. H. LIMERICK. T. A. BLANCHARD, Executive Com.

The Chairman of each subordinate committee is requested to report to the Chairman of the Executive Committee, at the Court House, for instructions, not later than Thursday next, and any comrade on the committees who cannot serve will please report to the Executive Committee at once. T. H. SOWARD, Chairman. H. H. SIVERD, Secretary.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 21, 1885.

The executive committee, “Grand Army of the Republic,” have appointed the undersigned committee to decorate the graves of soldiers buried at Vernon cemetery, May 30, 1885: H. H. Siverd, W. W. Painter, J. W. Millspaugh; J. M. Householder, and Thomas Thompson. Comrade W. W. Painter will receive flowers and make all necessary arrangements, and friends are requested to furnish him the names, rank, and regiment of deceased soldiers. The public are invited to meet the committee at the above named cemetery not later than 9 o’clock a.m., May 30. H. H. Siverd, Chairman.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 21, 1885.

Pursuant to call the citizens met in mass meeting at the Court House Tuesday evening, with J. C. Long presiding and Ed. P. Greer as secretary, for the purpose of considering the question of securing the Methodist College. Senator Hackney, of the visiting committee, explained the situation. M. L. Robinson then proposed a plan whereby the twenty acres and fifteen thousand dollars necessary might be raised. He proposed to be one of eight to organize the College Hill Addition Company, secure land in some available location, set aside twenty acres thereof for the college site and guarantee ten thousand dollars to the fund. This suggestion was immediately adopted, and the following gentlemen subscribed to the shares at once: M. L. Robinson, W. P. Hackney, Chas. F. Bahntge, John W. Curns, W. R. McDonald, T. H. Soward, A. J. Thompson, and S. H. Myton. After some further discussion on the matter by Judge Gans, Mayor Graham, J. E. Conklin, and others, the meeting adjourned to meet again this evening. Messrs. Baden, Millington, Spotswood, Wallis, Conklin, F. S. Jennings, Bedilion, and Whiting were appointed as a committee to confer with the members of the College Hill and Highland Park Association and report proceedings. Mayor Graham, H. B. Schuler, and Senator Hackney were appointed to attend to the reception and entertainment of the College Commission. The railroad question was also discussed at some length, and a committee of seven consisting of Messrs. Farnsworth, Bowen, M. M. Scott, Siverd, Chas. Schmidt, and J. E. Conklin were appointed to see that the registration was fully made. An assessment of $1.00 was levied upon the members of the Enterprise Association to defray the expenses of the railroad canvass. The solution of the college problem seems to be at hand. If this association furnishes the twenty acres and ten thousand dollars, certainly our citizens will furnish the other five thousand. Now is the time to act in this matter, and when the committee calls, be ready to put down liberally.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 28, 1885.

O. H. Johns was arrested Thursday at Arkansas City by Constable Siverd, charged with taking away Miss Effie Cavender from her parents for the purposes of concubinage. The case was continued in Justice Buckman’s Court to next month. Johns is a genteel looking young man of about twenty-three, and she a confiding girl of sixteen. His parents are prominent and wealthy residents of Terre Haute, Indiana, to whom he has appealed for assistance. He gave bail.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 4, 1885.

Decoration Day. Saturday was a grand day for Winfield. A brighter, calmer, or more lovely day was never seen; it was perfect. At an early hour the streets began to show unusual animation and by noon all was crowd and jam. People from everywhere were present to exhibit patriotism in honoring the fallen heroes.

At two o’clock the procession was formed and the march to the cemetery taken up. The order of march was as follows: 1^st. The Courier Band, led by its handsomely caparisoned Drum-Major, J. E. Snow; 2^nd. Winfield Post, G. A. R., with visiting Comrades and Co. C., State Guards; 3^rd. The Winfield Juvenile Band; 4^th. Twelve little girls dressed in white and twelve little boys, followed by flower wagons; 5^th. Woman’s Relief Corps; 6^th. Citizens; 7^th. The Winfield Union Cornet Band; 8^th. Winfield Fire Department. The parade was in charge of Post Commander S. Cure and aid-de-camps, H. H. Siverd, J. J. Carson, A. H. Limerick, W. B. Caton, C. Trump, John Evans, and Dr. States.

The handsome uniforms of the Bands and Fire Department gave the parade fine display.

The line of march was north on Main street to Eighth avenue; east on Eighth avenue to Harter street; north on Harter street to Fifth avenue; east on Fifth avenue to Michigan avenue, in Highland Park, and thence north to cemetery.

The services in the cemetery were held on the center campus. The Beautiful Manual and ritualistic services of the Grand Army was here rendered, followed by an original poem delivered by Miss Florence Campbell.

The Vernon Cemetery was decorated by Capt. H. H. Siverd, Dr. D. J. States, W. W. Painter, J. W. Millspaugh, T. A. Blanchard, and other old soldiers, with 150 Vernon citizens.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 11, 1885.

Ah, ha! Now we have him. He failed to “fence” and here is the result. Any evidence desired can be had from the COURIER scribe, who was there and knows. A libel suit is very probable and his evidence is withheld for the Present: “Capt. H. H. Siverd was over to the calico ball last week. The Captain presents a fine appearance when whirling through the mazy in company with a round-dance-dizzy-blonde. He can rest assured that our young people will welcome him.” Burden Eagle.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 25, 1885.

Capt. H. H. Siverd brought John Rudd before Justice Buckman from Ninnescah township, Monday evening, charged with leveling a wicked looking shot gun on Thomas M. Toms. Rudd sold Toms a mare a short time ago. Toms took the animal home, fed her in the trough from which glandered horses had eaten, and when she took the glanders, Toms claimed she had it when he bought her, and tried to take her onto Rudd’s premises to annul the bargain. Rudd stood him off with a shot gun. The man with the shot gun pleads not guilty and the case was postponed to the 29^th. This is Rudd’s story—Toms hasn’t appeared on deck yet, except to file the complaint of murderous intent.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 2, 1885.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, Frank Wilson, who is now and has been for more than four years last past confined at hard labor in the Penitentiary of the State of Kansas, will, on Thursday, the 16^th day of July, A. D. 1885, or as soon thereafter as he can be heard, make application to His Excellency the Governor of said State and the Board of Pardons, for a Pardon for the crime of which he was convicted in the District Court of Cowley County, in said State, to wit: For an assault with a deadly weapon upon one Hugh H. Siverd, in the attempt to break the Jail of said Cowley County, and by the judgment of said Court he was sentenced to confinement at hard labor in the Penitentiary of said State for ten years. FRANK WILSON, Applicant. By H. V. Welsh, his Attorney.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 2, 1885.

Mr. H. V. Welsh, an attorney from Ottawa, was here Monday, filing papers looking to the pardon of Frank Wilson, sent to the “pen” from here four years ago for an assault with a deadly weapon upon Capt. H. H. Siverd, then our jailer. He was in for horse stealing, it will be remembered, and in putting in the prisoner’s breakfast one morning, he attacked the Captain with a stove leg, producing dangerous wounds—wounds that were as nearly fatal as anybody wants. He plead guilty to jail breaking and murderous assault and got ten years. Mr. Welsh says Wilson’s people live in Ottawa County and are highly respected.

TISDALE. “GROWLER.”

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 9, 1885.

July 4, 1885. Base ball, sack races, wheelbarrow races, etc., filled up the time until near sundown, when the young folks adjourned to Bourdette’s Hall to “trip the light fantastic.” So ended one of the most enjoyable gatherings ever had in this township.

After an hour spent in refreshing the mortal portion of ourselves, we were again called to listen to fine music by Miss Ballard, after which a few short speeches among which were pretty remarks from John R. Smith and Uncle Johnny Roberts, of Walnut township.

Long before the time appointed wagons and carriages filled with happy people and good things to eat were wending their way into Gay’s grove, and soon the grounds were filled with beaming faces of lads and lassies all bent on making the most of the time. The grounds were in splendid order, reflecting credit on the committee in charge. Long before eleven o’clock the seats were all well filled. The exercises opened by singing “Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow.” Miss Ballard, of Winfield, presided at the organ. An impromptu speech from Ex-Senator J. C. Long came next. John disclaimed having any ability to “fly the bird,” but when he got down to his work ’twas easy to see that the old Eagle had his master. J. C.’s fifty minute talk was a real feast and was enjoyed by old and young. Capt. H. H. Siverd gave us a pleasant little speech of thirty minutes, containing a good deal of wit and much sound sense. The Captain seems to know how to win the favor of the ladies. His appreciation of pies, cakes, etc., shows cultivation. We all hope to see the Captain and Senator soon again.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.

Our bookkeeper straggled into Justice Buckman’s Court Saturday, seeking whom he might down, and was accosted by a florid complexioned and woe-begone individual, with a wink, who handed him this note. “I am speechless, with two wives and sixteen children, and a mother-in-law. Give me a dollar. Capt. Siverd.” The bookkeeper has not been here very long and, consequently, was unacquainted with this gentleman and, ways of the dark and tricks that are sly. So he pulled out the last penny he had and handed it over, while tears streamed down his cheeks, and the Captain said, “God bless you, my boy.” Thus it is that unsuspecting innocence will be taken in. The Captain will go out and pass this penny for a five dollar gold piece. Look out for him.

BURDEN EAGLE CLIPS.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 30, 1885.

Big, warm hearted Capt. H. H. Siverd writes us: “Accept my warm congratulations upon your recovery. Kindly yours, H. H. Siverd.” The Captain, though always busy, always finds time to think of his friends.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 30, 1885.

Mr. Saviers, our fellow townsman, had the pleasure last week of meeting with one of his old-time friends in the person of Capt. Siverd, of Winfield, who was at one time during the war Lieutenant of the regiment to which Mr. Saviers belonged. They had not seen each other for a number of years, and their meeting at this place was both a surprise and pleasure to both of them. Udall Sentinel.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 30, 1885.

All members of the G. A. R. and of the W. R. Corps will meet at the G. A. R. Hall one hour before the time arranged for the general funeral exercises, and under the general supervision of the Post Commander, march to the church. The Courier Band will march at the head of the procession. The instrumental music to be under the supervision of Geo. H. Crippen, leader of the band. The vocal music at the church to be under the management of H. E. Silliman, leader of the Baptist choir. Rev. B. Kelly, minister in charge. Rev. J. H. Snyder and Dr. W. R. Kirkwood to deliver memorial addresses. The ladies of the Relief Corps, assisted by H. H. Siverd and D. J. States, will have charge of the church decoration. All the bells of the city to be tolled fifteen minutes preceding the services, under the direction of the officer of the day. H. H. Siverd, chairman of ushers at the church. Messrs. Millington, Rembaugh, and Davis committee on memorial resolutions. All old soldiers are requested to meet with the Post at their hall. The general public is earnestly invited to attend the services. The G. A. R. Post room will be appropriately draped for thirty days. By order of Committee,

B. Kelly, Chairman; D. J. States, Secretary.

COUNTY AUDITOR.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 30, 1885.

The following claims were allowed in July.

Constable fees, H. H. Siverd, $5.00

UDALL SENTINEL CLIPS.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 13, 1885.

M. S. Williams was arrested and taken to Winfield last week by Capt. H. H. Siverd on a complaint lodged against him by a girl who has been raised in his family. She claimed that he had misused her. Mr. Williams was released on his own recognizance and the trial set for August 18^th. The case will likely be dismissed for lack of cause and evidence.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 13, 1885.

The Grant Memorial Services Saturday were grand. The G. A. R. and the militia were out in full force. The Courier, the Juvenile, and the Union Cornet Bands discoursed sweet music; the city was draped in mourning and business suspended from 2 to 4 o’clock in honor of the dead hero. The south and the north joined hands and hearts in mourning for the silent man of Vicksburg. The procession started from the G. A. R. hall at 2 p.m., followed by the Militia, marching to the Baptist church where the services were held. The church was beautifully draped. Over the pulpit was a banner with the inscription, “Our Old Commander,” over a picture of Gen. Grant. The pulpit was draped in black, decorated with beautiful flowers arranged in crosses. The outside of the church was also appropriately in mourning. The G. A. R. occupied the front seats, with the militia and Woman’s Relief Corps. We cannot speak too highly of the music. The Courier Band rendered sweet music at the church. Also the choir of the church, composed of Miss Lola Silliman, organist; H. E. Silliman, Miss Walrath, Mrs. C. A. Bliss, and Prof. Merriman. As the Corps marched in, Crippen’s instrumental Quintette played Lincoln’s Funeral March—as charming as ever greeted the ear. Captain Siverd and Sam Gilbert showed their usual gallantry in conducting all to seats. After music and prayer by Rev. Myers, the Committee on resolutions, D. A. Millington, Geo. Rembaugh, and Buel Davis, read fitting resolutions lamenting the death of the old hero and eulogizing the acts of his life. After this Rev. J. H. Snyder, of the United Brethren church, and Dr. W. R. Kirkwood, of the Presbyterian church, delivered very fine discourses. Rev. B. Kelly, who conducted the services, made a few remarks about the General’s religious character. Mrs. Grant is a Methodist and the General always leaned that way. A few months before Grant’s death, the old friendly pastor called and the General made a confession of faith.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 20, 1885.

Bob Farnsworth, the Ninth avenue restaurant man, invested in a lot of female melons Friday morning, or rather a lot of melons from a female. Two white women and an American of Ethiopian extraction drew up before his door early this morning with a nice load of melons, and Bob, the darkey, and the two women commenced at once to draw a bargain. After due time a trade was made. The melons unloaded, the women found fault with the counting. At last it was settled that there were forty-one melons, and one of the women went and collected pay for eighty-one melons. The clerk took her word for it. There was either a big mistake on their side or it was intentional. As soon as the women got in the wagon, they drove off very fast, and seemed to be in a hurry to get out of town. The clerk followed them for some distance, but couldn’t catch them. Coming back, Capt. Siverd was put on the track. Cap. has great power with ladies and no doubt he will compromise the affair amicably.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 20, 1885.

The invoice of the A. S. Wickham & Co., grocery stock was finished Tuesday, showing $1,460. Capt. H. H. Siverd is the officer in charge and will probably sell the stock out at forced sale. Bad location and high rent seem to have been the trouble. Messrs. Wickham & Trobridge brought $2,200 here with them, and lose about all.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 3, 1885.

Liberty township comes up with the latest case of misplaced confidence. Maggie Thompson, a girl of eighteen, has had Steven Carver arrested, charging him with being the father of her unborn babe. Constable Siverd brought him before Judge Buckman Tuesday, and the examination was set for the 14^th inst. Steven is a young man of twenty-three, with some property. He don’t look bad, but his reputation indicates differently. He gave bond for his appearance.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 17, 1885.

Capt. H. H. Siverd brought in Edward Roberts, a druggist of Udall, Saturday, charged with violating the liquor law. Roberts gave bond of $300 for his appearance next Thursday for trial before Judge Snow.

Fourth Annual Reunion of the Soldiers and Sailors of Kansas.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 17, 1885.

I. Having been assigned by the department commander in General Order, No. 8, to the command of the 3^rd Division embracing the counties in the Third Congressional district, each county in the district will be organized into a battalion for re-union purposes. The battalions will consist of all Grand Army posts in the county; and post-commanders are urged to invite all ex-soldiers, sailors, sons of veterans, and others to attach themselves to the post for the purpose of re-union.

II. Comrade J. C. Long of Winfield Post, No. 85, is hereby assigned to the command of the first brigade. Comprising the counties of Elk, Chautauqua, and Cowley. Comrade J. R. Hollaway, of Post No. of to the command of the second brigade, comprising the counties of Cherokee, Labette, and Montgomery. Comrade J. L. Dennison of Post No. , of Osage Mission, to the command of the third brigade, comprising the counties of Neosho, Crawford, and Wilson.

III. The following appointments are hereby announced: A. B. Arment, Winfield Post, No. 85, Assistant Adjutant General and Chief of staff; T. N. King, Division Quartermaster, Sedan; R. W. M. Roe, Grenola, Commissioner of Subsistence; D. L. Kretsinger, Chief of Artillery; Rev. Bernard Kelly, Division Chaplain; Dr. A. M. Fellons, Division Surgeon; H. H. Siverd, 1^st A. D. C.; and A. P. Lowry, A. D. C. T. H. SOWARD, Com. Third Div.

A. B. ARMENT, A. A. G.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 17, 1885.

Capt. H. H. Siverd was up to Udall on Monday and Tuesday, subpoenaing about twenty-five witnesses in the Edward G. Roberts whiskey case. Edward quit teaching school some time ago to go into the drug business, and has run against the cold arm of the law. Captain Siverd took an invoice of the whiskey found in the drug store, over a hundred gallons. It is a very plain case, and Edward is in a very tight place. Mr. Amon, who was on Roberts’ bond with the latter’s father, withdrew his name yesterday, and Roberts is now in the county bastille. His trial comes off before Judge Snow Thursday.

[REPUBLICAN CONVENTION.]

Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 24, 1885.

Convention called to order. Committee on credentials reported the following names of delegates entitled to seats in this convention.

WINFIELD, 1^ST AND 2^ND WARDS.

Delegates: H. H. Siverd, Frank Finch, C. E. Steuven, John Nichols, T. J. Harris, A. H. Jennings, W. B. Caton, Henry E. Asp, W. T. Madden, T. F. Axtell, A. J. Lyon.

H. H. Siverd named Tom H. Soward for Register of Deeds and Mr. Soward was nominated by acclamation. Mr. Soward expressed his thanks in a rousing speech.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 24, 1885.

The Third Annual Exhibition of the Cowley County Fair & Driving Park Association opened this morning.

Capt. H. H. Siverd, assistant general manager, is everywhere at once. His sorrel Arabian is always on the jog, and the captain’s sonorous voice resounds with a dignity that introduces itself—peculiar only to the renowned Siverd. That he’s the right man in the right place is forcibly apparent.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 1, 1885.

This is Winfield and Arkansas City Day at the Fair and decidedly the biggest day of all. Prettier weather couldn’t be asked for than has been given the Cowley County Fair & Driving Park Association for their grand exhibition this week.

