AMOS
A. WILEY.
Winfield Courier, November 6, 1873.
Married at the residence of Geo. B. Green in Silverdale Township, on the 2nd day of November, 1873, by Elder Joshua Jones, Mr. Amos A. Wiley to Miss Ellen E. Diggins. All of Cowley County.
Winfield Courier, December 23, 1875.
A. A. Wiley, one of Cowley’s cattlemen from Spring Creek Township, came up Saturday. He talks of buying city property and moving his family to Winfield.
Winfield Courier, November 16, 1876.
A. A. Wiley, of Spring Creek Township, has one of the finest stock farms in the county. He has it nearly enclosed with a stone wall. He deals largely in cattle, and is at present corn feeding forty steers.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 19, 1876.
Mr. A. A. Wiley, of Maple City, shipped one car load of cattle last week, and received therefor four and five cents per pound, gross.
[COMMUNICATION
FROM “HUGO SANDERS”—DEXTER.]
Arkansas City Traveler, February 21, 1877.
DEXTER, KAS., Feb. 13, 1877.
A. A. Wiley, of Maple City, I understand, is going into the merchandise business in Dexter.
Winfield Courier, February 22, 1877.
A. A. Wiley, one of the most enterprising and wealthy men of our county, has become connected with H. C. McDorman in the mercantile business at Dexter. This makes a strong team. Mr. Wiley remains in the stock business, however, and will keep his ranch in Spring Creek Township running.
Shortly after this announcement by the Courier, one of their correspondents was heard from. “DEAR COURIER: Again I give you the news from this part of the county. The health of the people has improved since my last writing. Dexter is moving along in its usual way. Business is about as usual. Trade is quite brisk. Mr. McDorman, our present postmaster, has taken Mr. Wiley in the dry goods business as a partner, which will add credit and prestige to the place, as Mr. Wiley is one of the most solid men in the county and a man possessing large business qualifications.
Winfield Courier, March 15, 1877. Editorial Page.
READ THIS!
At Dexter, Kansas,
McDORMAN & WILEY
Are selling Dry Goods, Groceries, Boots and Shoes, and a general mercantile stock low downFOR CASH OR PRODUCE.
Also dealers in Live Stock.
We mean business. Come and see us.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 16, 1877.
DEXTER was a live town last Friday. Monroe’s show was in the place, and many of the people of the surrounding country had gathered there. During their stay, Mr. Levi Miller, of Beaver Creek, was relieved of $90 he had just received of Mr. Wiley, in payment for some cattle, and several others found an opportunity to pay $2.00 for a phrenological chart. Mr. Miller claimed his pocket was picked, but the parties who paid $2 for the chart claimed the woman made it out without their consent and then demanded the fee. They at first refused, but seeing shoulder strikers nearby ready for any emergency, concluded it was better to pay the sum than fight. One young man, however, drew a pistol and showed fight, and was allowed to go free.
[COUNTY COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS.]
Winfield Courier, May 31, 1877.
ELECTION FEES:—A. A. Wiley, $5.20.
Assessor: A. A. Wiley, Spring Creek Township, $27.00
Arkansas City Traveler, July 18, 1877.
Mr. Amos A. Wiley has purchased Mr. McDorman’s interest in the store at Dexter, and is conducting the business wholly under his own management.
Dexter, Kansas, July 19th, 1877. NOTICE. The co-partnership heretofore existing between H. C. McDorman and A. A. Wiley, under the firm name of McDorman & Wiley, at Dexter, Cowley County, State of Kansas, is this day dissolved by mutual consent. All accounts due the firm will be collected by H. C. McDorman.
(Signed) H. C. McDORMAN, A. A. WILEY.
NOTE: The undersigned will continue business at the old stand of McDorman & Wiley. The business of former patrons respectfully solicited. I shall conduct a cash or exchange business. Livestock and farm products taken in exchange for goods. (Signed) A. A. WILEY.
[CEDAR CORRESPONDENT: “I GUESS.”]
Winfield Courier, July 4, 1878.
A. A. Wiley and J. W. Searle are gone to Kansas City with five carloads of cattle. We will have a railroad from Cowley sometime. June 23, 1878. I GUESS.
[EDITORIAL COLUMNS: ARTICLE FROM BEACON.]
Arkansas City Traveler, July 18, 1877.
B. F. Saunders, just returned from the Territory, found crops through Sedgwick and Sumner counties looking splendid, especially corn and oats of which there will be a larger crop than ever before. He found farmers very busy harvesting—wheat will be all harvested this week.
He went to see herds of Hood & Hughes, who are holding their cattle on Pond Creek. Since the 15th of February, Mr. Saunders has purchased and shipped the following lots of corn fed cattle.
Chas. Tabin, 108 head, at 3-3/4 cents.
Archibald Elhs, 141 head; extra beeves at 4-1/2 cents.
Mr. Wilday, 60 head, at $56 per head.
Mr. Fowler, 33 head at $58 per head.
A. B. Woodruff, 21 head, at 4 cents.
Mr. Myton, 27 head, at 3-3/4 cents.
The above gentlemen are residents of Butler County.
R. F. Burden, 42 head, 4 cents.
Mr. Wiley, 60 head, at 4-1/4 cents.
E. & B. Shiver, 134 head, at 3-3/4 cents.
C. S. Smith, 104 head, at 4 cents.
All of the above gentlemen are residents of Cowley County. Beacon.
Winfield Courier, July 19, 1877.
Mr. A. A. Wiley has purchased Mr. McDorman’s interest in the mercantile house at Dexter and now runs it alone.
Winfield Courier, July 19, 1877.
NOTICE.
The co-partnership heretofore existing between H. C. McDorman and A. A. Wiley, under the firm name of McDorman & Wiley, at Dexter, Cowley County, State of Kansas, is this day dissolved by mutual consent. All accounts due the firm will be collected by H. C. McDorman. H. C. McDORMAN, A. A. WILEY.
Dexter, Kansas, July 19th, 1877.
NOTE: The undersigned will continue business at the old stand of McDorman & Wiley. The business of former patrons respectfully solicited. I shall conduct a cash or exchange business. Live stock and farm products taken in exchange for goods. A. A. WILEY.
Winfield Courier, September 20, 1877.
Republican Convention.
The following persons are elected delegates to the Republican convention at the Courthouse next Saturday.
Spring Creek. Wiley.
[ITEMS
FROM DEXTER.]
Arkansas City Traveler, September 26, 1877.
Hardin, Elliott, and Wiley are making arrangements to engage in hog raising. It will pay when you can buy corn for twenty cents per bushel.
Evan Shiver, Elliott, Hardin, Bullington, Smith, and others have gone to Caldwell after Texas cattle to feed this winter.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 7, 1877.
Communication from Maple City.
Messrs. Wiley & Eaton have some 200 head of as fine hogs as can be found anywhere, and most of our farmers have more or less cattle and hogs.
[COMMUNICATION FROM “A. P.” - MAPLE TOWNSHIP.]
Arkansas City Traveler, December 19, 1877.
MAPLE CITY, Dec. 15, 1877.
Mr. Wiley runs an express wagon from Dexter to Maple City.
Cattle are still dying of black leg.
Winfield Courier, January 17, 1878.
The firm of A. A. Wiley has changed to James Hardin, and I think Mr. Hardin will do a good, lively business. Mr. Wiley has bought a farm near Dexter and will move on it in the spring. Mr. Wiley is a stock man and is not in his element unless he is handling cattle, hogs, and other livestock.
James Hardin and wife sold to A. A. Wiley, n. W. 7, 33, 7, 160 acres, $3,750.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 12, 1878.
The little daughter of A. A. Wiley is very sick—not expected to live. Dr. Phillips is attending her. Drs. Waggoner and Rude have been called in consultation.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 19, 1878.
The little daughter of Amos A. Wiley, of whom mention was made as being very sick, has partially recovered, but her left side is completely paralyzed.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 21, 1878.
A. A. Wiley has in Spring Creek Township the best stock farm in Cowley County. He has 160 acres enclosed and divided into seven lots by stone and board fences of the most substantial kind. In almost every lot is good permanent spring water. He has excellent stables, corn barn, dwelling, and other buildings commodiously arranged. Along Little Beaver, which passes through his place, is sufficient timber for his use. Everything is kept up in the best of style, and he keeps 35 head of cattle, 125 hogs, and other stock. Such a man would make a good county commissioner.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 2, 1878.
DIED. In Spring Creek Township, near Maple City, September 18th, Ada A., youngest child of A. A. and E. E. Wiley; aged two years, four months, and sixteen days. The deceased was the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wiley, and their loss is deeply felt. They have the sympathy of a large circle of friends in their bereavement.
Winfield Courier, October 10, 1878.
A. A. Wiley, the Republican nominee for representative of the 89th district of this state, was born in Windsor County, Vermont, in 1840, and is therefore 38 years old. He was educated at West Randolph Academy, in Vermont, teaching school winters and attending the academy during the summer. At the age of 18 he came to Douglas County, Kansas. This was three years before the commencement of the war. He became an agent for Caldwell & Co.’s overland transportation company between Leavenworth and the mountains and afterwards was stationed at Salt City (Salt Lake City). Subsequently he engaged in the transportation business from Salt Lake to Montana. He went to California with a large drove of beef cattle in 1869. In the fall of 1870 he came to Cowley County, Kansas, bringing with him a herd of cattle and in the following spring settled on the state line in Spring Creek Township, where he now resides. He is engaged in farming and stock raising which he pursues successfully. He has another farm near Dexter and was engaged in mercantile business at that place from February, 1877, to the same month in 1878. At present he devotes his whole attention to his farm and stock. He is a wide awake, intelligent, and consistent Republican and always has been. He is thoroughly well posted in state affairs and is a gentleman who will make a record in the state legislature.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 26, 1880.
Mr. A. A. Wiley, formerly of Maple City, has moved his family to Winfield, having rented his farm. He is now giving his entire attention to stock. He is holding his cattle on Red Rock, in the Territory, and reports plenty of rain and excellent grass in that region.