Secretary Kretsinger gave a lady a license to sell perfumery yesterday. In a short time her perfumery business developed into a very ingenious game, whereby the unsuspecting youth could be divorced from his dollars. Siverd’s eagle eye detected her and she was brought up and compelled to quit. She was an adventuress of the most adventurous sort.

Capt. Siverd, as assistant manager, as everybody who has attended this Fair expected he would, filled a “long felt want”—an assistant manager that could manage. As he is so well known and one of our own townsmen, perhaps it would look rather egotistical to say he can not be beaten for that position, but will say that he just suits the patrons of the Cowley County Fair.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 22, 1885.

Capt. H. H. Siverd, the irrepressible, of Winfield, looked in on us Wednesday. As is a usual thing, with his visits here, he returned home having plenty of company. Udall Sentinel.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 22, 1885.

Again has a whiskey vender turned up his toes to the daisies. Capt. H. H. Siverd and Marshal McFadden, as soon as they got on the Dexter reunion grounds Thursday evening, saw that whiskey was flowing. They set about to find the source. About two o’clock in the morning they found it, had an ambassador secure the ardent for evidence, got a warrant from Justice Hines, and the whiskey jointist was raked in. He gave his name as Moore, and was with some itinerants who claimed to be from Las Vegas, New Mexico. There were four wagons, three men, and two boys. Moore confessed to having sold whiskey. He had run out and when arrested had sent a man to Burden for a new supply. The Captain and Marshal brought the jointist in Friday, and lodged him in the bastille.

List of Appointments by Republican County Central Committee.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 22, 1885.

Maple Township: Centennial schoolhouse, Oct. 16^th. W. P. Hackney and H. Siverd.

Pleasant Valley Township—South Bend, Oct. 29, T. H. Soward and H. H. Siverd.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 22, 1885.

Capt. H. H. Siverd has been stirring Udall up again. He recently brought down a number of witnesses, on county attorney’s subpoenas, to be pumped by Asp. Something will again “drap,” with a mighty “dull thud.”

Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 22, 1885.

A COURIER reporter spent Friday at the Dexter reunion. Camp “Pap Thomas” was located in a beautiful grove on Grouse Creek with plenty of pure, sparkling water and more hearty, honest, good cheer than we have ever met at a gathering in Cowley County. Dexter never does things by halves: her people are harmonious on everything they undertake, are of a generous, hearty, and hospitable nature, and nowhere is a stranger made to feel so much at home as among them. This was specially remarked by Department Commander Stewart, of the G. A. R., and Gen. Tim McCartney, who were present. The attendance was very large, and we venture to say that those who were fortunate enough to be present enjoyed it more than any reunion they have attended. During the afternoon speeches were delivered by Commander Stewart, Geo. McCartney, Senator Hackney, Revs. Brady and Fortune, Judge Soward, Amos Walton, and Capt. Tansey. Altogether the reunion was a grand success and the Dexter boys may congratulate themselves on the outcome of their efforts.

Of course Capt. Siverd was there. His auburn visage shows off well at a reunion and the boys can readily be excused for mistaking him for a campfire the first evening.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 29, 1885.

The reporter mounting a steed sallied forth early Friday morning to take an inventory of the improvements and new buildings which have gone up since the season opened, and the ones under construction at the present time. Being rushed, we are satisfied many have been overlooked. The valuation given is below the market value rather than above. The following list we know will surprise our own citizens. Cap Siverd: Addition, $800.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 5, 1885.

Hon. W. P. Hackney and Capt. H. H. Siverd, of Winfield, “arrove” in the city Monday. Both of these gentlemen are widely known here, especially Siverd, who takes such a wholesome interest in the welfare of our city and citizens that many of them watch for him to make his weekly “arrove” with the keenest apprehension. Udall Sentinel.

[ELECTION PARTY.]

Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 5, 1885.

At eleven o’clock the crowd, music and all, were banqueted at the Brettun by Capt. Nipp and Judge Soward. The spread was immense, embracing oysters and a full supper. Several hundred enjoyed the feast. The large Brettun dining room was chock full, and after the banquet, Senator Hackney called order and toasts began.

“The health of Capt. Nipp,” was responded to by Capt. Tansey; of Smock, by Prof. Limerick; of Soward, by Capt. Siverd; of Wells, by J. E. Conklin; of Haight, by G. H. Buckman—all good subjects and eulogized fittingly.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 12, 1885.

Capt. Siverd went up to Udall again Friday afternoon to stir up the lions. The Captain’s visits are the sure signal for a paralyzing chill to traverse the spinal column of Udall.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 12, 1885.

Sheriff McIntire, Marshal McFadden, Capt. Siverd, and Sol. Frederick, under cover of night, and in the full power and determination of official ermine, set out the other night to route a tent—one whose behavior was strongly questioned, yea proven to be unholy. It was gone from its wonted nook, near the south bridge. Through brush and bramble, o’er hill and vale, they searched, and not until the “wee sma” hours did they see its ghostly presence loom. A warning—that’s all. The law potentates viewed the remains the next day—only a little ashes where the unholy had fried their bacon and baked their pone. They had shaken the city, as every such outfit must under our present vigilant administration. Our officials are daisies. No dens survive, no criminals escape!

Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 12, 1885.

Fred Vaughn was arrested and brought in Monday by Capt. Siverd, from Tisdale, on charge of assaulting and beating one of his pupils, Benj. F. Boon. We saw the weapon: a maple twig, twelve or fifteen inches long, and of wonderfully light weight. His case will be tried before Judge Snow today and tomorrow.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 17, 1885.

The committees, appointed at the citizens’ meeting, to work up the submitting of propositions for the extension of the Florence El Dorado & Walnut railroad from Douglass to Winfield, met yesterday afternoon in McDougall’s hall to determine on the apportionment of the amount of aid asked. Judge T. H. Soward called the meeting to order. S. P. Strong was chosen chairman and W. J. Wilson, Secretary. M. L. Robinson then explained the object of the meeting, to get everything in readiness for aggressive work in submitting the propositions and securing this road. The townships through which the road will run were represented as follows.

Winfield: H. H. Siverd, J. A. Eaton, D. L. Kretsinger, Col. Whiting, T. H. Soward, B. T. Davis, M. L. Robinson, S. J. Smock, G. H. Crippen, J. E. Conklin, W. P. Hackney, G. L. Gale, Chas. Schmidt, W. J. Wilson, Ed P. Greer, H. E. Asp, A. H. Limerick, F. C. Hunt, and J. W. Curns.

Judge T. H. Soward then came forward with figures, taken directly from the official records of the county, that will knock the winds out of the “burdensome taxation” growler, should he attempt to display himself. They are conclusive evidence that the voting of bonds to secure this railroad is not a burden.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 17, 1885.

Adelphia Lodge No. 110, A. F. & A. M., elected its officers for 1886, last night, as follows: W. M., James McDermott; S. W., Q. A. Glass; J. W., H. H. Siverd; Tr., W. G. Graham; Sec., B. W. Trout. The installation occurs Wednesday evening of next week.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 31, 1885.

Henry E. Asp was caned, silvered, and broomed last night. His services to the city of Winfield in securing the K. C. & S. W. railroad and in every public enterprise for the advancement of our splendid city have always been spontaneous, indomitable, and effective. This merry Christmas time was the occasion for a demonstration of appreciation. Accordingly an elegant silver tea set and water service, a beautiful gold-headed cane, and—a jump from the sublime to the ridiculous—a thirty-five cent broom, were secured as tokens by the following representative gentlemen of the city: Rev. B. Kelley, M. L. Robinson, W. C. Robinson, J. L. M. Hill, Senator Jennings, D. A. Millington, T. H. Soward, J. C. Long, Sol Burkhalter, Judge Gans, Col. Whiting, Senator Hackney, H. H. Siverd, J. L. Horning, and Ed P. Greer.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 31, 1885.

Another illicit whiskey vendor has come to grief—G. W. Hall, who kept kegs of “rot gut” in his room in the Lindell Hotel bath house, and peddled it in bottles at a dollar a pint. Constables Siverd and McFadden got on to his racket and soon had some of his forty-rod encased for evidence. Friday he was pulled and tried before Judge Snow. The evidence was of the kind that knocks a violator down at first sight. He got $200 fine and ninety days in jail. He hasn’t the wherewith to pay the $200, but is simply able to lay out the bastille sentence, which will be an effective pill. He came here a few weeks ago from Licking, Ohio, and has been receiving letters under another name than Hall, supposedly from his wife.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 31, 1885.

Christmas was grandly celebrated in Winfield. Never in the history of Cowley County has such generosity and good cheer been displayed. All our merchants report an unprecedented trade in holiday goods. The past year has been a prosperous one. With individual prosperity came general prosperity and all felt in a gift giving mood. The number of little stockings filled and the number of little and big ones made happy by Kris Kringle’s annual visit is wonderful. And the number of fat turkeys sacrificed on the altar of appetite is equally wonderful. Baden sold over four hundred turkeys, Thursday, and a thousand pounds of dressed chicken. And the other poultry dealers made remarkably big sales. Those unable to buy turkeys were not forgotten. P. H. Albright’s seventy-five charity turkeys, distributed by Capt. Siverd and Marshal McFadden, were the central figure in a big dinner in as many homes of the worthy poor. Nearly all the churches had Christmas doings of some kind.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 7, 1886.

H. A. Palmer, the telegraph line constructor who tried to run the rink on Christmas, was brought in from Atlanta Wednesday by Capt. Siverd, and plead guilty before Judge Snow to two counts, one for getting drunk and one for fighting. It costs him $84. He is out on a parole, and unless the money is raised by tomorrow will revel in the bastille. He can probably get the money.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 14, 1886.

Monday evening was the occasion of a very enjoyable time at the Post, it being the installation of the new officers elect. The boys have a very roomy and well furnished Post room and well fitted for entertaining a crowd. The Woman’s Relief Corps was out in full strength and quite a number of visitors. Everybody was sociable and jolly and the reporter felt just like a school boy on holiday. We like to mingle in such a crowd. We feel better for days afterward.

After the installation the ladies of the Relief Corps slyly brought out some mysterious looking packages and soon revealed a feast that every old “vet,” including the reporter, began to grin about and never let up until they reached home and had to send for the doctor. Cakes, oranges, candy, apples, and everything good was passed around in abundance. The reporter and John Arrowsmith were on the sick list and looked as blue as indigo because they couldn’t eat anything. Dr. Wells’ friends watched him closely and whenever the bald place on his head began to turn blue, they pounded him on the back, and took away his dish. Tom Soward and Capt. Nipp were cautioned by their friends several times to eat slower, but you might as well have told them, during the war, to fight slower. They are excusable as they confidently told the reporter they had been expecting this and had fasted since the day before. Earnest Reynolds never grunted after the cake began to go around. He looked down at the floor and lost no time. It is estimated that the Post lost $4.67 by his presence. As for Siverd, words will not express his troubles. Three times was he choked on an orange. His friends are very much worried about him, as he has been troubled for years with dyspepsia. After the feast it was noticed that the Captain’s pockets stuck out like an air balloon, and it is thought he is injured internally. Space will not allow us to speak of the other boys. They all did justice to everything. Their gastronomical propensities worked like a charm.

The following were the officers installed: A. B. Limerick, Post Commander; J. E. Snow, S. V. P.; J. J. Carson, J. V. P.; T. H. Soward, Q. M.; H. L. Wells, Surgeon; H. H. Siverd, O. B.; J. H. Snyder, C.; C. L. McRoberts, O. G.; Lewis Conrad, A.; D. C. Beach, S. M.

The following are the officers of the Woman’s Relief Corps: Mrs. Elma Dalton, P.; Mrs. Julia Caton, S. V. P.; Mrs. H. L. Wells, J. V. P.; Mrs. Dr. Pickens, Treasurer; Mrs. D. C. Beach, Secretary; Mrs. Lewis Conrad, C.; Mrs. A. J. Thompson, C.; Mrs. C. Trump, G.

The installation ceremonies were beautiful. We don’t believe there is any city in Kansas that can boast of a better Post than Winfield.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 14, 1886.

A number of suffering families have been found since the beginning of this storm. What condition more desperate than to face such awful frigidity with no coal and little provisions in the house. Marshal McFadden found two or three families of such today, and supplied them on his own responsibility. The marshal and that natural philanthropist, Capt. Siverd, have been busily looking after the poor, all day. Our people are too generous and noble-hearted to let any suffer whose wants are known.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 21, 1886.

The following officers of Winfield Lodge No. 101, I. O. O. F., were installed for the ensuing year: Jos. O’Hare, N. G.; A. B. Taylor, V. G.; D. C. Beach, Rec. Secretary; J. P. Stewart, Per. Secretary. S. J. Helper, Treasurer; M. B. Shields, Conductor; J. W. Chancy, Warden; J. H. Vance, R. S. to N. G.; M. Hahn, L. S. to N. G.; H. H. Siverd, L. S. to V. G.; A. Snowhill, R. S. to V. G. This order has a very strong organization here, and is in fine working order.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 21, 1886.

The Marshal has notified the billiard saloon keepers that throwing dice for cigars or anything else, playing pool or billiards for cigars or who shall pay for the use of the table, or anything else, will be prosecuted for keeping a gambling house. The Marshal and Capt. Siverd are to report any violation of these injunctions to Senator Hackney or Mr. Asp, who have signified their determination to break these holes up if they have to jail the violators. The parties recently captured for gambling can testify that it don’t pay. Boys, look out or some of you will be playing checkers with your nose.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 28, 1886.

“A secret gambling den was discovered and raided by the Winfield police the other night and eight nice young men hauled up before the justice for participating. Wellington is remarkably free from gambling dens. No doubt there is some gambling done as there always is in cities, but it is seldom a city of this size is found without a regularly equipped gambling resort, conducted very quietly, of course, and not acknowledged to be in existence by the authorities, but which every sporting man knows how to find. This state of affairs is due to the vigilance of our city officers.” Press.

The same here. It’s a mighty sly gambling den that can evade the keen eyes and determination of county attorneys Hackney & Asp, Capt. Siverd, and Marshal McFadden. The “dens” are all routed, scarcely before they get firmly founded. That it don’t pay to buck the tiger, the boys can sadly testify, not only by the wads they have laid on the paste-board altar but by the $58 assessments of Judge Snow.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 4, 1886.

Coroner H. L. Wells and Capt. H. H. Siverd, after nearly two days’ examination, concluded the inquest on the body of John Snyder, at Maple City, Saturday afternoon. Thirty-two witnesses were examined. The jury, J. G. Shreves, Geo. Eaton, H. S. Libby, S. S. Blakesley, and P. S. Gilgis, returned a verdict that John Snyder came to his death on January 27, 1886, from a pistol shot fired by John W. Marshall. About the only new facts developed, other than those given in THE COURIER, came from William Clay, father-in-law of John Marshall, the murderer. He said: “Three or four days before the shooting, I met Jack Snyder crossing the street. He said, ‘Where is Marshall?’ I answered, ‘In the house.’ He said: ‘I am going for the s of a b before I leave town.’”

Capt. Siverd showed us the revolver and bullet this morning. The weapon is a 32-calibre, double-action Smith & Wesson. The bullet’s course, from the evidence, indicates that Snyder was turning to run when the ball struck him—behind the left ear, going through the brain over the left eye, glancing and lodging over the right eye. The bullet was badly mashed. Nothing regarding Miss Andrews or the reports circulated by Marshall about her and Snyder were brought out in the evidence.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 11, 1886.

Capt. Siverd went down to Maple City Friday to summon the thirty or more witnesses in the Marshall-Snyder murder case.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 11, 1886.

Tuesday Sheriff McIntire appointed Capt. H. H. Siverd undersheriff of Cowley County for the next two years. No better appointment could possibly be made. The Captain’s long experience as an official, with his sagacity and determination, yet kindly consideration for criminals, will make Sheriff McIntire a very valuable assistant. With such a team as McIntire and Siverd, the criminals may well shiver in their boots. None can evade their eagle eyes and keen scent.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 11, 1886.

The G. A. R. Post, of this city, whose noble assistance has made many a happy heart among unfortunate veterans’ families, appointed Monday the following relief and employment committee: B. McFadden, H. H. Siverd, W. E. Tansey, P. P. Powell, and J. A. McGuire. This committee is for the purpose of relieving such old soldiers as need relief and getting employment for those able to work. All such apply to this committee.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 18, 1886.

Mrs. H. H. Siverd has been very sick for some days, but is now better.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 18, 1886.

Sheriff McIntire has appointed Capt. H. H. Siverd undersheriff of Cowley County for the next two years. We are highly pleased with this appointment and think no better could have been made. We notice that Siverd is gradually ascending. Cambridge News.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 18, 1886.

Sheriff McIntire, Capt. Siverd, and Marshal McFadden held up every tramp they could find in the town Monday, searching for a clue to the jewelry robbers.

[Note: Above item is covered by the following article covering two robberies.]

Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 18, 1886.

A big dose of mangy tramps struck Winfield Sunday. They came in from the east on a stray freight and were soon working the “empty-pocket, sick, crippled, and out-of-work” racket in its highest degree, with everybody they met. The city has been so free of tramps this winter that such a numerous presence was a surprise. Marshal McFadden and Tom Herrod ran across a gang of five, two white men and three Mexicans, about six o’clock, near the S. K. depot. They made a careful inspection and concluded them only a delegation from the great army of kitchen-door bombarders that we have been expecting from the east with the first thaw. The officials circulated around with their eyes peeled. But, as usual, the raid was made where least expected. A little after eight o’clock, while all the family were at church, Capt. J. S. Hunt’s home, 1113 Millington street, was ransacked. The burglars got in through a kitchen window, the only one in the house unlocked. Passing the silverware down stairs, some of it on the table in full view, they went up stairs into Miss Anna Hunt’s room, and got away with the contents of her jewel case—a valuable gold watch and chain, a gold necklace, three pairs of bracelets, and a breastpin. The watch had her initials in the back, and could be easily identified. They also found three or four dollars in money. This haul apparently satisfied them and the slid out for new pastures.

The same gang, evidently, or a part of it, also went through Mr. C. Collins’ residence, 821 Menor street, climbing in a back window. The family were all at church, and the burglars had the freedom of the house, and they took it. Everything was turned upside down, but the haul was slim. The valuables were all under lock. A Smith & Wesson revolver, a box of cartridges, a dollar in small change, Mrs. Collins’ set of pearl earrings, a gold ring, and a silver napkin ring.

These burglarious “cusses” were undoubtedly the tramps before mentioned. On notification about 9 o’clock, of these burglaries, the officers were out in full force and scoured the town all night—no signs visible. The only remnant left today of the dozen or more tramps who struck the town last evening are two cripples, a one armed man, and a leg-cripple, very seedy looking individuals.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 25, 1886.

Mrs. H. H. Siverd, who has been very sick for some time past, is slowly recovering and it is hoped will soon be about again.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 11, 1886.

Capt. Siverd’s sorrel-topped companion, his noble steed, was parted with Friday. The Captain has owned him since 1881, since when that steed has carried more truth, piety, and intelligence over this country than any dozen other horses. Cal. Ferguson takes him to the western plains, to stage it. The parting of the two sorrels was pathetic, both the steed and the Captain shedding bitter tears.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 11, 1886.

A month or more ago Harman Courtright, a reputable farmer of Cedar township, went down to Cedarvale and got “full.” Returning home, in the “fullness” of his wisdom, he considered it his duty to paralyze with his revolver one Kaser. Flourishing his weapon around, he succeeded in completely terrorizing his victim. Courtright sobered up to learn that a warrant was out for him, for assault on Kaser with intent to kill—a penitentiary offense, if proven. Without any foolishness, he got up and got and officer H. H. Siverd was minus the subject of the warrant. Nothing was heard of Courtright, who had left all his property in the hands of his mother, until yesterday, when, through his attorneys, Forsythe & Madden, he came in and gave himself up, and plead guilty before Judge Buckman. By pleading guilty, he got the charge moderated, merely assault with intent to “lick,” and got off with a small fine and costs. He went home in the forcibly expressed determination to keep his alimentary canal free from spirits, his temper down, his head clear, and his “pop” in the closet. He is a man of forty-five and was at first pretty badly scared over the probable result of his spree.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 25, 1886.

Capt. H. H. Siverd took in Wilmot today, on official “biz.”

Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 25, 1886.

Capt. Siverd, the live sheriff of Cowley, was in town Monday on biz. He has our thanks for favors rendered while here. We went with him into the country about seven miles and got along first rate until he commenced trying to sing. That did crush us and our head aches yet. We will never forgive him. Udall Record.

1891.

Daily Calamity Howler, Tuesday, September 29, 1891.

Captain H. H. Siverd was in this office today howling for a HOWLER.

Daily Calamity Howler, Tuesday, October 6, 1891.

Tom Doud, who formerly ran a shoe shop on South Main, was arrested Sunday evening by Officers Siverd and McLain for selling intoxicants. A half-barrel of beer was found in Tom’s bedroom at his dwelling. The trial is set for Friday before Justice Van De Water.

Daily Calamity Howler, Wednesday, October 14, 1891.

The Morgan Monument.

The unveiling of the Morgan monument will take place at the Central school grounds in this city on Sunday, Oct. 18th, exercises to begin promptly at 2 o’clock p.m. The money to pay for same has all been raised and is in the hands of the treasurer: amount $675. The monument will be in place by Saturday evening ready for unveiling Sunday. There are no special invitations out, but a cordial invitation is extended to attend the exercises.

The following is the program. Music: Union Choir; Opening prayer: Rev. Enright; Unveiling Address: P. H. Albright; Address of Acceptance: S. E. Fink; Music: Union Choir; Oration: Hon. John A. Eaton; Music: Union Choir; Benediction: Rev. Payne.

H. H. Siverd, Master of Ceremonies.

The choir will be composed of singers from the different church choirs of the city. If the weather proves unfavorable, the services will be held in the Baptist church.

Daily Calamity Howler, Monday, October 19, 1891.

As was previously announced the unveiling ceremonies of the Morgan monument took place at 2 p.m. on the Central school grounds Sunday. The day being warm and clear, the crowd was larger than expected. Just as the clock struck the hour of two, Captain Siverd stepped upon the platform and made the opening speech in an earnest and impressive manner. He spoke in a way that touched every responsive heart, of the death of our young hero and the noble sacrifice of his life for a friend. At the close of Mr. Siverd’s speech the union choir, composed of the best singers of the city, under the direction of Profs. Gordon and Snyder sang “A Few More Years Shall Roll.” Rev. Enright then offered a short, earnest prayer after which P. H. Albright was introduced and delivered the unveiling address in behalf of the monument committee. He presented the monument to the school board in a touching and solemn oration that was well suited to the occasion. S. E. Fink, President of the Board of Education, accepted the tribute in behalf of the Board in a well-worded speech that did credit even to our eloquent Fink. Next was a duet, “Morning Land,” by Mrs. C. B. Snyder and Mr. Dudley Eaton. Hon. John Eaton was on the program at this point for an oration, but being absent, his place was filled by James McDermott, who compared Thomas Morgan’s heroism to that of the men who laid their lives on the altar of the nation and died that posterity might enjoy the blessings of free institutions. Next, “Heroes Sweetly Sleep,” was sung by the union choir, which was immediately followed by the benediction of Rev. Payne.

The exercises throughout had a solemn grandeur that did credit to the committees who had them in charge. The monument stands fourteen feet, five inches high, and cost $675. It is composed of a shaft of American granite and a figure, representing the crowning of a hero, of Italian marble. The design is good, the execution is good, and the impulses that erected it were noble. This is the first event of the kind in the history of Winfield and no more fitting occasion could have been selected. May those who admire and emulate the heroism of Tom Morgan ever live in our midst.

Daily Calamity Howler, Friday, October 30, 1891.

The case of Joseph Mitchler vs. Siverd and McLain was tried in Judge Ingman’s court last night. Mitchler sued the constables for the recovery of some beer taken from Tom Dodd’s residence, but the court found that the beer had been taken by due process of law under the section of the prohibitory amendment which makes it a felony for persons to “club together,” for the purpose of buying and using intoxicants. Mitchler had to pay costs to the amount of $23.

1892.

Winfield Monthly Herald, June, 1892.

Mrs. Harriet Bliss, Mrs. Candess Cross, and H. H. Siverd are among the sick this month.

1893.

Note: E. P. Greer was Editor of the Winfield Daily Courier, in 1893. The Courier Printing Company was in charge of the newspaper.

The following items concerning Capt. H. H. Siverd were found by RKW on microfilm covering the murder of Capt. Siverd and subsequent events. I am skipping the usual headers that appeared in the newspaper. MAW

The Winfield Daily Courier, Wednesday, October 25, 1893.

At a quarter past three this afternoon Capt. H. H. Siverd was shot and killed by Morgan Wright, son of Tom Wright, formerly a resident of this city.

The facts as near as can be learned in the excitement are as follows: Wilber Northon, a young man, who has been a sort of a boot-leg-whiskey seller, was being arrested by Siverd, who is constable of this city, on a warrant sworn out by County Attorney Scott. He was in a vicious mood and resisted the officer, but finally cooled down and went with Siverd to the corner of Main and Ninth Avenue in front of the Cowley County Bank, where they were met by young Morgan Wright, who had been running with Norton. Wright had his coat on his arm and as he faced Siverd and Norton he said: “You had better let him go.” Norton then said, “Shoot the s__ of a b____” and sprang away from Siverd, when Wright leveled a forty-five calibre revolver at Siverd and fired. The ball struck a few inches above the heart. Siverd staggered and fell. Wright ran southwest and down the alley with his smoking revolver in hand, followed by a crowd. Norton also ran.

In a moment Drs. Emory and Hornaday were at Siverd’s side. The blood was gushing from the wounds in his breast and it was soon announced that he could not live but a few minutes. Kind and tender hands lifted him up and conveyed him to the editorial rooms of the COURIER, where he died at 4 o’clock.

Wright was followed close by the crowd and was arrested by Marshal Douglass in the joint shop on South Main. Norton ran and hid in the vault back of Osterhout’s bakery, where he was found and arrested by Assistant Marshal Archie Brown.

As we go to press all that remains mortal of Capt. H. H. Siverd, as true and noble a friend as ever held the breath of life, lies on our office floor. True to his friends, true to his principles, true to his duty, in the full prime of manhood. In the performance of his duty, his life goes out. He had faced shot and shell on many a battle field, but the assassin’s bullet in the hands of villainy and hate has done its work. The body will be removed to Axtell’s undertaking establishment and from there to his home. The jail is now surrounded by an immense crowd. The writer had no better nor truer friend. We loved him as a brother. We feel the cold steel in our heart. But the laws of our state are justice. Our court can be depended upon to do its duty. It is the proper tribunal to avenge his death. Do not supplement one terrible crime with another. Be calm and justice will be done.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Thursday, October 26, 1893. [Editorial.]

CAPTAIN H. H. SIVERD.

Soon the cold clods of autumn will fall upon the casket of one of the best men whom it has been the pleasure of Winfield to count among her citizens; the grass will spring up; loving friends will plant flowers on the little mound, but Captain Siverd will not soon be forgotten. Such men as Captain Siverd should have their names forever perpetuated by brining out discussions of his private life in which he did so much good.

He was one of those men with heart as tender as a woman if appealed to for sympathy, yet as strong as a lion when justice had to be done. Nobody ever asked him for aid, when he knew that aid was necessary. For years, winter after winter, Captain Siverd spent half of his time going over and relieving cases of destitution that would come to his ears. Nobody ever trusted a charitable matter to his hands that he did not attend to promptly. He was warm hearted yet firm when the time came. He was generous, genial, and very companionable. Once a friend, always a friend. A funeral pall hangs over the city so dark we cannot enjoy the light of sunshine. Everybody is imbued with the same feeling—that of deep sadness. The friend who has gone will return no more, but we’ll reverentially cherish the sacred memory of our honest, true, and tried friend, Captain H. H. Siverd.

The next item was an editorial written by W. P. Hackney, followed by poetry.

The Winfield Daily, Courier, Thursday, October 26, 1893.

We are in the midst of gloom, our hearts are as stone; grief, shame, and remorse composeth us about, because of the wickedness of men. Today all that is mortal of Hugh H. Siverd lies cold and dead at his home in this city. Murdered in cold blood in broad daylight upon the principal business corner of the city, before hundreds of men, because knowing his duty he dared to do it. A trusted, faithful officer, reverencing the obligation of his oath, in the fear of the Lord and righteous altogether, he girded himself round about with an undying love of duty done, and went to his death. A brave soldier, a loyal patriot, a good husband, a loving father, a true christian, a generous friend, and noble man always. He has been the one officer in our midst who understood the obligation of an oath, and his responsibilities as a citizen.

Placing himself across the pathway of crime in our midst, he for years has been a bulwark and shield to us, unawed by the menacing and vicious elements of our society, with a courage and steadfastness in the discharge of official duty that is indescribable. He for years has withstood the vicious clamor of cowards, and the misrepresenations of scoundrels and villains, with a heroism unspeakable indeed—and for this he is dead,—murdered by a brace of brutal, cowardly, and contemptible wretches whom the people of this city by their sufference have permitted to live too long already.

Verily we this day pay in the blood of this man, the awful penalty which always waits upon that community that winks at iniquity. He was massacred upon our streets because we as a people, and as individuals, one and all, are responsible for the crimes tolerated in our midst. Had the people of this community been as loyal to him in his efforts to ferret out and punish crime, as he was to their constitution and laws, the villains who basely assassinated him could not have found an abiding place among us. As a people we have permitted joints, gambling halls, and houses of ill fame to prosper here, thereby furnishing an asylum for the inhuman parasites, thugs, outcasts, and the very offscourings of hell itself that have infested our community. These vile holes of infamy, which we have tolerated too long already, furnishing an abiding place where his murder was discussed, planned, and instigated. These foul and loathsome wretches harbored and sheltered in our midst as aforesaid, breed crime, organize villainy, and carry out the outlawery, which compassed his untimely death. And as sure as there is a God in Israel, so sure will the condition which caused the infamous murder of John F. Fulton and Hugh H. Siverd bring about the murder of others. Hugh H. Siverd is no more. He died as the soldier dies, at his post. He died a christian obedient to his official oath. He died a law-abiding citizen, doing his whole duty. He died faithful to his obligations as an officer. His blood today darkening the sidewalks which these dens of iniquity in our midst were tolerated to repair. His blood reddens the very sidewalks which it was claimed could only be constructed with the price of shame. His life has gone out because we as a people thought more of gold and infamy, than of God and humanity. His life has gone out because we as a people were willing that sin and shame should help pay our taxes. His life went out because we as a people have in tolerance of crime been sowing the wind and in his death we have reaped a whirlwind of outraged law. In his death we have paid in part only the debt incurred by outraged constitution and laws both sacred and profane. And we, the whole people, are responsible therefor. “Woe unto the world because of offenses, for it must need be that offenses come. But woe unto that man (or people) by whom the offense cometh.” In his death the people of this city and county, give up one of the bravest, truest, and purest men ever known. The most loyal officer ever sworn into office here. We have tolerated here in violation of law the accursed liquor traffic with the awful ills which that damnable business brings to a community, over his protest and against his judgment always, without which his assassination would have been an impossibility. Every joint, every house of ill-fame, every impure and loathsome creature in our midst is responsible for this murder. Such a crime in such a community and under such circumstances, and by such means, is at once the shame and disgrace of all. Therefore, hell hath enlarged herself and opened her mouth without measure; and their glory, and their multitude and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.

Siverd, the brave, noble, and true, good bye. Thou wast brave and better than we. No more will thy clarion call wake us to obligations unfulfilled. We pledge thee here and now by thy blood never more to swerve from the path of rectitude. We will guard your good name, and defend your honor with our last breath. Let no crime scared, sin begrimed wretch assault thy memory.

Back to your kennels; tis no time to snarl upon him now;

Ye cannot tear the blood earned bays from off his regal brow.

Back to your kennels; ’tis too late to sully Siverd’s name;

To us it is the synonym of valor, worth, and fame,

But Siverd is no more.

The muffled drums sad roll has beat the soldier’s last tattoo;

No more on life’s parade shall meet that brave and fallen few.

On fames’ eternal camping ground their silent tents are spread,

And glory guards, with solemn round the bivouac of the dead.

W. P. HACKNEY.

The next item was contributed by J. E. Conklin.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Thursday, October 26, 1893. [Editorial.]

HUGH H. SIVERD.

“Man in his best estate is altogether vanity.” In this hour of sorrow how appropriate are those words from Holy Writ. A man whom we loved has been taken from us and we scarcely know whether to feel more pity for him or ourselves. Hugh H. Siverd is dead. Like a soldier in battle, with his face to the foe, he died in the performance of his duty. He was a martyr to the cause he loved; and now that he is dead how willing are all good men and women in this his home to give him praise. We cannot contemplate his violent taking off without tears dimming our eyes, and our hearts uttering a wild protest against the injustice of it all—that a man of brilliant mind, in courage as brave as a lion, and in sympathy as tender hearted as a girl. By reason of a brusque way, and impulsive disposition, men would sometimes mistake him; but a closer relation would show they were but the rough hull that concealed the good true heart within. If, as were sometimes the case, a short retort was given him, his mellow laugh would ring out, and resentment was at once disarmed.

To a few of the children of men are given the power to hew from the rough block of marble images so natural they appear to breathe; to others ability to trace upon canvas scenes so real that they keep green the memory of the painter for hundreds of years; while to others are given that power of combining harmonies in sweet notes of song that give deathless fame to the singer. But to our dead friend was given another God given gift—that of eloquence. How often when his soul was touched have we heard him talk! How the words would flow from his lips, forming themselves into forcible and beautiful sentences as the subtle brain gave them direction. Sometimes like the mountain stream flowing gently along a level, and then dashing down a deep decline, making us feel how small and pitiful we were. Under other and more favorable conditions this gift would have brought him power and fame. How he hated sneaks, shams, and hypocrites. By reason of his business he became acquainted with the secret skeleton in many a prison closet and today they breathe easier because his lips are silent in death. But it can be truly said of him that he never used his power to destroy but to build up. No man in this community was known as well. In the home of the poor, of the sick and distressed, there you would find our friend. The night might be dark and stormy, but the thought of his comfort never interfered with what he believed to be his duty. While a man of church and various other societies, yet their narrow visions never controlled his movements. In many a home the unseen tear is being shed by those who best knew and loved him. But he has gone from amongst us forever. His memory shall be our benediction and we can truly say in conclusion, our city was his field of work and to do good was his religion.

J. E. CONKLIN.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Thursday, October 26, 1893.

All members of Winfield Lodge No. 58, A. F. & A. M., will meet at the Masonic Hall tomorrow at 1 o’clock, p.m., sharp, for the purpose of paying our last tribute of respect to our departed Bro. Hugh H. Siverd, and to attend his funeral. B. F. SADIL, Secretary.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Thursday, October 26, 1893.

Notice A. O. U. W. All members of the lodge are requested to meet at the lodge room at 1 o’clock, to attend the funeral of Bro. H. H. Siverd, which will take place from the Baptist church at 2 o’clock tomorrow, October 27th, 1893. J. C. MILLER, M. W., O. A. HOTT, Rec.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Thursday, October 26, 1893.

The sheriffs election proclamation appears in this issue.

The sad death of Judge Gans will be found on the fourth page.

The jail in which was confined the murderers of Capt. Siverd was surrounded by hundreds of excited people all last night.

The joints were closed today as the excitement over the murder of Constable Siverd is running high and violence is feared.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Thursday, October 26, 1893.

The brutal and cold blooded murder of Captain H. H. Siverd yesterday afternoon while in the performance of his duty as an officer of the law has created much indignation and sorrow in this city. All yesterday afternoon and last night the streets and the courthouse yard around the jail were thronged with excited people and it only needed a leader to have taken the murderers out of jail and strung them up. Cool heads and wise counsel prevailed and the law is left to take its course.