Winfield
Courier, January 6, 1881.
BANK ELECTION. At the annual election of the Winfield Bank last Tuesday evening, A. A. Wiley, J. J. Buck, D. A. Millington, J. C. Fuller, and J. C. McMullen were chosen directors.
The directors met and elected J. C. McMullen, president; J. C. Fuller, cashier, and D. A. Millington, secretary.
[DON’T
BURN THE PRAIRIES.]
Winfield
Courier, January 27, 1881.
We would call attention to the statement of A. A. Wiley, and many others state the same, that in the fall of 1879 the whole country of the Indian Territory south of us was burned over. It is well known that the greater part of the prairies of this county were also burned over. The same thing happened in the fall of 1873. Since then there has been no year in which these fires were general in the country about us and southwest of us except the fall of 1879.
The summer of 1874 was our dry season when most of our crops failed and we were surrounded by distress and want. The editor of this paper spent a great deal of time during the fall of 1874 obtaining and comparing information, statistical and otherwise, with regard to all countries which have suffered for want of rain, so far as such information was in his reach. He examined the theories of the writers on physical geography carefully, examined and compiled the facts, and gave the general conclusions to which he arrived in a lecture which he subsequently delivered to the teachers association in this city; to the affect that always in those countries where the ground is well covered with forest or vegetation, whether dry or green, there is always plenty of rainfall, and in countries where dry ground, whether rock, sand, or clay prevails, there is little or no rain; that in a country which is bare one year and covered the next, will be drouth one year and plenty of rainfall the next; and he predicted that for the future of our country in those years following the widest range of prairie fires, there would be the greatest drought; and in those years following least prairie fires, would be most rain.
He reasoned that as there is always during the spring and summer months enough moisture in the vapor of the upper currents, which are always passing over us in a northeast direction from the equatorial seas, to deluge the whole country if rapidly condensed; that as this is the source of nearly all our rainfall, that all other sources are “but as a drop in the bucket!” The vapor in these upper currents must be more or less condensed while passing over us or we can have no rain.
He called attention to the facts that on account of electrical and other changes in the atmosphere, there condensations would frequently take place if not prevented by warm air rising into them or the radiation of heat from the earth; that the direct rays of the sun do not heat the atmosphere, nor to any considerable extent ground covered by forests or vegetable matter, but that they do heat bare ground to a very important extent; that the air is only heated by coming in contact with something hot, as heated earth; that hot air rises and warms the vapor laden currents, preventing the chill which condenses the vapors; and that therefore it cannot rain on wide tracts of bare earth except in times of rare and violent convulsions. The predictions he made that year have been verified every year since.
In the fall of 1879, the prairies around us and southwest of us were generally burnt over and the result was very little rain and failure of crops in 1880 following. Since 1879 he has frequently repeated these views in the COURIER.
The outlook is now bright for 1881. The prairies are not yet burned over. Do not let any fire get out this winter and spring if it can possibly be prevented. Do not say it is a mere hobby but act on it if possible this year and see the result.
Winfield
Courier, January 27, 1881.
A. A. Wiley has been down to the range in the nation to see his cattle and reports all the cattle are doing well. He had sold out all but 150 head and they are doing well, having plenty of grass. No fires have occurred to burn off the grass and the whole country is covered. A year ago last fall the whole country was burned over, and cattle had a hard time during the ensuing winter. There are about 70,000 head of cattle on the range between the Caney and Caldwell. Mr. Wiley will go to Texas in about three weeks to buy a drove and drive up to the range. He has made thousands on his cattle operations of the past year.
Winfield
Courier, February 3, 1881.
Among our visitors and paying subscribers who called last week were: E. S. Bliss, W. R. Whitney, A. A. Wiley, J. W. Weimer of Richland, D. Berkey, H. Ives, A. T. Gay of Tisdale, J. A. Hood of Seeley, H. C. Castor, R. B. Overman of Dexter, Jesse Chatfield, F. M. Cooper, W. D. Furry of Arkansas City, W. J. Orr, J. E. Grove, Hugh Chance of Tisdale, H. W. Scott of Silverdale, C. Farringer, Charles Geiser, Will Bottomley of Burden, G. I. Brown, M. Stoddard, N. Brooks and M. L. Brooks of Silver Creek, T. R. Page of Burden, and Jos. Abrams of Tannehill.
Note: Earlier entries show “James Hardin” and not “James Harden.” I do not know which is correct: Hardin or Harden. MAW
[TRIAL
DOCKET DISTRICT COURT MAY TERM, 1881.]
Winfield
Courier, April 28, 1881.
CIVIL DOCKET: 120 CASES.
Amos A. Wiley vs. James Harden.
Winfield Courier, May 5, 1881.
Cowley County stock men are largely represented on Red Rock and Black Bear creeks in the Territory. Among the number are: Wiley, Eaton, Potter, Estus, Libby, and Warren; while in other parts of the Territory are Houghton, Henderson, Nipp, Walker Bros., Berry Bros., Dean Bros., Shriver, and others.
[Note: The following is very important! Double taxation for Kansas citizens, who were paying tax for cattle in the Territory and also paying a tax in Cowley County.]