For some time past Captain Siverd has been actively engaged in prosecuting those engaged in the liquor traffic in this city, and in consequence has made some bitter enemies, and it is stated by some parties that his foul murder was the direct result of his fight against the liquor traffic. About 2 o’clock yesterday afternoon Captain Siverd went into the joint of Frank Manny on North Main street and arrested Frank Thorp, Manny’s cork-puller, upon a warrant issued by County Attorney Scott and took Thorp to the county jail. A short time before this Norton had made several gun plays in Manny’s joint and threatened to shoot Marshal Douglass or any other officer who attempted to arrest him. After taking Thorp to the jail, Siverd returned to Main street and found Norton, Wright, and Army Evans standing in front of Ed. Cole’s drug store. Siverd walked up to Norton and placed him under arrest and started to Judge Ingman’s office with him. Norton at once became abusive and refused to go and commenced to fight like a tiger to get away from the officer. Constable Siverd, who had a warm heart, hesitated about striking Norton and tried to get him to go along quietly. It soon became evident that Norton had made up his mind to create trouble and several bystanders offered their aid to assist in getting him under control. Norton, who is a very strong man, fought his way out of the crowd and succeeded in knocking down several people before he was got under control. Finally Captain Siverd ordered the crowd to stand back and let him take Norton. George Sanderson had in the meantime persuaded young Norton to go with Siverd and the trouble was thought to be over. Norton and the officer walked across Main street until they reached the corner of Main and Ninth avenue, directly in front of the Cowley County National Bank, when Morgan Wright, a pal of Norton’s who had been following the crowd since the trouble commenced stepped forward and said, “You had better let him go.” At this young Norton jumped back, and said “shoot the s__ of a b____.” And young Wright aimed a 38 Harrington & Richardson revolver at Siverd’s heart and fired the fatal shot, striking Siverd a little over the heart and killing him instantly. The Captain clasped his hands against his side and partly turned around. He instantly fell to the sidewalk, a dead man, not having uttered a word after receiving the fatal shot. Immediately after the shooting, Wright ran down the alley west of the Winfield National Bank with his smoking revolver in his hand being followed by a large crowd of people. As he was going through the alley he snapped his revolver at one of the colored employees of the St. James Hotel and then ran on until he came to the paint shop of Reed & Oliver, where he hid his gun and coat under the building and then went into the shop. In a few moments Marshal Douglass and Chas. Schmidt, Jr., arrived and arrested Wright and started for the jail. On the way to the jail the marshal tried to hurry up Wright, fearing that the citizens who were following him would lynch him; but Wright said he would be damned if he would hurry, if they wanted to hang him let them do so. He was finally lodged safely in jail. Young Norton ran down the alley east of the First National Bank and hid himself in the vault behind Osterhout’s bakery and was captured by Assistant Marshal Archie Brown and the bookkeeper of the Wells Fargo Express Company. Norton was only too anxious to get to the jail as he feared that the excited people would string him up. Sheriff Nipp was telegraphed for and arrived on the evening train and took charge of the prisoners. During the evening many threats were made about lynching and the sheriff had ten men sworn in as deputies and the jail was guarded all night. About 2 o’clock this morning a crowd of men—about fifty in number—came to the jail, but did not attempt to enter and no violence was attempted last night. This morning County Attorney Scott issued warrants charging Wright and Norton with murder in the first degree, but after the warrants had been served the sheriff thought it best for the safety of the prisoners to get them out of town. This morning at 7 o’clock Sheriff Nipp took the prisoners and put them in a “boomer’s” wagon that was passing and started either for Wellington or Wichita to which destination the COURIER does not know at the time of going to press.

The trouble which led to the murder of Captain Siverd was caused by his vigorous prosecution of the violators of the prohibitory law. Marshal Douglass had tried to quiet young Norton and Deputy Sheriff Rothrock had also searched him, but they found no gun upon him. Norton had pulled a gun on someone in Manny’s joint, but did not have any when arrested. Morgan Wright had kept out of the way and did not show up until he fired the fatal shot. Captain Siverd stated to the writer of this that he feared trouble and that he was going to arrest Frank Thorp, who was running Manny’s joint, and that he understood that Norton and Wright had come in from Joplin, Missouri, and intended to do him up and also the business manager of this paper, and that he hoped that he could get Norton in jail before he made any trouble. Norton told Marshal Douglass that he wanted permission to carry a gun for he wanted to kill a s__ of a b____, that he was looking for. It is fortunate that our people did not do any act of violence last night for it is best to let the law take its course. Today everything has been quiet and orderly as all seem confident that the law will mete out the punishment the murderers deserve.

Hugh Hicks Siverd was born December 28th, 1840, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He enlisted as a private in Co. H, 1st Ohio Infantry, April 17th, 1861, and mustered out August 6th, 1861. He immediately re-enlisted in Co. H, 1st Ohio, Cav., as a private and later for gallantry on the field of battle was promoted to sergeant major; later, on Oct. 1st, 1862, he was promoted to second lieutenant. On April 1st, 1863, he became a first lieutenant, and on December 14th, 1864, he became a captain. He was mustered out September 13th, 1865.

When the lamented A. T. Shenneman went into office the first time as Sheriff of Cowley County, H. H. Siverd became the jailer. Later Siverd was elected constable of this city, an office which he has held ever since. Siverd was murdered while on duty and, in the discharge thereof, and there is no law which can properly punish the villains. A. T. Shenneman, John F. Fulton, and Hugh H. Siverd are all dead, in the line of duty. Killed for loyalty to law, order, and morality.

The funeral services will take place at the residence of Captain Siverd at 2 o’clock on Friday and will be under the immediate charge of the Grand Army of the Republic of this city of which he was commander. Other Civic Societies will co-operate with the post in the burial services. The body will be taken from the House to the Baptist Church, of which he was a member, where Rev. Doctor Parker, his pastor, will preach the sermon, and it is his wish that all the Ministers of the city join with him. From there the remains will be conveyed to the Union Cemetery where they will be laid to rest in the burial lot of the Grand Army.

The pall bearers will be Sid Cure of the G. A. R.; A. B. Arment of the G. A. R.; C. J. Peckham of the Masonic order; S. B. Sergeant of the Masonic order; T. H. Herrod of the Odd Fellows; J. H. Vance, of the Odd Fellows; M. B. Light, of the A. O. U. W.; J. Van De Water of the A. O. U. W.

The line of march will be formed at the home as follows: 1^st, Doctor Parker and other ministers; 2^nd, Hearse and pall bearers; 3^rd, the family; 4^th, the G. A. R.; 5^th, The Masons; 6^th, The Odd Fellows; 7^th, The A. O. U. W.; 8^th, the county and city officers; 9^th, the friends in carriages. The line of march will be to the Baptist Church, which they will enter in the order herein named. Where they will remain standing until the time of going to the cemetery. After the exercises are over, the congregation will pass out in the order named above. And after being duly formed, will then proceed to the cemetery, where the exercises will be concluded.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Thursday, October 26, 1893.

Old Soldiers. You are requested to meet at the Grand Army Post rooms, corner of Main and 10th Avenue, Friday, at 1 o’clock, to take part in the burial of our late Post commander, Captain H. H. Siverd. Be prompt in your attendance and as far as possible come in uniform.

By order of the Post.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Thursday, October 26, 1893.

Sheriff Nipp returned from the Territory last evening, and took charge of Norton and Wright, the murderers of Captain Siverd.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Thursday, October 26, 1893.

Notice. As marshal of the city of Winfield, allow me to thank the citizens for the respect shown me by dispersing to their homes at my request and under the most trying circumstances. For 15 years Comrade Siverd has always voted aye to enforce the laws; and I know I only echoed his wish when I did the same yesterday and only myself knows how hard it was to do so. May the citizens of this town ever be as prompt in the future, is my prayer. J. D. DOUGLASS, Marshal.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Thursday, October 26, 1893.

One of our purest and best citizens and officers is no more. Captain Siverd is dead. His funeral will take place at 2 o’clock p. m. tomorrow, and I earnestly request all banks, stores, and other places of business in this city to close from 2 to 4 and attend his funeral tomorrow out of respect to his memory. A. C. BANGS, Mayor.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Thursday, October 26, 1893.

Winfield Post, No. 85, and all members of the G. A. R. will meet at post room, Friday, October 27, at 1 p.m. to attend the funeral of our commander, H. H. Siverd. Let no G. A. R.

man fail to be there at the appointed hour. A. B. ARMENT, Adjt.; D. KEIR, S. P.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Friday, October 27, 1893.

A list of people coming to the Siverd Funeral was given: Harry Farrar, Arkansas City; Ed. G. Gray, Arkansas City; Charlie Betts, Arkansas City; J. G. Crawford, Burden; Captain Rarick, Arkansas City; George McIntire, Arkansas City; Jesse King, Vernon; William Olmstead, Udall; Commissioner Guthrie; E. T. Berkey, Blackwell; Judge Litton, Burden; Amos Snowhill; Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Seaman, Udall.

Sheriff Nipp returned from Wichita this morning where he had been to take Norton and Wright to the Sedgwick County jail for safe keeping.

Army Evans called on the COURIER this morning and stated that he was not with Wright and Norton when the arrest of Norton was made. The COURIER regrets that it did Army an injustice.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Friday, October 27, 1893.

Sheriff Nipp, of Cowley County, arrived in the city last night with Morgan Wright and Kid Norton, the murderers of Captain Siverd of Winfield. They drove up in a carriage and arrived at a late hour. The prisoners are now in our county jail and are gloomy, stubborn, and reticent. They were brought here to avoid a lynching, as several people at Winfield contemplated making a raid on the jail last night, notwithstanding the advice of the leading citizens of that city, who exhorted the people to leave the law take its course. Wichita Eagle.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Friday, October 27, 1893.

The Funeral. All that is mortal of Hugh H. Siverd has been laid to rest in the Union cemetery. The assassin’s bullet has done its work. A true man, a brave officer has passed away to satisfy the villainous hatred of the defiers of the law. Never more will sunshine greet Hugh H. Siverd, but in that place from whose bourne no traveler ever returns, Hugh H. Siverd will rest in peace and quiet.

At 2 o’clock this afternoon the remains of Officer Siverd were taken from his late residence on East Twelfth Avenue to the Baptist Church, where Rev. Parker, assisted by Father McKernan and the other ministers of the city, preached the funeral sermon. The remains were followed from the family residence to the church and thence to the Union Cemetery by thousands of people from all parts of the county. The business houses were closed and all citizens hastened to pay their respects to the memory of a brave and noble officer who died in the performance of his duty.

The line of march was formed as follows: Ministers in carriages; Hearse and pall bearers; The family of the deceased; Order of the G. A. R.; The Masonic Order; Odd Fellows; A. O. U. W. Lodge; Ladies Circle of the G. A. R.; county and city officials. The procession was followed by hundreds of friends in carriages and on foot. G. A. R. posts and other societies came from all parts of the county to pay respect to the memory of their beloved brother and comrade. Arriving at the church, those who were fortunate enough to get inside listened to an eloquent sermon by Rev. Parker. The casket containing the remains was literally covered with beautiful flowers placed there by kind friends with loving hands demonstrating their respect and love for the brave and noble officer who had so long stood between them and the law defying element of the county. The floral designs were beautiful, a further description of which will be given in tomorrow’s COURIER.

Arriving at the cemetery the body was lowered to its last resting place under the impressive ceremonies of the G. A. R. post of this city of which Captain Siverd was commander.

The following paper was adopted by the Ministers Alliance, at its meeting yesterday, and ordered published.

We, the members of the Ministers Alliance of Winfield, desire to express our profound respect for the personal and official character of the late Capt. H. H. Siverd, who but yesterday in the full light of day, and in the most public place of our city, was wantonly murdered while in the faithful performance of his official duty. We solemnly avow as our judgment, that no more faithful officer ever swayed the scepter of official trust and power, that no man with higher sense of honor has been associated with the interest of our city, that no stauncher friend of the poor ever tred our streets, than H. H. Siverd. In his death the cause of “Law and Order” and christian charity have sustained a loss that seems to us now irreparable. We charge the guilt of this awful crime not only upon the man who fired the fatal shot and his debauched accomplice, who without mitigating circumstances, are deliberate murderers; but most of all upon all those engaged in the illegal traffic in intoxicants, whether as druggists, “jointists,” or “bootleggers.” And we do hereby brand with special infamy, Frank Manny, and his associates in the “joint” business as the chief instigators and promoters of the lawlessness and debauchery which has resulted in this most atrocious murder.

Recognizing the difficulty in enforcing law where public sentiment is divided, we nevertheless, in the name of a bereaved family, in the name of an outraged public sentiment, in the name of Almighty God, protest against any further compromise with these outlaws, or connivance with their business, on the part of our city government. And we demand of the officers of our city honest and persistent effort in the enforcement of law, pledging them our hearty support in all such efforts. Inasmuch as the enforcement of law is dependent upon public sentiment; and believing as we do, that many of our law abiding citizens have been and are culpably indifferent as to the presence and operation of “joints” and other agencies of vice and crime in this city, we earnestly call upon all decent people to bestir themselves in the interest of sobriety and good order; and with determined purpose see to it that the blood of H. H. Siverd shall not have been spilt in vain.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Friday, October 27, 1893.

The following resolutions were adopted this 27th day of October, 1893, by Winfield Lodge, No. 58 A. F. & A. M.

To the Worshipful Master, Wardens, and Brethren of Winfield Lodge No. 58, A. F. and A. M. Your committee appointed to express the sentiments of this Lodge on the untimely death of brother Hugh H. Siverd, beg leave to submit the following:

IN MEMORIAM. In the strife and conflicts of life, the good and true fall before the unsparing sickle, which cuts the brittle thread of life.

The untimely death of our brother, Hugh H. Siverd, at the hands of an assassin, while in the performance of his official duty, throws a veil of peculiar sadness over our Lodge, and a gloom of sorrow surrounds our altar.

Brother Siverd was a Mason imbued with the most excellent tenets of our institution. He was ever ready to spread the broad mantle of charity over the foibles and weaknesses of an erring brother, whispering good counsel in his ear, and reminding him, in the tenderest manner, of his faults and aid in his reformation. He would untiringly travel on foot and out of the way to serve a needy Mother, and possessed in an eminent degree that charity which extends beyond the grave, through the boundless realms of eternity. As a member of Winfield Lodge No. 58, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, Brother Siverd was always faithful to any trust imposed upon him, and was beloved by every member, and by them his death is deeply deplored, and his memory revered. To those of his immediate relatives and friends, who are most heart-stricken at the loss we have all sustained, we have but little of this world’s consolation to offer. We can only sincerely, deeply, and most affectionately sympathize with them in their afflictive bereavement. But we can say, that he who tempers the wind to the shorn lamb, looks down with infinite compassion upon the widow and fatherless in the hour of their desolation and that the Great Architect will fold the arms of His love and protection around those who put their trust in Him.

Thou art gone to the grave; we no longer behold thee,

Nor tread the rough paths of the world by thy hand;

But the wide arms of mercy are spread to enfold thee.

And we’ll meet thee again in the heavenly land.

Thou art gone to the grave; and its mansions forsaking,

Perchance thy weak spirit in doubt lingered long;

But the sunshine of heaven beamed bright on thy waking,

And the sound thou didst hear was the Seraphim’s song.

Thou art gone to the grave; but ’twere wrong to deplore thee,

When God was thy trust, thy guardian and guide;

He gave thee, He took thee, and soon will restore thee.

In the blest Lodge above, where the faithful abide.

BIOGRAPHICAL. Brother Hugh Hicks Siverd was born December Twenty-eighth, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty-nine, at Cochransville, Pennsylvania, being in his fifty-fourth year at the time of his assassination. He was married March Sixteenth, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty-eight.

He was made a Mason in his native State in March One Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty-Six, and was admitted to Adelphi Lodge, No. 110, A. F. & A. M., Winfield, Kansas, November One Thousand Eight Hundred and Seventy-Six, and taking his demit there from February Seventh, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Eighty-Eight, he identified himself with Winfield Lodge, No. 58, A. F. & M., at Winfield, Kansas, of which body he has been an honored member ever since.

While in the army fighting for the preservation of our Union, his chivalry and patriotism gained for him the rank of a captain. After the war was over he came to Kansas and became a resident of Winfield in February 1880.

He was commander of Winfield Post, No. 58, G. A. R., at the time of his death, and was made an honorary member of the Ladies Circle of G. A. R., No. 40, the day before he was shot. He was also a member of Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, to all of which organizations he was an honest, earnest, conscientious, and respected member.

It was his lot to be foully assassinated while at his post of official duty, Tuesday, October twenty-fourth, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Ninety-Three, at 3:15 p.m., at the hands of Morgan Wright, an accomplice of Wilbur Norton, whom he had under arrest at the time.

Therefore we recommend, that his many excellencies be embalmed in our hearts, and as tokens of esteem that his name be inscribed in our record, and that the memorial be published in our city papers, and copied in full on the records of our lodge, and that a copy thereof be suitably engrossed, framed, and presented to the bereaved family of our departed brother.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Friday, October 27, 1893.

The following resolutions were passed last evening at a meeting of the Odd Fellows.

WHEREAS, Bro. H. H. Siverd, a worthy member of this lodge, on the 25th day of October 1893, on the streets of Winfield, while in the discharge of his official duties, was foully and brutally murdered, and it now becomes the duty of this lodge to give expression to its appreciation of the worth of Bro. Siverd, as a Brother, and a citizen of this community, Therefore be it

Resolved, That in the death of Bro. Siverd, his wife and family have lost a loving husband and father, the community an upright, honorable, and conscientious citizen, and an officer who knew his duty and dared to do it. And this lodge has lost one of its most active, energetic, and beloved members. And be it further

Resolved, That the charter of this lodge be appropriately draped for a period of thirty days.

That a copy of these resolutions be spread on the records of this lodge and that a copy be given to the family of the deceased, and a copy given to the various papers of the county for publication.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Saturday, October 28, 1893.