Arkansas City Traveler, May 11, 1881.
Hackney and McDonald will test the case of whether the county can tax cattle in the Territory, belonging to citizens of Kansas, when they pay a tax where the cattle are. Mr. Wiley & Libby, on Red Rock creek, Indian Territory, bring the suit.
Winfield Courier, May 19, 1881.
Messrs. Kirby [Wiley] & Libby, of Red Rock creek, Indian Territory, bring a suit to determine whether citizens of Kansas are obliged to pay a tax on cattle that are kept in the Territory. The case is in the hands of Hackney & McDonald, and the decision will be looked for with great interest by the people of border counties. The present interests are immense and will grow greater each year. Monitor.
Notice the discrepancy between Traveler and Courier item taken from Winfield Monitor May 19, 1881. First item shows “Wiley & Libby” [correct] and the second item showed “Kirby & Libby” [incorrect]. I have corrected Winfield news item. MAW
Arkansas City Traveler, June 1, 1881.
Mr. A. A. Wiley was in town yesterday on his return from Texas, where he has been buying stock. He reports that Messrs. J. Smythia, H. Endicott, A. J. Gilbert, J. W. Ledlie, and James Henderson, with 1,100 head of cattle, are now on Deer Creek, where they will be held till disposed of. Mr. Wiley was on his way to the Nation with supplies to establish a ranch.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 1, 1882.
Mr. A. A. Wiley, one of the Traveler’s oldest friends, and a prominent stockman, favored us with a call last Saturday, he being en route for Winfield from his ranch in the Territory, south of this city, where he is wintering some 1,200 head of cattle, which he reports as in fine condition. He also states that stock have not been injured to any extent by the late storm, which was much lighter down South than with us; in fact, it gave no further trouble than covering up the feed for a couple of days.
[TRIAL
DOCKET: DISTRICT COURT.]
Cowley County Courant, April 20, 1882.
CIVIL
DOCKET. EIGHTH DAY.
A. A. Wiley vs. Harriet A. Doty et al.
Winfield Courier, January 11, 1883.
Mr. A. A. Wiley and Mr. Drury Warren were up from the Territory the past week. They have large cattle interests down southwest of the Ponca’s tract, and were intending to fence the land they have been occupying.
Caldwell Commercial, Thursday, March 15, 1883.
CHARTER OF THE CHEROKEE STRIP LIVE STOCK ASSOCIATION.
We, the undersigned persons of competent age, do hereby associate ourselves together for the purpose of forming a private corporation under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Kansas, the purpose of which is and shall be “the improvement of the breed of domestic animals,” by the importation, grazing, breeding, sale, barter, and exchange thereof.
The name of such corporation shall be “The Cherokee Strip Live Stock Association.”
The following are the names of members of the Association so far as we have been able to obtain them.
Blair, Battin & Cooper, E. W. Payne, for Comanche County Pool, T. F. Pryor & Co., S. T. Tuttle, S & Z Tuttle, R. B. Clark, W. H. Harrelston, H. Hodgson & Co., John Myrtle, McClellen Cattle Company, Johnstone & Horsmer, G. A. Thompson, C. M. Crocker, Robert Eatock, Wm. Corzine, M. J. Lane, Hammers Clark & Co., McGredy & Harlen, Walworth, Walton & Rhodes, D. P. Robinson & Northrup, Windsor Bros., H. A. Todd, Wicks, Corbin & Streeter, W. B. Helm, N. J. Thompson, Bates & Payne, E. W. Rannells, S. P. Burress, W. W. Wicks, Dean & Broderick, Shattuck Bros. & Co., H. H. Campbell, Briggs & Wilson, John Love & Son, J. C. Weathers & Sons, Ewell & Justis, A. M. Colson, W. S. & T. Snow, Dominion Cattle Company, Theo Horsley & Co., Southern Kansas Border Live Stock Company, J. W. Hamilton, manager, G. W. Miller (W. M. Vanhook in charge), B. H. Campbell, Drury Warren, L. Musgrove, A. A. Wiley, Tomlin & Webb, Geo. V. Collins, J. F. Conner & Co., Cobb & Hutton, A. J. & C. P. Day, Moore & Rohrer, Carnegie & Fraser, M. K. Krider, Texas Land and Cattle Company (limited), W. C. Quinlon, Ben Garland, Ballenger & Schlupp, A. T. & T. P. Wilson, A. Mills, H. W. Timberlake & Hall, Stewart & Hodges, Drumm & Snider, Williamson Blair & Co., Charles Collins, Ben S. Miller, Gregory, Eldred & Co., W. R. Terwilliger, M. H. Bennett, Barfoot & Santer, Hewins & Titus [Paper showed “Tims.” Think this is wrong. MAW], Sylvester Flitch, D. A. Greever, Stoller & Rees, Crane & Larimer, Dickey Bros., McClain & Foss, E. M. Ford & Co., Dornblazer & Dole, J. C. Pryor & Co.
HONORARY MEMBERS: W. E. Campbell, L. C. Bidwell.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 11, 1883.