EDITOR COURIER: While reading the articles from the intimate friends of H. H. Siverd, I thought, who will miss him most? It was not the privilege of the writer to be thus intimate in a social way. Yet I will miss him perhaps as much as they. For him have I often called upon to help care for those too poor to hire a nurse, and the night was never so dark or stormy that Captain Siverd would not respond to the appeal for help, and either go himself or get someone to go and care for the sick and dying. Since the death of J. W. Alberts there has been scarcely a day that he has not been to my office to ask if he could help his widow in any way, and he has written several letters for her, and assisted her in every way he could. But this was the natural impulses of the man, and words are inadequate to convey the regret that such a wanton murder could thus be perpetrated in our very midst in the light of day. His name has been a benediction in many a poor home. Who will take his place? Yes, who? We fail to think of one. DR. E. B. EMORY.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Saturday, October 28, 1893.

Captain Siverd carried insurance to the amount of $4,000 in the Masonic and A. O. U. W. lodges.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Saturday, October 28, 1893.

In order to commemorate the sad death of officer Siverd, the citizens of Cowley County have decided to erect a monument to his memory. There will be a meeting of the people of this county at the city building Monday night at 7 o’clock to appoint committees and select the site. Let all our people come out. The following sum has already been subscribed without any solicitation: W. P. Hackney $50.00; COURIER Co. $50.00; P. H. Albright & Co. $50.00;

W. C. Robinson $50.00; Wm. E. Otts $50.00; J. M. Conklin $50.00.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Saturday, October 28, 1893.

Perry, O. T. Oct. 26th, 1893. Editor Winfield Courier. Emotion overcomes me. I have this moment learned of the murder of my dear friend Captain Siverd. This is terrible news to me. Capt. Siverd was, in my estimation, the second best friend I had enumerated amongst my friends of all Kansas, and as I have learned it, it is one of the foulest murders that has occurred in all Kansas in my recollection. I desire to say to you, and all the good people of old Cowley County that the man who has fallen by the assassin’s bullet was the best friend that any man could enumerate amongst his category of friends. His friends were my friends and his assassin’s friends are my deadly enemies. Kindly print each and every word of this slight communication, and in addition say that if justice in the shape of iron hands do not overtake his slayer, his friends will. I have the honor to be your friend. S. B. Wadsworth.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Monday, October 30, 1893.

Yesterday’s crime in Winfield resulting in Captain Siverd’s death brings a loss not only at his home but throughout Cowley County. An intimate friend of the writer, comrades we were; although almost always in opposition we always found him a man. True as steel to his friends, honorable in his actions, standing by his principles no matter who opposed, Comrade Siverd was a grand man in that quiet charity which sought the poor and humble and gave relief, and we know of no better, more fitting epitaph for his memory than the words of the Master: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” So in putting away for all time an honored comrade, a kind husband, a loving father, and good citizen we can only say, “Good friend and true hero, hail and farewell.” A. C. Dispatch.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Monday, October 30, 1893.

Capt. Siverd dead. The mere announcement of the fact brings sadness and profound sorrow to the hearts of the people of this county. How much greater the grief when the manner of his death is made known. A faithful, conscientious officer, brutally murdered while discharging his duties, by a demon in human form. A noble, exemplary citizen removed from the scenes of usefulness by a scoundrel whose name will always be as hateful as the recollections of the great crime he so wantonly committed. A fond wife and loving children, robbed of the protecting arm which has been their shield and armor for many years by a heartless assassin who should receive no mercy at the hands of an outraged community. The rigors of the approaching winter will be felt more keenly by the worthy destitute of Winfield because of the death of their generous friend, Captain Siverd.

Captain Siverd was a man with marked characteristics. He was eccentric, but never a fool. He was radical, but never radically wrong. Though generous almost to a fault, he never encouraged idleness by giving alms to the strong and unworthy. His friendship was as strong and unyielding as chains of steel and his love for universal justice was his guiding star.

A. C. Traveler.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Monday, October 30, 1893.

Saturday evening, Sheriff Nipp, Deputy Sheriff Rothrock, and a COURIER reporter boarded the north-bound Santa Fe train for Wichita to bring the murderers of Captain Siverd from that place to Winfield for their preliminary examination. The officers accompanied by the COURIER reporter arrived in Wichita at 9:30 and immediately went to the jail, where they were received by Sheriff Ault, of Sedgwick County, in a courteous manner, and shown through the jail. Sheriff Ault has some forty prisoners in his care, among whom we noticed Hancher, the express robber. After looking through the jail, the COURIER man requested that he be allowed to interview the murderers of Captain Siverd, who were confined in one of the cells. Sheriff Ault readily consented, and the COURIER man and Deputy Sheriff Rothrock had the following conversation with them. Norton and Wright were in bed, but upon being greeted by the COURIER man and Deputy Rothrock, they at once came to the cell door and talked freely.

Norton said that he, in company with Morgan Wright, left Santa Fe for Joplin, Missouri, at which place Wright made his home before going into the strip; several days before the murder occurred, that while in Joplin, they got into a fight at a bawdy house there and that both were arrested and laid in the Joplin jail for a couple of days and then paid fines and were let out. When he and Wright left Santa Fe, Norton says that they had $500 between the two and that after paying their fine, they “blowed in” the balance of the money against a faro game, and that when they landed in Winfield on the day of the shooting they did not have only a few cents between them. When asked how the trouble commenced which led to the murder of Captain Siverd, Norton stated that as soon as he and Wright landed in Winfield, they proceeded to Frank Manny’s joint on North Main street and began to fill up. In a short time after they had been there Marshal Douglass and Deputy Sheriff Rothrock came and searched them. When Norton observed them coming, he slipped his gun out of his pocket and hid it between a couple of bales of hay, and when Douglass and Rothrock searched him they found no gun. Norton then went down the street. In the meantime Captain Siverd had arrested Frank Thorp, Manny’s cork-puller, and had taken him to jail. After going to the jail Siverd returned up Main street and Norton states that he, Siverd, stepped up to him in front of Cole’s drug store and demanded that he go with him as he had a warrant for his arrest. Norton states that he refused to go on account of the way Siverd talked to him, and that he did not mean to let Siverd land him in jail. When they reached the corner of Main and Ninth—where the murder occurred—Norton saw Wright coming and called on him to help him and told him to shoot the s__ of a b____ and that the “kid” done as he told him to do. He said that he had helped the “kid” out of several scrapes and had saved his life a few weeks before at Perry when a gambler had got the drop on him. Norton first stated that the revolver with which the shooting was done was purchased at Joplin. But when the COURIER man told him that Jennie Lloyd, a lewd woman of Winfield had squealed, he acknowledged that he and Wright had traded some bedding and a couple of hats to her for the gun. Norton said he knew that Siverd had a warrant for him but that the officer did not read it to him.

Wright was not quite so communicative as Norton, but finally said that he and Norton had “chummed” together in the strip and he proposed to stay by him. He said that he had left his wife in Joplin, Missouri, a few days before the opening of the strip and went to the border and entered the strip when it was open. He said that he had got into a row with a gambler at Perry and that he had shot at the gambler and hit a girl, that he immediately left Perry and went to Santa Fe, where he and Norton had trouble with a nigger over a claim. He also said that he had been arrested a number of times and that about a year or so ago at Oklahoma City he got into a row over a girl at a camp-meeting and that he got cut fearfully across the back and laid in bed three months and in jail three months. He said that last July at Independence, Kansas, Melt Cannon was murdered and that the people were going to lynch him for the murder, but that he did not have a hand in it and they let him go. Wright states that when he and Norton landed in Joplin they had $500.00, but they spent it “bucking” faro and paying fines in order to get out of jail. He also states that he and Norton had been drinking in Frank Manny’s joint and that when the marshal came up to search Norton, he picked up the gun from between the hay and put it into his pocket. When asked where he got the gun, he said he had traded Jennie Lloyd some bedding and other things and she gave him $200 and the gun. When Norton was in trouble, he wanted to help him; and when Norton told him to shoot, he did it. He said he had no trouble with Officer Siverd, but that he did not propose to see Norton beat up any. Wright states about 5 o’clock the next morning after the murder he saw a face of fire covered with red whiskers come into his cell in the jail and with wide-open mouth come toward him. Wright pointed his finger at the face, but it still came toward him. He then raised up and grasped the face by its long red whiskers and said: “You s__ of a b____, get out of here, d___ you,” and at that the face disappeared and has not returned. When asked if he was frightened, when arrested, at the thought of the people lynching him, he said that he did not care a d___n if they wanted to string him up; all he wanted was a fair show.

On the way home from Wichita this morning the boys did not seem in the least concerned, but sat in the car seat and told of the many tough scrapes they had been in and smoked cigarettes. They told the COURIER man that if the people of this city attempted to lynch them at the depot, all they wanted was to be turned loose and they would take care of themselves. Tom Wright, the father of the murderers, accompanied the boys from Wichita and feels terribly over the said affair.

Upon arriving here the prisoners were taken before Judge Ingman for a hearing; but the case was postponed until November 9th at 9 o’clock. Wall & O’Brien of Wichita have been engaged to defend the murderers. Sheriff Nipp will keep the prisoners in the jail unless an attempt to lynch them is made, when he will take them back to Wichita.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Tuesday, October 31, 1893.

Capt. Siverd Monument Fund. At a conference of some of those interested in the erection of a monument to Capt. Siverd, held last evening, the following persons were selected as a general committee to take charge of the work of raising funds, procuring and locating the monument. The persons named are requested to meet at P. H. Albright’s office on Saturday, November 4th, at 2 p.m., for the purpose of perfecting an organization.

The following are the committee.

Winfield: W. P. Hackney, W. T. Madden, Rev. B. J. McKernan, Rev. J. C. Miller, P. H. Albright, E. B. Buck, J. P. Winton, John Riley, J. E. Conklin, Edward Pate, W. E. Otis, W. C. Robinson. Added later to committee: Capt. T. A. Morrison.

Arkansas City: T. W. Eckert, O. S. Gibson, M. M. Sinnott.

Burden: John W. Ledlie.

Udall: Dan Winn.

New Salem: Daniel Stiff.

Dexter: Henry Branson.

Cambridge: H. F. Hicks.

Geuda Springs: W. C. Barnes.

[Added later.]

Floral: E. S. Bliss.

Atlanta: S. Sweet.

Rock: Geo. H. Williams.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Wednesday, November 1, 1893.

Capt. Siverd, who was murdered at Winfield Wednesday, formerly lived near Douglass and was well known by the older residents of this locality. He was a brother-in-law to Thos. Daniels, of Providence. He was a man of strong, firm convictions, and had been a brave soldier. Douglass Tribune.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Wednesday, November 1, 1893.

The Douglass Tribune, speaking of the murder of Capt. Siverd says: “This makes the second peace officer that has been shot down from the effects of whiskey in little more than a year. The other instance being the officer killed by Philip Killion but little more than twelve months ago. It looks as though Winfield must decide which she will do without, joints or peace officers.”

The Winfield Daily Courier, Saturday, November 4, 1893.

Another Shooting. This afternoon at 3:30 p.m., Harry Lowe was sitting in front of the Fuller Block, when he was approached by Constable Wilson, who notified him that he had a warrant for his arrest for “pulling corks” some few weeks ago while in the employ of Chas. Schmidt. After some talk Lowe turned and ran up the alley towards the Newspaper Union and across Main street into the joint of Frank Manny closely followed by Wilson, who fired several shots at him, none taking effect. Lowe was arrested by Wilson, Douglass, and Brown, under the bed in the joint. He was taken to Justice Van DeWater’s court and his case set for Nov. 16. His bond was fixed at $500.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Saturday, November 4, 1893.

Ancient Order of United Workmen. Captain Hugh Hicks Siverd, our brother, was struck down by the assassin’s bullet on the 25th day of October, 1893. These words are to perpetuate among workmen the memory of one, who true to the instincts of his nature, faithful to the promptings of his conscience, constant in the love of the law, died in the performance of duty. No country had a truer soldier, no cause a braver champion, no principle a purer victim. He was one of those choicest spirits, who was ever true to his family, true to his friends, true to his country, true to himself and to his God. He was a man whom venality could not corrupt, nor death terrify. From the cause at his heart, the love of his kind, the curse he had seen, the wrong he had felt, he was taught how to live and taught how to die. Now, brethren, let his virtues plead for the right, and his sacrifice command our valor to sustain this cause in which he perished. That these thoughts may live, and be known, we will write them in our records, give a copy to the family, and supply the press.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Monday, November 6, 1893.

The Siverd Monument. The committee on arrangements met at the office of P. H. Albright last Saturday night. The following officers were elected.

P. H. Albright, President; J. E. Riley, Secretary; J. E. Jarvis, Treasurer.

The amount to be subscribed and expended in the monument was $1,500.

The place of erection to be at the northeast corner of the courthouse square.

One thousand certificates of subscription are to be divided among the following committees.

FIRST WARD: J. P. Baden, Col. Loomis, James W. O’Connor, W. C. Robinson, J. E. Conklin, Father McKernan.

SECOND WARD: W. P. Hackney, James Lorton, W. T. Madden, J. P. Winton.

THIRD AND FOURTH WARDS: A. B. Arment, J. B. Lynn, Ed. Pate, Rev. J. C. Miller, Prof. J. W. Spindler, J. E. Jarvis, G. H. Buckman, F. E. Riley.

FIFTH WARD: Prof. M. E. Phillips, Sid Cure, Col. Hamilton, Prof. A. Gridley.

W. P. Hackney and Rev. J. C. Miller were appointed a committee to wait on the Woman’s Relief Corps and organize a subscription committee.

P. H. Albright and Ed. Pate were instructed to organize committees at Arkansas City.

President and secretary were instructed to prepare the subscription tickets.

Meeting adjourned until Saturday evening, November 11th.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Thursday, November 9, 1893.

The preliminary of Morgan Wright and Wilbur Norton was held before Judge Ingman in the city building today. O. M. Seward appeared for the defense and County Attorney Scott and W. P. Hackney for the State. In the case of Wright there were about thirty witnesses examined. He was committed to jail to await trial in the district court without bail. Norton appeared and waived examination, and was bound over to district court without bail.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Thursday, November 16, 1893.

The following is a list of jurors drawn for the December term of the district court.

H. E. Silliman, Winfield; C. D. Soule, Vernon; J. E. Grove, Liberty; C. F. Baxter, Fairview; H. S. Ireton, Ninnescah; B. A. Booten, Bolton; Joseph Disser, Creswell; D. S. Haynes, Maple; Jos. M. Murray, Silverdale; G. R. Dolby, Cedar; A. J. Yarbrough, Richland; A. Goff, Creswell; W. N. Perry, Pleasant Valley; Jno. Carlett, Bolton; J. S. Pollock, Pleasant Valley; P. T. Walton, Silver Creek; J. A. Cox, Walnut; C. J. Boyles, Maple; Jas. Burt, Sheridan; C. A. Bower, Winfield; H. H. Martin, Ninnescah; D. T. Bayless, Beaver; S. D. Winters, Liberty; J. S. Mann, Winfield; Amos Tolles, Pleasant Valley; H. Huffman, Walnut; Jas. Fair, Bolton; Geo T. Wright, Beaver; R. Ramsey, Spring Creek; W. N. Julian, Sheridan; S. G. Ford, Creswell; J. T. Henderson, Sheridan; J. T. Ewen, Walnut; Jonathan Davis, Maple; William Hock, Harvey.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Thursday, November 16, 1893.

As there seems to be a misapprehension on the part of many good citizens of Winfield as to the relation the city council bears towards the liquor joints, allow me to say that during the last two years the city council has been and still is in favor of enforcing our laws and ordinances including the prohibitory law. The following resolutions were presented at the regular meeting of the council, October 16, 1893 (see city clerk’s book, page 252). The roll was called and every councilman but one present voted in its favor and he did not vote.

No jointist has been permitted to prosecute his nefarious business by consent of the city council, nor has any been exempt from prosecution on account of paying any fine by any authority from the city council. Respectfully submitted by the President of the City Council.

WHEREAS, It is believed by many of our best citizens that the city council is “winking” at the law by permitting “joints” to do business in consideration of a monthly fine paid into the city treasury.

Resolved, That we as a city council, are emphatically opposed to “joints,” bawdy houses, and all other places of immoral and degrading tendencies.

Resolved, That as a city council we favor the faithful enforcement of the prohibitory law as well as other laws for the suppression of vice and the protection of the people.

Resolved, That we instruct the police authorities to use the utmost vigilance in securing evidence against violators of the law and to put forth as earnest an effort in the prosecution of keepers of “joints” and bawdy houses as in the prosecution of other law breakers.

Resolved, That we disclaim having even a tacit understanding with “joint” keepers that in consideration of a fine paid monthly into our city treasury they might be permitted to continue their business each month.

The above resolutions were not published in the COURIER at the time of the meeting on account of the sickness of the local editor and no report of the meeting was made.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Saturday, November 18, 1893.

Society First Ohio Vol. Cavalry, Columbus, Ohio, November 4, 1893.

Mrs. Hugh H. Siverd, Winfield, Kansas. Dear Madam: Words are inadequate to express our great sorrow at the unexpected death of your dear husband and our loved comrade.

Next to you and your children, we feel this stroke keenest. Four years of hard service through the most active campaigns of the war for the Union endeared him to us by the strongest earthly tie that unites man to man. When men face death together on the field of battle, their lives are cemented and they become identified in sympathy, in love, and in feelings more closely than by any other association. Thus we were joined to Hugh H. Siverd, and the more so because he was ever active, bold, determined, and fearless in the cause for which he fought. Had he died on the field of battle, we would have mourned his loss, but we could have been more easily reconciled because such would have been only the fate which might come to any brave soldier, but to have safely passed through the trials and hardships of war, to be shot to death in his own city and at his own home by the hands of an outlaw adds a bitter sting to our sorrow. Our hearts go out in sympathy to you and to your children with a depth we cannot express; we imagine your sorrow and sorrow with you; accept our condolence from the hearts of comrades. Our hearts with yours are made lighter in this great bereavement because he died doing his duty at his post defending the right; and because his integrity and his worth was known and appreciated by all good people in the community in which he lived. Allow us through you to heartily thank the good citizens of Winfield and Cowley County for the acts and words of kindness and love with which they have so fully expressed their appreciation of Hugh and their sympathy for his family.

We do assure you that these are the sentiments of all of the members of the First Ohio Vol. Cavalry, feebly expressed. It will afford us much gratification if at your convenience, you will write to us and give the exact date of Hugh’s death and such particulars as you may be pleased to mention; also the name and age of each of his children. We are interested in knowing more of you and yours. Hoping and trusting that God and good friends may assist and sustain you, we remain ever truly your comrades.

JOHN W. CHAPIN, President; W. L. CURRY, Secretary.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Monday, November 20, 1893.

Point Loma, California, Nov. 10, 1893.

Editor Courier: The last issue of your paper lies before me with a full account of the tragic death and imposing obsequies of the late Capt. Siverd.

After reading the many tributes to his qualities as a man and officer, I sat with the paper in hand meditating over days gone by and thus lived in memory through many scenes in which he was an actor. I said to myself, if it were possible to take away from the history of Winfield during the past thirteen years all the moral force exerted by Capt. Siverd in behalf of temperance and the enforcement of law—all the days and nights he had spent in assisting in bringing offenders to justice, how different might have been the result.

During a very intimate acquaintance of many years, my memory does not recall a single instance where he ever wavered in discharge of duty, and however dark and foreboding the future appeared, he never, to my knowledge, hesitated or for one moment despaired. You can very readily recall times, when, to the stoutest hearts it seemed as if the flood gates of perjury from the witness stand and jury box were wide open and to all appearance it seemed as if the law and constitution must be ignominiously trampled under the feet of the lawless, yet even then his counsel was always hopeful and he seemed to have a sublime conviction that the right must triumph and thus he worked and waited. How often I, as doubtless many others, have heard him in that weird, impetuous manner peculiarly his own, pout out his intense hatred of the demon of drink, which at one time had almost hopelessly ensnared him. I have always thought, that having felt the strength of its ruinous coils, he felt, to be safe, he must keep up a constant warfare, and that the language of the old psalmist, “Yes, I must fight, if I would win,” expressed his conviction.

In many respects he occupied a wonderfully unique position among his fellow men. I don’t think he ever had a friendship so dear that he did not at times risk it by some criticism. This propensity to tell both friend and foe of faults was perhaps his greatest obstacle to political preferment especially where he was not well known. To his most intimate acquaintances he was a constant mentor and as persistent as the human conscience.

One of his chief delights was in dispensing charity. Of slender purse and with a large family to support, his own gifts in money were necessarily small, yet I think it can be safely said that he was the instrument in giving more relief to the needy than any one man in Winfield, if not in the state of Kansas. Having been reared in poverty, he knew its haunts; every storm reminded him of the consequent suffering. Every epidemic told him the poor must suffer most. The pinched cheek and shivering form were familiar to him and he never tired in his efforts for relief. What he could not do himself, he besought others to do. He knew the worthy poor and the charitable rich and brought them together. I recall one man for whom he distributed goods and money of much value in silent charity—that kind of charity that has its reward in the consciousness of doing good. Few men will be missed more than he, and very few have possessed the confidence of a community so thoroughly as he. His bitterest enemies never doubted his integrity or honesty of purpose and whether his life should have ceased when it did or have gone on for years it must have been sadly missed when it ended. My wife, who knew him almost as well as I, said, at once, on hearing the sad news, that she believed if he could have had a choice, he would have chosen to die in the heroic discharge of duty rather than in the gloom of a sick chamber, or in the decrepitude of old age.

The saddest thoughts I have are that he was not spared to see his family grown up and in an honorable way for a livelihood, which I know was one of his chief desires, and that he was not permitted to longer enjoy that comparative degree of freedom from financial distress which had partially clouded so many years of his life. Just as the future years gave promise of a cessation of the anxious cares that had been his portion, he was cut down on the very threshold of a happier existence by the recreant hand of a worthless outlaw. It is indeed sad to contemplate and hard to reconcile to our human notions of the fitness of things.

May his family have the consideration they deserve from the community in which, and for which he lived, and may his children grow up and honor their father’s memory and become as useful members of society as he was is my earnest wish. F. S. JENNINGS.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Monday, November 27, 1893.

EDITOR COURIER: I can heartily endorse all the eulogies I have seen in print or have heard orally of the brave and true Captain H. H. Siverd. I fully appreciate the purity and nobility of the motive that inspired so many of our representative men to subscribe so liberally towards the erection of a granite monument to perpetuate his memory. And as a humble citizen of Winfield and one who was intimately acquainted with Siverd for the last thirteen years, and have so often heard him express with his own peculiar emphasis, what seemed to be the strongest desires of his soul, that I cannot but think that the $1,500 proposed to be put in a stone monument could be used in other ways that would do greater honor to his memory, and would be far more in accordance with his own most cherished and strongest wishes, than the monument would be.

In the first place, as a loving father, one of his highest ambitions was to give his children a collegiate education. He seemed really to mourn because he was financially unable to do it. His next highest ambition, and the one which cost him his life, was the full enforcement of all our laws, especially the prohibition law, and the just punishment of all law-breakers. The third one was the providing for the needs of soldiers’ widows and their children, who from any cause were unable to provide for themselves. I fully believe that the appropriation of the $1,500 for any one, or for all of the three objects named above, as the monument committee in their wisdom might determine, would be a greater honor to his memory, and one more in accord with his own wishes, and that would in the long run do a thousand times more good than a granite monument. In a little while the monument would lose its power for good, while these others would go on with accumulating force to be seen in his children and in the redemption of Winfield from the curse of law breakers, and the blessing that would come to the soldier’s widow and his children. I am in for the monument to our heroic, noble dead, in the ways I have indicated, instead of the stone monument. What say our citizens? Yours for the best. S. S. HOLLOWAY, Winfield, Kansas, November 23, 1893.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Wednesday, December 20, 1893.

Court convened at 9 o’clock this morning with the case of the State vs. Morgan Wright on the docket. The readers of the COURIER are all familiar with the history of the crime wherein Captain Siverd was foully murdered while in the discharge of his duty. Morgan Wright was arrested as the murderer and Wilber Norton as his accomplice. The men were given a preliminary examination before Judge Ingman and were bound over to the district court. Both the prisoners were brought before Judge Jackson, charged with murder in the first degree, and both plead not guilty. The trial of Morgan Wright was then begun and Norton will be tried as soon as Wright’s trial is over. County Attorney Scott is prosecuting, being assisted by W. P. Hackney and Madden & Buckman. O. M. Seward is conducting the defense for Wright; Smith & Cogdal are attorneys for Norton. All the afternoon has been consumed in getting a jury and at the time of going to press a jury had not been secured.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Thursday, December 21, 1893.

The district court after exhausting the entire venire of the jurors drawn for this term of court instructed the sheriff to choose fifty men as talesmen and to empanel a jury from them. After so doing a jury was secured at 12 o’clock and at 1:30 the witnesses for the prosecution were called and sworn, when the trial of Morgan Wright, for his life, was begun.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Friday, December 22, 1893.

A death like silence pervaded the courtroom as the jury filed slowly in after being out twenty-five minutes and the verdict was handed to Clerk Fuller, who read: “We the jury find Morgan Wright guilty of murder in the first degree.”

The trial commenced yesterday morning and all day yesterday was consumed in examining witnesses for the state. This forenoon the witnesses were examined for the defense and at 10:30, the witnesses for the defense being all examined, W. T. Madden began his plea for the prosecution.

He made an able address and was followed by W. D. Halfhill for the defense. W. P. Hackney closed the case for the state, speaking for an hour or more and making a good plea. In referring to his friend H. H. Siverd, he completely broke down and for some moments his feelings gave way to indescribable grief.

The jury was given instructions by Judge Jackson and at 2:30 were sent to the jury room. After being out twenty-five minutes, they returned with the verdict above given.

Immediately after the closing of the Wright case, the case of the State vs. Norton was called and a jury empaneled, and the State was just preparing to call its witnesses when they were interrupted by the jury returning in the Morgan case.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Friday, December 22, 1893.

The following are the names of the jury in the Wright murder trial: Chas. W. Grimes, Ira Burnett, C. C. Daugherty, R. W. Hess, S. W. Berger, S. G. Ford, all of Arkansas City; William M. Stout, Udall; John Daris, Red Bud; Jack Anglemyer, Winfield; Frank Hadley, W. A. Staten, and James Fair all of Bolton Township. George Lockwood is bailiff.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Saturday, December 23, 1893.

The murderers of Capt. H. H. Siverd have been found guilty of murder in the first degree, and must now pay the penalty for committing one of the most horrible crimes ever perpetrated in the history of Cowley County. Last October Constable H. H. Siverd arrested, after a severe struggle, Wilbur Norton and on the way to the county jail was met by Norton’s pal, who drew a revolver and taking deliberate aim, fired the shot that killed one of the noblest, bravest, and best loved men that the citizens ever knew. They were both promptly arrested and placed in the county jail and yesterday the first of the criminals was found guilty of murder in the first degree by a jury of twelve honest citizens of the county.

Immediately after the close of Wright’s trial, that of Norton’s was begun and was continued until 10:30 last evening when the state rested their side and this morning the council for the defense brought forward their witnesses. They finished their side of the examination at 10:30 o’clock this morning after which J. C. Pollock began the plea for the state. He was followed by John Cogdal on behalf of the defense. Prosecuting Attorney Scott closed the case for the state in a masterpiece of oratory and an able address. He reviewed the case from the beginning up to the close of the evidence taken, and the verdict rendered by the jury is in a great part due to the speech of Geo. W. Scott. The jury was out but thirty minutes when they returned and the clerk read the verdict above given.

Although there could have been but little room for the defense and the evidence was all plain, the prosecution conducted by W. P. Hackney, Madden & Buckman, and Geo. W. Scott in the case of Morgan Wright, while Geo. W. Scott made one of the best and most able prosecutions in the last case, assisted by J. C. Pollock, that has been made for a number of years in the Cowley County courtroom.

The sentence will probably be pronounced by Judge Jackson, sometime next week, and will bring to a close one of the most daring and heartless murders ever committed in this state.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Tuesday, December 26, 1893.

ED. COURIER: It is gratifying that the cases of Wright and Norton were set on an early day, and that a quick and impartial trial has been had, resulting in conviction of both of them of murder in the first degree. On the day Capt. Siverd was shot, some otherwise excellent citizens urged lynching. Others insisted that the murderers would have a fair trial and be punished; and the tendency to repeat the violation of law by lynching was averted.

What is needed in all cases, is a speedy and impartial trial of offenders, and there would be little occasion and little fear of unlawful hangings. There has been too many such in this county. But the courts and their officers, the lawyers and the juries, have not been without blame. Trials of offenders have not always been impartial. Too often courts and juries have leaned altogether too much in favor of criminals; and almost universally delays of all kinds have been sought and granted, when the only effect has been to weaken the prosecution and strengthen the defense. The rules of the courts were adopted favoring those charged with crime in the cruder conditions of society following the times when Jefferies held the bloody assassins in England, and convicted every man charged before him, administering terrible penalties for minor offenses. The times have changed and the tendency has been toward sympathy for violators of the law—often far too much so. The administration of the law by the courts has also become much less severe. It is time we all, including the courts, cultivate a sympathy for the well being of society at large, and that at least there be some presumption in the courts indulged in favor of law abiding citizens. These cases, so far, have undoubtedly resulted righteously and the work has been promptly done. It is hoped other steps will follow in all courts and all cases towards giving to society generally a fair chance. Of course, complete reforms do not come at once; but the demand of the times is in that direction. The burning of the courthouse and records and destruction of much other property in Cincinnati, a few years since, and many a case of lynching in different parts of the country, and much other violence might have been avoided, if attorneys employed in the defense of criminals had, while faithful to their clients, acted the part of citizens desiring the welfare of society around them, more than the escape of a guilty person. Once the courts had always required such conduct of them, and held the scales of justice without tipping them towards those charged with crime. Experience has proved that the policy of the law as administered in this respect has not been sound. Too many criminals have escaped through the tendency to give every question a construction in favor of the defendant, and failure to recognize the fact that society itself has rights. It may well be doubted, in the present condition of society whether the “greatest good to the greatest number” would not be secured by a more cold and absolutely impartial course, or if you prefer to so state it, a sympathy at least as full and hearty for peaceable and law loving citizens and their interests as for those indicted for crimes. Such a tendency, well carried out, both by courts and juries, would save many a lynching, and other effort at righting wrongs by unlawful means.

Quick and certain punishment of the guilty, and similar acquittal of the innocent, is the demand of the times. GEORGE ORDWAY.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Wednesday, December 27, 1893.

Two months ago today Capt. H. H. Siverd was laid to rest in that silent tomb and it is fitting today that his murderers should be sentenced to that living tomb never more to see the free light of God nor to breathe his free air until upon the morning of the day of their doom. Two months ago one of the best loved citizens ever known was laid to rest. While today two of the worst criminals that ever polluted this green footstool of God, by their dastardly conduct towards mankind, are sentenced to be taken to a tomb that is far too good for such inhuman cattle.

The law of this state and the integrity of her officers are placed above reproach. There can be no doubt, and every citizen of this republic that has known of this terrible deed can read the verdict, peruse the sentence, and say that the law did take its course and it has nobly done its work. There has been idle talk of these boys never being found guilty of this deed, by a few shallow minded numbskulls; but today the court and officers of this county have fully exonerated themselves in the eyes of the most pessimistic people and have given two culprits a fair trial and they now are to receive their just desserts.

At nine thirty this morning they were taken to the courtroom where Judge Jackson passed the following sentence upon them. He said: “The deponents will stand up and receive sentence. Morgan Wright and Wilbur Norton, each of you have been tried and convicted of murder in the first degree. Have either of you any legal cause to show as to why sentence should not be passed upon the verdict herein rendered? You say that you have none. Then have either of you, or anyone for you, anything to say before court passes sentence?” [No response.] The court then said: “It is not necessary for the court to multiply words in giving sentence. The court is satisfied that what it might say will be received by you with that same stoical indifference which you have shown all through the trial. All during this trial you have exhibited a hardness of heart which is hard to understand in a human being. The court is satisfied that each of you have had a fair and impartial trial before an honest, fair-minded jury. Indeed, it is sad that two young men who have not yet reached the full vigor of young manhood, should receive the sentence which the law demands in their case. It is sad for the court and it regrets the necessity, but stern duty demands it, as well as society; that none of us should falter in the discharge of our trust. Without a moments warning and in the public thoroughfare of this city, you shot down and killed one of God’s noblemen, while he was in the discharge of his official duty. It was one of the most cold blooded and dastardly murders which has ever come under the observation of this court. The only mitigating circumstance which you offer was that you were drinking, and that cannot avail for you anything in this court. At this dark hour of your lives, the court will not indulge in unnecessary harsh words, but wishes to offer here its pity and sympathy. It will therefore be the judgment of the court that each of you be conveyed from here to the county jail of this county and from there, without necessary delay, you be conveyed by the sheriff of this county to the penitentiary of the state of Kansas and be delivered to the warden thereof, where you will remain in confinement until upon proper legal authority and in manner and form provided by law, you, and each of you, be executed by being hung by the neck until you are dead, and may God have mercy on your souls.”

The Winfield Daily Courier, Thursday, December 28, 1893.

Last evening as the north-bound Santa Fe train pulled out, it bore Sheriff Nipp and Undersheriff Jas. Rothrock with Wilbur Norton, Morgan Wright, Chas. Roberts, and Col. Parker. The last named to be conveyed to the reform school at Topeka, and the others to Lansing. The two former ones to serve a sentence behind those grim walls of the penitentiary and never more to leave there unless it be upon the morn of their burial.

A COURIER reporter called on them in their cell last evening just before their departure, and in the conversation that followed they each spoke very hopefully of the future and expressed regret that their lives had been spent as they had. All the braggadocio, which had marked them throughout the trial, had seemingly left them. Morgan Wright said: “I feel as though a great weight was laid upon me that is bound to crush life out of me. I don’t believe that I was justly convicted and that either of us came here and premeditated murder. I wish to extend my sympathy to the widow of the man that I killed, and were it possible to extract the soul from this early clay, I would willingly do so, and serve eternally in hell could I but restore that man.” Tears came in the boy’s eyes and a marked change came over him that had not been noticeable before. Norton said, “I am indeed sorry that I ever let Morgan have the gun; had I not done so we could have been free men today. Morgan was drunk and when I told him to kill Captain, he done so. My life has never been very much, and very little good has been found in it. Had I used my talents in the other direction, I might have been farther up the ladder on the other end than I am down it tonight. I wish to say that if I had never seen liquor that this never would have happened, for that is what has placed me in all the trouble I have been in. Tell the boys to let it alone for it is born of trouble and creates devilishness.” He spoke of his folks and said that none of them knew where he was and that not one word has ever been sent them. “I got in this trouble without their help and now I must get out of it,” he said. After taking the boys downstairs, goodbyes were exchanged by the many who knew them and then the parting of the aged mother and father of Morgan. With tears in her eyes and sobs which seemed to tear the soul from its frame, they bid each other a long farewell. Who knows but that it will be the last, and an aged mother turned from him a murderer, to seek solace in a life darker than the tomb, robbed of all the joys of life, only to hope and wait to see the face of her boy, now a criminal for life, waiting to embrace the one who is dearer than life to her, and were he covered all over with the brands of infamy and crime, she would clasp him to her bosom and weep for joy. Anybody, of the crowd assembled to witness their departure, could not have restrained the tears, could they have looked into the soul of that desolate woman. To think that the hearts of two mothers and christian women of God’s own form and likeness of that son who died to save others, could create in his own image one that would break the hearts of such noble women.

What has been done in such cases is seldom repairable, and last night as the train slowly steamed out of the depot it closed the book containing chapters of one of the most horrible crimes ever committed in our beautiful city.