Messrs. Allen & Braggins have just completed the painting and papering of Mr. A. A. Wiley’s residence on Fifth Street, and as usual have done first-class work.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 11, 1883.
Partnership: A. A. Wiley and Calvin Dean...
Messrs. A. A. Wiley and Cal. Dean, two of our well-known cattlemen, have gone into partnership, and will henceforth range together. We wish the boys success in whatever they undertake.
Winfield Courier, April 12, 1883.
John Craine has purchased A. A. Wiley’s cottage residence on Millington street. This is one of the neatest little residences in the city.
Do not think the following is A. A. Wiley...
[AKRON CORRESPONDENT: “AUDUBON.”]
Winfield Courier, April 19, 1883.
Messrs. Nichols & Huston will quit the milling business about May 1st and Mr. Wiley will take their places.
Caldwell Journal, May 17, 1883.
CATTLE ADS.
A. A. WILEY. Range: Lower Redrock, I. T.
P. O., Otoe Agency, Indian Territory.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 6, 1883.
Howard Brothers yesterday sold to Messrs. Wiley & Dean a car load of fence wire, all of which will be delivered this week. This will finish the fence around the above gentlemen’s ranch in the B. I. T.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 1, 1883.
MARRIED. By Rev. S. B. Fleming, at the residence of Mr. A. A. Wiley, in this city, on Thursday, July 26, 1883, Mr. Charles Galloway and Miss Mary J. Woods, both of Maple City. May happiness attend them during their life’s journey.
[REPUBLICAN CONVENTION.]
Arkansas City Traveler, September 5, 1883.
Republican Convention. The Cowley County Republican Convention met according to call at the opera house in Winfield on Saturday, September 1, 1883. The convention was called to order at 11 a.m. by the chairman of the Republican Central Committee, D. A. Millington, by whom the call was read, and the election of a temporary chairman asked for. On motion Seth W. Chase, of Tisdale, was elected temporary chairman, and Cal Swarts, of Creswell, was elected temporary secretary. On motion the chairman was authorized to appoint the necessary committees with the following results.
The committee on permanent organization reported as follows.
For permanent chairman, A. A. Wiley, of Creswell.
For permanent secretary, T. H. Aley, of Otter.
For assistant secretary, Ed. Pate, of Silver Creek.
The report was adopted and the officers elected took their places.
[CONVENTION NOTES.]
Winfield Courier, September 6, 1883.
A. A. Wiley is a good chairman and held the convention well in hand, notwithstanding that the large hall was densely packed with interested spectators and the delegates were earnest in their preferences.
[REPUBLICAN CONVENTION.]
Winfield
Courier, September 6, 1883.
Committee on credentials reported the following named delegates and alternates for their respective townships.
CRESWELL: O. S. Rarick, C. G. Furry, C. L. Swarts, G. W. Ramage, Theo. Fairclo, F. M. Vaughn, I. H. Bonsall, A. B. Sankey, A. A. Wiley, James Ridenour.
Alternates: L. McLaughlin, John Smalley, Frank Schiffbauer, Dave Lewis, Frank Hess, C. W. Burt, R. J. Maxwell, R. L. Marshall, N. T. Snider, S. J. Rice.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 23, 1884.
Obituary. Died, at her residence, in this city, at 5 o’clock p.m., Sunday, January 20, 1884, Ellen Elizabeth, the beloved wife of A. A. Wiley, of puerperal fever, in the 32nd year of her age.
It is with feelings of the deepest sorrow that we chronicle the death of this most Christian woman, in whose death her husband loses a true and loving wife, her children a doting mother, and society at large a tried and faithful friend; and to those sorrowing for the dear departed, we extend our heartfelt sympathy. [Poetry followed.]
The funeral services were held at the house Monday afternoon at 4 o’clock and were attended by relatives and many friends, and on Tuesday the remains were conveyed to Dexter, where they were laid to rest.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 23, 1884.
A Card. To those friends who so seasonably tendered me and mine their kind offices while suffering under the sorrow and affliction incident to the death of my beloved wife, I desire to return my sincere thanks, and assure them, that the same will ever be held in grateful remembrance. A. A. WILEY.
Winfield Courier, January 31, 1884.
DIED. We regret to announce the death of Mrs. A. A. Wiley, which occurred at her home in Arkansas City, last week, Tuesday. Mr. Wiley has the sympathy of many friends in his bereavement.
Arkansas City Republican, March 1, 1884.
MARRIED. At the residence of Mr. A. A. Wiley, last Tuesday, Mr. William T. Wallace and Miss Callie Gilliland were united in marriage by Rev. Snyder of Winfield. The best wishes of their many friends attend them.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 5, 1884.
Railroad Meeting.