Let us believe that in spite of the doubts, dogmas, and fears and uncertainties that the finger of Him who said that “Though your sins be as scarlet, I will make them as snow,” may touch the hearts of those boys and that they may yet see that angel mother in another world, if not in this.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Saturday, December 30, 1893.

The murderers of Captain Siverd at Winfield have been sentenced to be hanged. This simple sentence in Kansas, however, does not necessarily make them “bad risks” for life insurance companies. Douglass Tribune.

A lifetime spent in a coal mine is rather “risky business.”

The Winfield Daily Courier, Wednesday, January 31, 1894.

The Siverd Memorial. On the evening of February 12th an entertainment will be given in the Grand Opera House, under the direction of Miss Blanche Smith, of the college, for the benefit of the poor of the city of Winfield. The entertainment has been named the Siverd Memorial, in memory of the late Capt. H. H. Siverd, who more than any other citizen, was abundant in deeds of kindness toward the deserving poor within our gates. Since he as a soldier so bravely fought for his country, as a citizen so nobly lived what he professed, as an officer so fearlessly died in performance of duty in defense of a cause the noblest in the land, the program will consist entirely of temperance and patriotic selections—given in recitation, song, and tableau. The best talent in the college and city will devote their best efforts, without charge, to make the entertainment successful in every respect. Let the citizens do their part in giving a full house, knowing that the entire proceeds will be put into the hands of a committee who will distribute to the most needy in this their great time of need. Remember the date, February 12th.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Saturday, February 3, 1894.

The following appeared in the press dispatches of last evening’s papers.

ASSUMED EACH OTHER’S SENTENCE. LEAVENWORTH, Kansas, February 1.

There was consternation among the officials of the Kansas penitentiary today over the almost successful attempt to escape of a prisoner under sentence of death.

On December 27, 1893, the sheriff of Cowley County brought to the penitentiary Morgan Wright and Wilbur Norton, under sentence of death, and Charles Roberts for three years for burglary. The prison officials claim that in recording the new arrivals in the presence of the sheriff, Roberts and Norton exchanged names and assumed each other’s sentence. Accordingly Roberts was put in the coal shafts and treated as a life prisoner, while Norton was worked outside under guard. Lately he acted queer and it is said made an effort to escape today. It also came to the knowledge of the prison officials today, through a convict who worked himself in the confidence of Roberts, that there was a conspiracy among the Cowley County trio for Norton to get on the three year sentence, when he (Roberts) would soon after give his right identity, and if necessary be taken out on habeas corpus. This evening Roberts was brought up and made a confession to the officials and said it was made up among the prisoners on the train while coming to the pen. The prison officials are boldly making allegations against the Cowley County officials.

A COURIER reporter called at the county jail today and was informed that ex-Sheriff J. B. Nipp had left for Santa Fe last evening; hence an interview was impossible. Undersheriff Rothrock was present and as he held the same position under the former administration that he does at present, he was shown the dispatch and asked, “Have you any statement or do you know anything of the allegations made?” He replied, “No, I do not, I am not the one to be interviewed and could only act under the order of my superior officer. As you know the night of our taking Norton, Wright, and Roberts to the penitentiary we had one other prisoner, Col. Parker, to be taken to the reform school. I guarded the prisoners as far as Topeka and can positively say that nothing was said among them but that I heard and nothing of the kind, spoken of in this article, happened while I was with them. At Topeka I left the sheriff with his assistant, and by his orders took the colored boy to the reform school. Aside from this I have nothing to say and know nothing.” Sheriff Skinner was asked if he knew anything of it. He said, “I have heard of this for some few days, but do not believe one word of it.” When asked who he learned it of, he declined to say, and remarked again, “I believe should an investigation be made, everything would be found correct.” The COURIER regrets that Cowley County or one of her officers should have a slur cast upon their names, and it is believed that when Capt. Nipp is called upon for an interview that such corrections will be made as will set right and remove all doubt as to the willful neglect of any of our officers.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Monday, February 5, 1894.

This morning Ex-Sheriff Nipp came up from Newkirk, and after reading the report in Saturday’s COURIER of the attempt of Wilbur Norton to escape from the penitentiary at Leavenworth, made the following statement:

“I left Winfield with Wilbur Norton, Morgan Wright, and Charles Roberts, and had them chained and shackled in order to prevent any attempt they might make to escape. Deputy Sheriff Rothrock, J. B. Nipp, Jr., my son, and myself started with the prisoners. At Holliday I met Warden Chase and he knew two of the prisoners after I pointed out Wright and Norton. My undersheriff, Mr. Rothrock, left me at Topeka and my son and myself went on to the penitentiary. After we got to the penitentiary, I went into the clerk’s office and delivered my commitment papers and the prisoners and got my receipt. The outside guard, Sam Strong, noticed us and remarked that he ‘knew Norton and also Wright.’ I turned my prisoners over to the officers and then left the office and went with Mike Markum to look through the prison. In regard to the scheme which the prisoners may have concocted to change names, I am entirely ignorant. I sat upon the opposite seat from them on the way up to the prison for the reason that I wanted to prevent any attempt they might make to escape. In conclusion, I wish to state that if the officials at the penitentiary do not know what kind of men they have in charge, they should employ someone to guard the jail, for I consider Norton, Wright, and Roberts three of the most desperate criminals ever inside of the walls of the Kansas penitentiary.”

The Winfield Daily Courier, Tuesday, February 6, 1894.

A memorial entertainment for the benefit of the poor of Winfield, will be given at the Opera house in this city on Monday evening, February 12, 1894, in honor of Capt. H. H. Siverd, by Miss Blanche Smith and her assistants. The proceeds will be received by Rev. Ebright and he and Rev. Miller and Parker as a committee will distribute the same over payment for the Opera house. A magnificent entertainment is promised and an opportunity given every person in Winfield to help the needy. Don’t stay away, let everybody come, you that are more fortunate may be the victim later on, you that have may lose by and by, so help those who are unfortunate today. W. P. HACKNEY.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Wednesday, February 7, 1894.

EDITOR WINFIELD COURIER: In reply to your letter of yesterday regarding the Norton-Wright attempted escape, and asking whether or not Captain Nipp stood by and saw them register the wrong names; I have to inform you that Wilbur Norton was not associated with the plan further than having knowledge that it was to be attempted. Morgan Wright was the man that was to escape. The facts in the case are these.

Charles Roberts was measured and registered as Morgan Wright, and Morgan Wright, as Charles Roberts. Charles Roberts, as you doubtless know, was convicted in Cowley County on a charge of grand larceny, and was sentenced to two years imprisonment in this prison. And Morgan Wright, as you know, was sentenced to be hung.

Wright had a large scar on his back, the effects of a knife wound, and on that account the prison physician excused him from working in the mine for the present. We, of course, supposed him to be Charles Roberts, the two-year man. Wright worked in the cell house. We would in all probability never have discovered the game, had it not been that Wright has acquaintances here who know him quite well, who gave him away, which led me to investigate. I took Morgan Wright before two or three convicts here who had known him before he came for the purpose of identification. I then had Roberts before me, and told him that I had discovered everything, and threatened to take he and Wright back to Cowley County for identification, telling him at the time that I would not be responsible should they be hung if I were so compelled to take them back there, which caused him to yield and confess all. I then had Wright brought to my office and he acknowledged and admitted that it was an attempt whereby he should escape. I then sent for Norton, who likewise confessed, and said the scheme was concocted while they were in the jail at Winfield.

Now as to Capt. Nipp’s part in the transaction and his being present in the clerk’s office when they gave their names wrong, I will say that such was the case, as Deputy Warden Markum and other officers who were in the room at the time these prisoners were received can testify. Deputy Markum and my son, Seth, both say that Captain Nipp pointed out Roberts as being Wright, the man that murdered Captain Siverd. I met Captain Nipp at Holliday, as he was in transit with the prisoners to this place, and he pointed out Roberts to me and told me it was Wright.

These are facts just as they occurred. Should the plan have been successful, Morgan Wright would have been released in two years, then, in all probability, Roberts would have gotten out on a writ of habeas corpus. Respectfully yours, S. W. CHASE, Warden K. S. P.

The Winfield Daily Courier, Wednesday, February 7, 1894.

A COURIER reporter met deputy Sheriff Rothrock this morning and asked him about the Norton-Roberts affair and the statement of Ex-Sheriff Nipp, which appeared in Monday’s COURIER. Mr. Rothrock stated that as far as he knew the statement of Capt. Nipp was correct, and that he left the sheriff and the prisoners at Topeka and if there was any scheme being concocted to escape he was not aware of it.

The Memorial to Capt. H. H. Siverd.

A STAR IN THE PAVEMENT at the northeast intersection of Ninth and Main marks the spot where Capt. H. H. Siverd, Winfield peace officer, was slain in the line of duty in 1893. The star was made from gold and bronze lodge emblems of Captain Siverd’s comrades in the various lodges and G.A.R. He was commander of the G.A.R. post at the time of his death and later the Winfield post was named for him.

RKW tried to learn more about Morgan Wright and Wilbur Norton.

He wrote a letter November 12, 1990, to Richard A. Mills, Kansas Secretary of Corrections, Jayhawk Towers, 700 Jackson, Suite 500, Topeka, Kansas 66603, re Hugh H. Siverd being murdered by Morgan Wright and Wilbur Norton.

[RKW had a penned note stating: “Wright sentenced to one year in pen and thereafter to be hanged, and to pay cost of this action of $511.90. The same applied to Norton.”

In letter of November 12, 1990, to Mills RKW stated:

“According to a 1966 report by Charles McAtee, there were no hangings done between November 22, 1888, and March 9, 1944.

“Recently one of the older ladies in Winfield told me that the boys were released in a few years and one of them returned to Winfield, where he died in a few weeks of T. B.

“I have checked with the District Court in Cowley County and the court records end with Morgan Wright and Wilbur Norton being sent to the State Penitentiary.

“Would you please have one of your staff look at the older records to see what was the fate of these two boys? If there is a charge for this service, please advise.”

A response came to RKW from Terry Harmon, Assistant State Archivist, Kansas State Historical Society, Center for Historical Research, 120 West Tenth, Topeka, Kansas 66612-1291...Phone: (913) 296-3251. Secondary address given on letterhead: Kansas Museum of History, 6425 South West Sixth, Topeka, Kansas 66615-1099...Phone: (913) 272-8681.

[Historical Society moved into new quarters after 1990.]

Carbon copy of letter sent by Harmon was mailed to Bill Miskell, Kansas Dept. of Corrections [address not given].

Response was dated December 10, 1990.

“Your letter addressed to Richard A. Mills, Kansas Secretary of Corrections, has been referred to me because most noncurrent records of the Kansas State Penitentiary have been transferred to the state archives.

“There is considerable information about Morgan Wright in the records of the penitentiary and also in the pardon and parole records of the governor’s office. On January 13, 1913, his sentence was commuted by Governor Walter R. Stubbs ‘to 25 years less good time,’ and he was released from the prison on May 15, 1913. On December 1, 1913, Governor George H. Hodges granted him the citizenship pardon which customarily was issued upon the expiration of an inmate’s term.

“Enclosed are photocopies of several of the numerous documents in the pardon and parole file for Morgan Wright. One of them is a newspaper article which asserts that Norton and a third inmate attempted to impersonate each other when they arrived at the penitentiary. The entries in Prisoner Ledger G, pp. 362-365, confirm that this episode occurred but that it was Wright, rather than Norton, who attempted to switch identities with a third inmate named Charles Roberts, when all three men arrived at the penitentiary from Cowley County on the same day, December 28, 1893. According to this prisoner ledger, moreover, Wright was 21 when he reached the penitentiary, and not 17 as is asserted in some of the letters requesting that his sentence be commuted.

“My search for information about Wilbur Norton left me baffled by incomplete and conflicting entries in the available records. His pardon and parole file is missing (as are those of many other individuals). According to vol. C, p. 26, of the Record of Pardons and Commutations, Norton’s sentence was commuted to 19 years by Governor Edward W. Hoch on September 10, 1908. One index says that he subsequently was discharged on March 18, 1909, while another says it was March 9, 1912, but I could not find confirmation of either of these dates in the monthly penitentiary reports of prisoners discharged, which were submitted to the governor’s office, nor in a record of prisoners discharged compiled at the penitentiary. The latter two sources indicate that Norton was released on January 14, 1910.

“In one of the enclosed documents there is a reference to Norton’s having been paroled and then returned to the prison. I have been unable to find any confirmation of this in the monthly penitentiary reports of prisoners received which were sent to the governor’s office during the period from 1908 through 1914. There is a comment in an expiration and discharge record that Norton ‘hung himself with wire,’ but I have been unable to find a date for that or verify that it actually occurred. If he did commit suicide while in the penitentiary, that would explain why I found no entries for him in the records of citizenship pardons transferred to the archives from the governor’s office.

“It might be possible to learn more about the fate of these two men through extensive research in our large newspaper collection and in other holdings of the State Historical Society. We would be pleased to make these materials available for your research use if you could visit Topeka. I am afraid, however, that I have already devoted more time to this matter than our staff usually can afford to spend on each of the many requests for information which we receive.

“If basic biographical data and physical descriptions of Wright and Norton would interest you, I would be pleased to send you photocopies of the prisoner ledger entries for them at a cost of $2.00. We also could photocopy the additional pages of documents in Morgan Wright’s pardon and parole file, but it would cost 25 cents per page for the 181 documents, or a total of $45.25, and I do not believe they would tell you much that is not included in the enclosed photocopies. They are mostly letters and petitions submitted to the governor by persons supporting or opposing executive clemency for Wright, with responses written by the governor’s clerk.

“It also might be possible to find glass negatives of penitentiary ‘mug shots’ from which our staff photographers could prepare photographic prints for you, in accordance with the enclosed fee schedule. We generally wait until we find out whether a patron wants such photographs before conducting the time-consuming search necessary to locate the negatives. A rather cumbersome numbering system was used in arranging them when the mug shots originally were taken at the prison.

“I hope that your research efforts are successful and that the information I am sending you will be helpful. Sincerely, /S/ Terry Harmon, Assistant State Archivist.”

[At top of each document someone had written “709”]

Arkansas City, Kansas, Nov. 20, 1908.

Gov. E. W. Hoch, Topeka, Kansas.

Honorable Sir:

Had hoped to hear of Morgan Wright’s pardon ere this. As am interested, permit me to urge favorable consideration.

I enclose some clippings from the Winfield Courier. The Editor promised he would not publish anything, but presume he was pressed. However, if carefully read, you will note it does not attack Wright as much as Norton, even conceding that Wright will be pardoned. It also shows how drunk Wright was. I am glad you have pardoned Norton, but nevertheless it is true that the people of Winfield have always had a more kindly feeling towards Wright than Norton.

When Mrs. Leonard started out with the petition, I knew what a stir it would make, and that protests would be hastened to you. The bereaved Siverd family have continued to live in Winfield, and the citizens feel sentimentally bound to fight for them, but in their hearts, many of the wiser ones would be glad to drop the feud. The Wrights were a respected family, and their removal from the city gave the enemy full prey.

In considering the protests you have probably received, please remember they come from citizens who made no effort to suppress the sale of whiskey to these victims, who were ensnared into the crime by the influence of liquor alone. And now they arise in a body and demand you to punish the other fellow, but not to consider them a party to the crime, or trample on their rights of justice or vengeance. Your temperance work in this State has been too grand for me to fear the weight of these protests.

According to law, the penalty for their crime is from 5 to 21 years. The full limit of the sentence would be for the hardened criminal. This was the first offense of a drunken boy, rather than a malicious desperado, and the 15 years he has served would be a very just sentence.

I am eager for this man’s pardon, because the golden days of your administration are swiftly passing, and another Governor will not consider pardons during the early part of his reign. Morgan Wright has waited patiently for his turn, and I hope another may not be allowed to take his place. If he is forgotten, it means more years of heaviness for his sister and father, and a hopeless, discouraged life to Morgan, with most of his friends free, and he left alone to brood over a bitter life. He cannot undo the past, but I know he is trying to live a christian life today. If possible, I beg of you to grant this prisoner a Thanksgiving pardon. There is no one more worthy.

Hoping I may have a favorable reply, I remain,

Yours very truly, Viola Bishop

503 W. 5th St.

[She enclosed an undated newspaper clipping, which I gather came from the Courier.]

THE SIVERD STAR.

Bronze Emblem in Walk at Ninth and Main Attracting Attention.

The story of the pardoning of Wilber Norton in Monday’s Courier was much the topic of conversation in Winfield Tuesday. Indignation runs high, and condemnation of the governor’s act in commuting the sentence is very general. Many have been heard to say that Norton had better be careful to not venture into Winfield after he is discharged. The stern demand for justice made by the citizens the day the crime was committed was held in lawful bounds by the promise that the criminals should suffer the full penalty of their act. It is doubtful if there would be any violence now, fifteen years after the occurrence, but it would be much safer for Norton not to risk it.

The star of bronze set in the walk a few feet south of the corner of the Cowley County bank steps that marks the spot where Captain Siverd fell, was the object of more attention Tuesday than it has been for a long time. Stories and incidents connected with the happening of fifteen years ago were repeated and one of these, whether true or not, is full of interest, and has not before appeared in print.

It is said by trustworthy persons, that S. W. Chase, of Tisdale, then warden of the state penitentiary, will vouch for the verity of this story. If it is as he is said to have told it, it unfolds a surprising chapter of conspiracy more cunning than a plot of Dumas. It was no less than a plan to effect the escape of Norton by his impersonating another.

The story is that when the sheriff took Norton and Wright to the pen he took another prisoner, name not now remembered, who had a three year sentence for larceny. With good time off this would be little over two years. When they got to the pen, the sheriff presented the three year [part of clipping chopped off].

[ca. Nov. 9, 1910]

SEE WRIGHT WHEN AT PENITENTIARY, learn of his previous character, who would look after him if paroled, his prison record, and talk with Codding about him.

CASE OF MORGAN WRIGHT. [No. 709]

Wright was convicted Dec. 27, 1893, in the district court of Cowley County of murder in the first degree, and sentenced to be hung. The details of the crime are set forth in the attached letter from Viola Bishop. Wright was drunk at the time.