A railroad meeting was called on last Monday, March 3, at I. H. Bonsall’s office, for the purpose of considering the narrow gauge proposition now before the people and taking steps to insure its defeat. Mr. T. McIntire was made chairman and I. H. Bonsall secretary. A resolution to the effect that the interests of Cowley County demanded the defeat of this proposition was read and unanimously endorsed, and the following committee was appointed to raise funds to defray the expenses of canvassing the county: A. A. Newman, W. M. Sleeth, James Benedict, T. H. McLaughlin, and J. L. Huey. Messrs. A. A. Wiley, J. B. Nipp, A. J. Chapel, O. S. Rarick, T. H. McLaughlin, and N. T. Snyder were appointed as committee on arrangements with power to select sub-committees, to take whatever steps may be deemed necessary to accomplish the object of the meeting. The meeting then adjourned to next Saturday at 2 p.m. at Highland Hall, when we hope to see a general turn out of businessmen and farmers.
Arkansas City Republican, March 8, 1884.
Railroad Meeting.
A railroad meeting was called last Monday, March 3, to take measures for defeating the proposition to vote county bonds for the narrow gauge railroad next Tuesday. A motion was made that the voters of Creswell Township vote against said proposition, and was carried unanimously. On motion, the following committees were appointed by the chair:
A. A. Newman, Wm. M. Sleeth, Jas. Benedict, T. H. McLaughlin, and Jas. L. Huey were appointed as a committee to raise funds to pay the expenses of canvassing the county.
A. A. Wiley, J. B. Nipp, A. J. Chapel, O. S. Rarick, T. H. McLaughlin, and N. T. Snyder were appointed a committee on arrangements, with power to select sub-committees to canvass and make any arrangements necessary to accomplish the object of the meeting.
The meeting then adjourned to convene today, at 2 p.m., at Highland Hall, when we hope to see a good crowd assembled.
Arkansas City Republican, March 15, 1884.
J. B. Nipp and A. A. Wiley have been absent this week, at the Stockmen’s Meeting at Caldwell.
[COUNTY CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, April 24, 1884.
The Republican convention of Cowley County met according to call at the Opera House in Winfield on Saturday, April 19, 1884, at 11 o’clock a.m.
DELEGATES.
Creswell Township: C. T. Atkinson, J. W. Wilson, F. P. Schiffbauer, I. H. Bonsall, W. D. Mowry, A. A. Wiley, G. W. Ramage, A. B. Sankey, R. T. Marshall, C. L. Swarts.
Arkansas City Republican, May 17, 1884.
We had the pleasure last Tuesday of meeting Mr. E. M. Ford, P. C. Wyeth, and A. A. Wiley, cattle men of the Territory. They started down last Wednesday to attend the roundup, which is taking place throughout the whole Territory at the present time.
A. A. Wiley now in partnership with Edwin Harkness...
Arkansas City Traveler, May 21, 1884.
We add to our list of brands this week that of Messrs. Wiley & Harkness.
AD. Wiley & Harkness. Post office, Arkansas City, Kansas. Range on the Red Rock, Cherokee strip. [CATTLE ILLUSTRATION SHOWS TWO BARS ABOVE A V ON SIDE.] Horse brand [SAME: TWO BARS OVER V] on left hip. Some cattle are branded on right side and some on both sides. Additional brand [BLACK BACKGROUND SHOWING S U N] on left side.
Arkansas City Republican, May 24, 1884.
Edwin Harkness, who is engaged with Mr. Wiley in the cattle business, in the Territory, was up Thursday on business.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 11, 1884.
Mr.
A. A. Wiley and Mr. Thomas Gilbert were callers at this office Tuesday. Mr.
Gilbert holds a lease on the Kaw reserve east of the Arkansas River, and wishes
to increase his range stock by purchasing one or two thousand one- and
two-year-old steers. Mr. Wiley is over on the same business. They want through
Texans, and are willing to pay the market price for them. Caldwell Journal.
Arkansas City Republican, June 14, 1884.
The following are the distances of some of the surrounding towns and Indian Agencies from Arkansas City.
INDIAN TERRITORY.
Miles.
Deer Creek 16
Willow Springs 18
Kaw Agency 18
Ponca Agency 35
Nez Perce Agency 30
Otoe Agency 45
Pawnee Agency 63
Osage Agency 65
Dean Bros.’ Ranch 85
Powell Bros.’ Ranch 75
Wiley’s Ranch 65
Arkansas City Traveler, July 9, 1884.
Died. Monday evening, July 7, 1884, Iva Ellen, infant daughter of our much esteemed townsman, A. A. Wiley. Little Iva was just six months old, to the day. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. S. B. Fleming, at half past six, Tuesday morning, when the little remains were taken to Dexter to be laid by the side of the mother, who died January 20, 1884.
Arkansas City Republican, July 12, 1884.
DIED. Died Monday evening, July 7, 1884, Iva Ellen, aged six months, youngest daughter of A. A. Wiley.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 16, 1884.
Wiley & Harkness, two cattlemen of this city, have recently added 1,500 head of cattle to their range on Red Rock, Indian Territory. They are ones and twos, and were bought from Witherspoon Bros., of Pease River, Texas.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 16, 1884.
AD. WILEY & HARKNESS. Post office, Arkansas City, Kansas. Range on the Red Rock, Cherokee strip. Horse brand [LOOKS LIKE TWO BARS ABOVE A V...ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO TELL!] on left hip.
Some cattle are branded on right side and some on both sides.
Additional brands [LOOKS LIKE S TURNED BACKWARDS FOLLOWED BY UN]
and the other one [LOOKS LIKE FD OR ED WITH POSSIBLY A BAR BELOW THE F OR E]. CATTLE ILLUSTRATION SHOWS A SMALL CIRCLE CENTERED ABOVE TWO BARS UNDERNEATH WHICH IS A LARGE V.
Arkansas City Republican, August 2, 1884.
Arkansas City, Kansas.
ARKANSAS CITY, July 21, 1884. Inasmuch as my last letter was copied into several of the local papers, I feel sufficiently encouraged to write again.
For three weeks the weather has been dry here, and parties who were contracting hay raised the price fifteen cents on the ton, but since we have had a very heavy rain, which insures the corn crop and will make grass to grow for a month to come. Hay stacked on the ground can be contracted at $1.25 per ton, and delivered in town will sell for $4.90. Most ranchmen will put up from fifty to one hundred tons this year, both for saddle horses and cattle. A half ton of hay each will insure the life of many weak cows.
New oats are offered at fifteen cents, and it will pay the government contractor, whoever he is, to buy the million and a half pounds wanted at Forts Reno, Supply, and Sill to visit this place.
I expect new corn will be offered at twenty cents to begin with.
Cattle are on the decline, owing to the stringency of the money market, and from an unsettled feeling of the stockmen on the Cherokee strip, as the soldiers are on the state line at Caldwell and Hunnewell to remove settlers, and perhaps if one goes all will have to go.
Butchers’ stock brings Kansas City prices here with our local butchers, but shippers can be bought now and then on a good margin.
T. J. Gilbert & Co., who range on the Kaw Indian reserve, are just in with 1,570 head of through Texans. They have 750 two’s and 350 cows.
Mr. Mills, of the Cherokee nation, has been lying on the east side of the Arkansas River for four weeks, waiting to cross: He puts his cattle on the range near Camp Supply.
Wiley & Harkness bought 1,300 head from Witherspoon Bros., of Pease River, Texas.
Tom Berry, of Shawneetown, Indian Territory, has sold out his store and will devote his time exclusively to cattle.
King Berry shipped five car loads of beef steers from Tulsa, Indian Territory, to St. Louis last week. He gets his cattle through for $50 per car from the Territory, while we in the state have to pay $40 to Kansas City.
Drury Warren has had Charles Elwood arrested for stealing cattle and it looks as though the Cherokee Strip Live Stock Association will be able to pay $500 for another conviction.
J. R. Blackshire, of Elmdale, Kansas, has about sold all of his one-half Galloway males at from $100 to $200 each.
If we could get double-decked cars or one-half rates on sheep, you would see them in Kansas City by the thousands before fall.
Regular
Correspondent in K. C. Indicator.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 8, 1884.
Following is a complete list of stockholders in the Arkansas City Woolen Manufacturing Company, mention of which was made last week.
T. H. McLaughlin, Arkansas City Bank, Frank J. Hess, Wm. Sleeth, H. P. Farrar, Landes, Beall & Co., Sanborn & Gordon, H. Endicott, A. Walton, J. A. McIntyre, I. D. Harkleroad, W. E. Gooch, F. W. Farrar, A. A. Wiley, R. A. Houghton, T. J. Gilbert, A. Campbell, G. W. Cunningham, Schiffbauer Bros., A. [?] Andrews [Not sure of first initial.], Fitch & Barron, S. Matlack, J. B. Nipp, A. A. Newman, James Hill, E. H. Parker, T. D. Richardson, Benedict & Owen, D. Warren, J. H. Sherburne, J. N. T. Gooch, Uriah Spray, Theo Fairclo, H. D. Kellogg, Ira Barnett, A. J. Chapel, S. F. George, G. W. Miller, P. F. Endicott, Jamison Vawter, Kimmel & Moore, N. C. Hinkley, L. McLaughlin.
Arkansas City Traveler, Supplement, December 24, 1884.
BRANDS LISTED ON SUPPLEMENT PAGE, DECEMBER 24, 1884.
1. LOVE BROS. [J. D. LOVE/F. A. LOVE]
2. DRURY WARREN.
3. WILEY & HARKNESS.
4. B. F. CHILDS.
5. J. A. SHOWALTER.
6. PINK FOUTS.
7. STEWART & SNYDER.
8. T. E. BERRY & BROS.
9. H. R. BARROUGH.
10. C. M. SCOTT.
11. J. C. TOPLIFF.
12. ESTUS BROS.
13. BURKE & MARTIN.
14. W. J. POLLOCK.
15. J. H. SHERBURNE.
16. R. A. HOUGHTON.
17. HEWINS & TITUS.
18. FLORER, GOULD & AYRES.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 4, 1885.
We received a pleasant call Monday from Mr. A. Wiley. In conversation he informed us that stock on their (Wiley & Harkness) range was doing very well. They do not expect to lose more than 2 percent this season, as their cattle are in better shape now than they were at this time last year. He called our attention also to the fact that all the heavy losses reported were from the western part of the Cherokee strip, where the only grass of any consequence is the buffalo grass. This grass is easily covered up by the snow and the stock then are deprived of the means of sustenance. While south of us here, we have plenty of swamp and other grasses, which can be got at by the cattle all the time and also have plenty of timber for shelter. Consequently, the losses are small in comparison to that further west.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 4, 1885.