A petition is on file for Wright’s release signed by about 40 of the business men of Winfield; also a petition from Oklahoma, praying for his release.

Norton was paroled, but violated his parole, and was returned to the penitentiary. He was the accomplice with Wright in the killing. Amrine says he thinks that the fact Norton was paroled will have no effect in obtaining the release of Wright; although both were declared equally guilty, and received like sentences, and Miss Bishop says the people of Winfield regard them as equally guilty.

Wright was only 17 when he committed the crime. Codding thinks he should be shown clemency, as he took up the case with the Governor last Sept. The Governor has not indicated his decision.

In a letter of Nov. 9, 1910, Viola Bishop, of Kansas City, Mo., writes that H. Fair, a carpenter in Kansas City, Mo., will furnish Wright employment, and that both she and Fair will look after him.

R. E. H., Nov. 5, 1910.

[Attached to the above from “R. E. H.”]

Arkansas City, Kansas. Jan. 21, 1909.

To the Board of Pardons, Lansing, Kansas.

Gentlemen: I desire to state what I know about the case of Morgan Wright: He is incarcerated for killing Captain Siverd, which occurred fifteen years ago. I was across the street at the time, and witnessed the scene, so I can relate it correctly.

Morgan Wright had gone to Winfield, Kansas, in the company of Wilbur Norton. The boys drank whisky they obtained there and became drunk. Captain Siverd, an officer, arrested Wilbur Norton on an old warrant, and Morgan followed after them. Norton asked Wright to shoot the Captain, which he did, as he was drunk enough to do whatever was suggested. Morgan Wright was then seventeen years old, and this was his first offense. The Captain was a favorite among the Winfield people, so the legal faction said they would give the boys all that could be given, which was a hang sentence. This sentence, however, was not legal, because it was not premeditated murder. The boys had tried to pawn the revolver during the day, and had no thought of the course of events. The correct sentence would have been murder in the second degree, the limit of which is, I believe, 21 or 25 years. The limit of the law is meant for hardened criminals, and not for the first crime of a very young man, so he has already served a just sentence.

Most of those who were bitter at the time of the tragedy, have become reasonable. Of course, as in every case, there are some who protest, but forty of the businessmen of Winfield have signed a petition for Morgan Wright’s pardon, which is on file in the Governor’s office, and the Wrights have as many friends in Winfield as the Siverds.

Governor Hoch has commuted the sentence of Wilbur Norton to expire March 1, I believe. I do not know why he should have pardoned one without the other, as their guilt was adjudged the same by the Court, and no one in this part of the country considered there was any degree of difference as to innocence.

I think Morgan Wright has been well punished for his crime. He was hardly responsible for the act. There is only a shade of difference between the way it occurred and an accident, as he did not realize what he was doing. The city of Winfield is as responsible for this crime as the prisoner, as this was where he obtained his whiskey. He fell in the snare they had prepared for him, and has suffered fifteen years of punishment in consequence.

Yours very truly, /S/ Viola Bishop.

[Note penned in after signature.]

“I courteously answered this, but no comments on the subject. /S/ J. S.”

-----

[There was a second attachment to this file.]

LETTER AT UPPER LEFT-HAND SIDE:

I. B. DUNLAP & CO.

Financial Agents

INSURANCE AND REAL ESTATE

10 West 9th St.

KANSAS CITY, MO.

TELEPHONES 1201

Nov. 19, 1910

Mr. R. E. Heinselman,

Pardon Clerk, Governor’s Office,

Topeka, Kansas.

Dear Sir:

Yours of the 10th received, and have been so busy could not answer before this.

Wilbur Norton, Wright’s accomplice, tried to help himself by trampling Wright down, and circulated a report that Wright had served a previous term, but his mother told me he had never been in a penitentiary or jail before, and never arrested to her knowledge. I think he was never arrested before. His education is fair. He lived with his father and mother. He was only 17 years old when incarcerated, and I do not know whether he had ever worked for anyone but his own people or not. He had been considered a very good boy, so I have been told, but was enticed away from home by Norton, became intoxicated and committed this crime while in this state. At the prison they say he is industrious. Mr. Fair, whom I mentioned in my former letter, says he is a faithful worker. The Warden and Officers say the same. You will find he has a good record, and I know he is a very worthy prisoner. Please keep me informed as to what progress you make in the case.

2-R. E. H.

The former Pardon Clerk was very much interested in this case and had investigated it quite thoroughly. Think he could tell you much about his prison record.

Very truly yours, /S/ Viola E. Bishop. 3710 Troost.

[PENNED: Morgan Wright. 709]

Arkansas City, Kansas. April 10, 1911.

Gov. W. R. Stubbs, Topeka, Kansas.

Honorable Sir: A number of times I have gone to Topeka to see you, but you were either busy or away, so I am compelled to write you about my mission.

I am interested in a prisoner by the name of Morgan Wright, whom I hope to have paroled.

When about 17 years old, Morgan Wright went to Winfield, Kansas, one day, in bad company, became intoxicated, and shot and killed an officer—Capt. Siverd. Mr. Siverd did not protect himself against Wright, as he knew the boy and had no fear of him, always having been known as a harmless fellow, but of course Wright’s mind was not normal in his drunken state. When the whiskey lost its influence, and he awakened as one from a terrifying dream, he was greatly astonished at his deed. The crime was not a premeditated one. He shot the officer because he was arresting the boy who was with him, Wilbur Norton, and because Norton asked him to. However, they were in the power of the Court, and the Court gave them the unlawful sentence of 1st degree. If Morgan Wright had been given a lawful sentence, he would not need to ask for clemency. While the law is not clearly defined on murder in the 2nd degree, the inference is that 21 years is the limit. Morgan Wright has served that, counting his “good time.” I think he has been there some 18 or 20 years. His partner, the chief cause of the crime, was pardoned several years ago; not because he was the better man, but because Wright’s case was not properly presented, for even the Siverd family said they would rather have Wright free than Norton. When I ask you for clemency for this man, it does not seem that I am asking for a pardon or parole, but that I am merely asking you to correct an unlawful sentence, made by an excited, angry Court, whose motive was revenge rather than cool-headed justice. Yet this same Court sustained the selling of the whiskey, which was the cause of the deed. It shifted all the responsibility onto the poor, weak victim, and then shouted “crucify him.”

I have been told that Morgan Wright has the best prison record of any life prisoner there. The present Warden and all ex-Wardens speak highly of him. The officers are personally interested in him. All this goes to show he would make a safe citizen. Mr. Amrine, your former Pardon Clerk, was very much interested in Wright, and in fact, perhaps you yourself are under some little obligation to him for helping out with your investigation at Lansing. Mr. Amrine said he was very manly about it.

Morgan Wright has a good trade. He is a skilled tinner. He has a friend in Kansas City, Mo., whom I know to be a good, moral, industrious, prosperous man, who will look after him and help him get started, if released.

Years ago, many of the citizens of Winfield protested against this case, but since then, many have withdrawn their protests, signed petitions, or written friendly letters. Of course, there are some who always protest in every case. Had you ever stepped in the by-paths, they would protest even against you, simply because there are many who believe in eternal punishment for the other fellow, but demand that their own sins be absolved.

If I could go into the details of the case, I could show you it is full of merit, but in a letter, I can only point out to you the following:

Morgan Wright was a good boy previous to this crime.

It was committed when very young, and when drunk.

He has served a long sentence.

He has a good prison record.

He is a skillful laborer.

He is very industrious, and capable of taking care of himself.

He has repented, and desires to live a good life.

He has friends who will gladly look after him.

He has served his sentence had it been lawful.

He helped your administration to uncover crime.

His partner, a much worse man, was released long ago.

He has been sufficiently punished.

Is there any good reason why this man should be imprisoned any longer? Will it benefit anyone else? It might appease the vengeance of a few, but is that sufficient reason for keeping him there? He has been more of an unfortunate caught in the world’s traps, than a criminal. Don’t you think he ought to have a chance in life, and wouldn’t you like to give it to him?

I promised his mother, a sweet, gentle woman, that I would look after the case after her death, and now is such an opportune time, as Mr. Amrine can tell you all about the man, your present Pardon Clerk is somewhat familiar with it, and Warden Codding knows Wright thoroughly. If you put the case aside, to fall into strange hands later on, it means going over and over our years of labor with others.

I hope you will not be too preoccupied to carefully consider this case, as I feel quite convinced that its merits deserve favorable consideration.

Very truly yours, /S/ Viola E. Bishop, 511 N. 5th St., Arkansas City, Kansas.

[Next item has written in pencil at top [Convicted Dec. 27, 1893.]

Then someone got busy with a pencil doing some subtracting:

1912

1893

19

MORGAN WRIGHT.

Morgan Wright was 17 years old when in a drunken condition he shot a man at Winfield, and was sentenced to the penitentiary for life. The circumstances of the killing, so far as can be gathered from the papers on file and from a conversation with Wright, are as follows:

Wright had been visiting an uncle in Joplin, Missouri, and started West to go to California to visit another uncle who is in business there. He got as far as Winfield, when he met a friend by the name of Wilbur Norton. Wright had formerly lived in Winfield. These two young fellows got to drinking and became quite drunk. Captain H. H. Siverd, a man highly respected in Winfield, attempted to arrest Norton, and started off with him under arrest. Norton called to Wright to shoot Siverd, which Wright did, killing him. Siverd, it is said, had spent much time in the enforcement of the prohibitory law, and left a wife and children, and the community in Winfield were much incensed over the shooting, and the jury gave Wright and Norton the heaviest sentence possible.

Up to this time, Wright’s life had been as follows: He was born at Winfield, and lived there with his parents for about 13 years, when they moved to Oklahoma, and Wright lived there with them until nearly 18, when the present trouble occurred. His home influences were not good, his father apparently being a drinking man, and surrounding his son with a bad moral influence. Wright says that in Oklahoma he worked on a farm with his father.

A petition of 40 names from Winfield is on file, asking for commutation of sentence in this case. The signers are mostly businessmen, so stated by Viola Bishop, who gives the occupation of each in a separate letter, and it is said they were all, with one or two exceptions, living in Winfield when the tragedy occurred.

October 29, 1908, W. P. Hackney, who was the prosecuting attorney in the case, wrote to Governor Hoch, enclosing a protest against a parole for Wright, containing about 290 names, said to be residents of Winfield, but nothing appearing as to their occupation or representative character, except that one is marked county clerk.

C. M. Cade, Republican National Committeeman for Oklahoma, wrote a letter in December, 1908, asking that the case be given careful consideration, as he thinks the age of the boy and the time he has been in prison should be sufficient to satisfy the law.

20 residents of Oklahoma City, including several deputy sheriffs and deputy treasurer, petitioned in 1903 for a commutation of sentence, saying that Wright was a resident of that city, and they knew him and believe his crime was not due to wickedness of heart or intentional lawlessness.

Wright’s mother is dead; and his father, brother, and sister live at Shawnee, Oklahoma, and if paroled, Wright says he could go there and work in a furniture store, or could go to Kansas City, Missouri, where a friend of his by the name of H. Fair, a carpenter, could give him employment, or could go to his uncle in California. Wright, it is said, is an expert tinner.

This man was convicted December 27, 1893. He is now 36 years old, and has served half his life in prison. He has made a good record, the Warden believes he will make good, and he appears to be sincere and to have settled down to business, and as one who, if he secured the proper start upon being paroled, would make a good citizen.

R. E. H., 4-18-1911.

NEXT ITEM SHOWS “MORGAN WRIGHT.” IN PENCIL AT TOP LEFT. IMMEDIATELY BELOW IS LETTERHEAD OF:

W. P. HACKNEY. JOSEPH T. LAFFERTY.

LAW OFFICES

HACKNEY & LAFFERTY.

WINFIELD, KANSAS.

June 21, 1911.

Mr. R. E. Heinselman,

Pardon Clerk, Governor’s Office,

Topeka, Kansas.

Dear Sir: Replying to yours of June 20th, requesting that I write you how I feel at this time about a parole for Morgan Wright, I have to say that I feel now as I always did.

This man was guilty of one of the most atrocious murders, unprovoked and inexcusable, ever perpetrated in Kansas. He killed one of the best men and best officers the State ever produced, and without the least provocation of any kind or character, and only because that officer, the late lamented Captain H. E. Siverd, was seeking to enforce the Prohibitory Law, and had his pal in charge for a violation thereof.

You say that he has already served as many years as he was years old when sentenced. Is that any reason why he should be paroled? If the law had been carried out then in force, and the Governor had issued the warrant therefor, after his service in the penitentiary one year, he would have been hung, as he ought to have been, and I have not a particle of doubt now, and had none then, that if I had shown the least particle of countenance to mob law he would have been hung then, and had I dreamed that he and his pal, Norton, who was convicted with him, would be able to receive pardons for their crime, I would not only have countenanced the hanging of both of them, but would have assisted in doing it.

Captain Siverd was in the prime of his life; a poor man with a large family, mostly young, dependent upon him for sustenance, and this wretch, without any provocation whatever, brutally shot him down, robbed him of his life, and bereaved a family of their sustenance and support, and then for a Governor, “who gathers flowers from the conservatory of his mind, and with bouquets thus formed scatters them over a maudlin audience,” at so much per, who let Norton go free, and now for a Governor, who prates about law and order and its enforcement, and denounces every man who does not believe in prohibition, with all of its boodling and grafting, and official thievery, county and state, to want to turn loose upon an unprotected public this murderer, red-handed, cold-blooded and inexcusable, who committed a murder prompted by defiance of that same Prohibitory Law, and because Captain Siverd was trying to enforce it, to be now turned loose because “Wright is applying for a parole, and some of his friends are active in his behalf,” is too much, and the Governor who will do that in this instance is as infamous as the scoundrel, Wright, whom he thus seeks to befriend.

I will permit no man to go farther than I will in forgetfulness of the mistakes of others, but Captain H. H. Siverd’s photograph, commemorative of one of the bravest and best men I ever knew, stands in my writing desk before me always, where I can see it every hour that desk is open, challenging my attention to this robber of his life, widower of his wife and the orphanage of his children; it is too much, and he shall never walk out of that penitentiary a free man except over my most earnest protest. That wretch cannot pay for his crime even if he is left in his cell, never to be taken out except to be carried out by the ants through the key hole thereof.

Prate not to me about “he has already served as many years as he was years old when sentenced.” What has been his punishment compared to that of the family of his victim, thus robbed by him of his life and fastened upon them their bereavement?

If this community had done its duty, after some of us saved it from the disgrace of mob law, then there would have been a monument to Captain H. H. Siverd in this City commemorative of his devotion to the enforcement of a foolish and impractical law, and the penalty of death he paid by reason thereof. They would have built a monument on the Public Square in this City to him long since.

We hear much in these latter days of “Where is my wandering boy tonight,” and yet a little search will find him with our wandering girl tonight. But it is not popular to enforce the laws against fornication and adultery as it is to enforce this law, and hence nothing is done. I have seen men incarcerated in the jail of this county upon conviction for violation of the Prohibitory Liquor law, and not a pamphlet, book, paper or other courtesy shown them in the long months they languished therein, and I have seen red-handed murders—men who robbed others of their lives for filthy lucre—receive at the hands of maudlin women, bouquets of flowers and every attention. I have seen men without character and reputation, vicious and rotten, elevated to high positions at the hands of the people because of their professed zeal in the enforcement of this law; robbers, thieves and cut-throats, arson, murder and robbery stalk abroad all over Kansas, but officers who follow such win no glory; but if they are zealous in behalf of this Prohibitory Liquor law, they do, hence catching a man for any crime other than the violation of the Prohibitory Liquor law has become a lost art, seemingly.

With Section 6691 of the Revised Statutes of Kansas, 1909, in force in this state, and which provides, that:

“Any person who counsels, aids or abets in the commission of any offense may be charged, tried and convicted in the same manner as if he were a principal.”

Yet men are tried and convicted every day for selling intoxicating liquors to others. They could not do that if the other did not want it, and had the price. How is it that the poor devil who, stimulated by cupidity to violate the law, is punished always where possible, and the man who counseled, aided and abetted him in the commission of that offense is neither arrested, tried, nor convicted? Simply because the poor devil of a bootlegger who sells to the applicant is frowned upon, while the man who bribes him to violate the law is allowed to go scot free, and Captain H. H. Siverd lies mouldering in the grave today because of this misguided, maudlin sentiment.

I mention these things, Mr. Heinselman, because they ought to be said, but most men lack the nerve to say them. I despise political jackrabbits, and weather-vanes, who are everything to all men so they can get their votes, of which, thank God, I am not one, and as long as the Almighty preserves my mentality intact, and in force, I never will be, and if Governor Stubbs dares to parole this scoundrel, he deserves to be shot by one of his like outlaws, the condemnation of which he is indebted to largely for the position he now holds.

This old political harlot, Prohibition, has been the stock in trade in Kansas of as vile a lot of political shysters and fakirs as ever afflicted themselves upon the intelligence of any people, and if Governor Stubbs is big enough to be Governor of this State, he never will lend himself to turning loose upon society this red-handed, cold blooded murderer. I prosecuted him to conviction without money and without price. His friends wanted I should consent that he be permitted to plead guilty of murder in the second degree, and threatened my life and made demonstrations to take it, and undoubtedly would have done so if they had had the nerve, and had not been afraid that I would get some of them in the doing of it, because I would not consent, and insisted upon the full penalty of the law. I did my duty then. Let Governor Stubbs do his duty now, and all other Governors who succeed him do theirs then.

Let’s have less professions and a little more performance in that office, and if he and they do that, Morgan Wright will leave the penitentiary of this state for his last great resting place in the tomb. Anything less would be an outrage and travesty upon Justice. He who, without cause or excuse, violates the laws of his state, ought not to complain, neither should his friends, that he be required to pay the full penalty of his offense. Let this man stay where he is. He and his friends ought to thank the Almighty that he is permitted to live, and that is the only favor that I will ever grant him, so far as I am personally concerned. Very respectfully,

/S./ W P Hackney