A. Wiley came up from his ranch on Saturday. He reports their cattle in fair condition, and hopes to have small losses.
Arkansas City Republican, February 7, 1885.
A. A. Wiley came up from the Territory the first of the week. Wednesday he called on the REPUBLICAN and renewed his subscription, although his time had not expired by several months. He reports no loss, scarcely, of cattle from off his ranche.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 18, 1885.
Mr. Harkness, of the cattle firm of Wiley & Harkness, returned Saturday from the East, where he has been spending the winter with his family.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 25, 1885.
We received a pleasant call Friday from Messrs. Wiley and Harkness, in company with Mr. Constable, of Hunnewell. We are glad to receive a call any time from our friends.
Arkansas City Republican, August 1, 1885.
M. Harkness and family, from the Sucker state, arrived in the city last week. Mr. Harkness is a partner of A. Wiley in the cattle business. The family is stopping at the residence of A. C. Gould and will remain in Arkansas City some two or three months.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, August 19, 1885.
FROM OUR EXCHANGES.
Burden Eagle: Wiley & Harkins on Friday shipped ten carloads of beef cattle for the Kansas City market.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, November 28, 1885.
MARRIED. At the residence of Frank Baker, father of the bride, near Seeley, Cowley County, Kansas, November 25th, 1885, A. A. Wiley of Arkansas City, and Miss Anna M. Baker, P. B. Lee, D.D., officiating. The ceremony was performed in the presence of a select company of relatives and intimate friends. Immediately after a bountiful dinner, the newly wedded pair took the cars for a short trip to Newton to return on the following day to participate in a grand reception. Mr. Wiley came home today; Mrs. Wiley will follow Monday. The REPUBLICAN congratulate the newly wedded pair and may their married life prove one long dream of wedded bliss.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 2, 1885.
Married. Rev. P. B. Lee, of Winfield, also sends an announcement of another wedding between A. A. Wiley, of this city, and Miss Anna M. Baker, of Seeley, Cowley County. The happy event occurred on Wednesday last (November 25th) at the home of the bride’s parents.
Arkansas City Republican, December 5, 1885.
A. A. Wiley and his new wife have gone to house-keeping in the residence in the 1st ward.
Arkansas City Republican, March 6, 1886.
A. A. Wiley went down to his ranch Tuesday.
Arkansas City Republican, March 20, 1886.
Edwin Harkness, of the cattle firm of Wiley & Harkness, arrived in the city Thursday to look after his cattle interests.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, May 22, 1886. From Friday’s Daily.
Edwin Harkness arrived in the city on the noon train today from his Illinois home. Mr. Harkness is the partner of A. A. Wiley in the cattle business.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, June 12, 1886. From Tuesday’s Daily.
Messrs. A. A. Wiley and Edwin Harkness came up from their cattle ranch Monday. Mr. Harkness will return to his home in Illinois Wednesday morning.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, June 12, 1886. From Tuesday’s Daily.
Mrs. A. A. Wiley will leave in the morning for a visit to relatives at Pittsburg Station, Ohio. She will be accompanied as far as his home by Mr. Harkness. Mrs. Wiley will be gone a month.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, June 19, 1886. From Wednesday’s Daily.
A. A. Wiley returned from a trip over to Cedarvale yesterday. Mr. Wiley tells us that the I. & S. W. is building west 18 miles east of that town. All the talk there is their railroad connection with Arkansas City.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 3, 1886. From Thursday’s Daily.
A. A. Wiley returned from his trip down in the Territory last night.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 24, 1886. From Tuesday’s Daily.
A. A. Wiley arrived home today. This morning he sent 10 carloads of cattle out from Hunnewell. Mr. Harkness accompanies the shipment.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, August 7, 1886. From Tuesday’s Daily.
Wiley & Harkness and the Wyeth Cattle Company shipped a train load of cattle last night to St. Louis from Cale.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 18, 1886.
Stock Notes.
Wiley & Harkness advertise in the Caldwell papers that they want 2,000 head of steer cattle to stock up their range on Red Rock Creek, sixty miles below this place.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, September 18, 1886. From Wednesday’s Daily.
Wiley & Harkness shipped a trainload of cattle over the Border road from Hunnewell yesterday.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, November 13, 1886. From Monday’s Daily.
The Star informs us that A. A. Wiley, of this city, has purchased business property in Cedarvale.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, December 4, 1886. From Monday’s Daily.
A. A. Wiley leaves in the morning for his cattle ranch down at Red Rock, Indian Territory. He says his cattle are in good condition.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, March 19, 1887. From Monday’s Daily.
Edwin Harkness, of the cattle firm of Wiley & Harkness, came in this morning from his home at Elmwood, Illinois. Although it has been but a short time since Mr. Harkness was here, the city has had a wonderful growth.