GEORGE H. WILLIAMS.

Rock Township.

1901 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

[JULY 1870.] PAGE 206.

GEORGE H. WILLIAMS was a prominent merchant of Rock, Kansas, and served as postmaster of the village for the past twenty-five years [1901]. He was a resident of the Sunflower State since 1855, although he did not locate in Cowley County until July, 1870.

George H. Williams was born August 22, 1846, on Grand Island, Lake Superior, a son of John W. and Amanda J. Williams.

His father, John W. Williams, was a native of the state of New York, and his wife was born in Fulton County, Illinois. They were married in Michigan, where they resided until October, 1850, when they moved to Fulton County, Illinois. In 1855, they located in Kansas, where Mr. Williams engaged in farming. He was a blacksmith by trade and followed that occupation many years. He died June 1, 1885, and his widow died at Rock, in March, 1898. They reared the following children: George H.; Stephen D., who died in Douglass, Kansas, in 1894; Justus F., who was a stock raiser, and resided in Wyoming; John F., who was a farmer and stock breeder, and resided in Osage County, Kansas; Christopher V., who was a harness maker, and lived in Osage County, Kansas; Ella J., deceased, who was the wife of Peter Taylor; Ida E., who was the wife of T. Stephens, of Lawrence, Kansas; Abraham L., who was a stone mason; Limon P., who resided near Rock, Kansas, and was a gardener; Arthur W., who was a farmer in Kansas; and Lloyd E., who was a farmer of Lyon County, Kansas.

Mr. George H. Williams attended the state university at Lawrence, Kansas, and made his home with his parents until he attained the age of twenty-two years. He then taught school two terms in Douglas County, Kansas, and then taught private school in Cowley County.

On July 11, 1870, he took up the northeast quarter of section 28, Rock Township. As it was all raw prairie, much labor was required to get it under a good state of cultivation. Mr. Williams built a house 12 by 14 feet, in size, and in April, 1871, he was joined by his family. That year he broke five acres, which he put into corn, and the next year he planted five more acres, and from 10 acres raised an average of 50 bushels of corn per acre.

Mr. Williams lived on the place until 1874, when, in partnership with John Worthington, he engaged in the general merchandising business. In 1878, he bought out Mr. Worthington by conveying his farm for the latter’s share in the business.

Since 1882, this farm was in the possession of Albert Abbott.

Mr. Williams continued in business alone and gained a large patronage. In 1875 he was appointed postmaster, and had continuous charge of the Rock post office. He served as justice of the peace from 1873 to 1875, was township trustee in 1873, and also acted as notary public. He was a Republican, and in 1901 held the office of township treasurer.

Mr. Williams was married December 17, 1808, to Sarah J. Coon, of Henry County, Indiana, a daughter of Eli and Margaret (Morrison) Coon, and they had the following children.

1. Laura May, who was the wife of W. H. Widener, a farmer of Rock Township.

2. George C., a farmer in Rock Township, who married Nora Hollingsworth.

3. Lola Inez, who was the wife of H. C. Widener, of Arkansas City.

4. Bird, who was the wife of Charles Hornaday, of Rock Township.

5. Eunice, who died in 1881.

Mr. Williams belonged to the order of F. & A. M.—Lodge No. 151, A. F. & A. M., of Douglass; Chapter No. 57, R. A. M., of Douglass; and Commandery, No. 15, K. T., of Winfield. He was a director of the Winfield National Bank, in which he had 10 shares; and vice-president of the Exchange State Bank of Douglass, in which he held two shares.

Rock Creek Township 1873: Geo. H. Williams, 26; spouse, Sarah J., 25.

Rock Creek Township 1873: Harvey Williams, 29; spouse, Martha, 26.

Rock Creek Township 1873: J. F. Williams, 23; spouse, Ella, 23.

Rock Creek Township 1873: S. D. Williams, 24. No spouse listed.

Rock Creek Township 1874: Geo. H. Williams, 27; spouse, Sarah J., 26.

Rock Creek Township 1874: J. F. Williams, 24; spouse, Ellen E., 25.

Rock Creek Township 1876: Justus F. Williams, 25; spouse, Ellen, 26.

Rock Township 1882: George H. Williams, 36; spouse, Marion, 31.

Rock Township 1882: J. F. Williams, 31; spouse, Ellen E., 31.

Rock Township 1882: S. D. Williams, 34; spouse, Sarah J., 33.

FROM THE NEWSPAPERS.

Mrs. G. H. Williams...

Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 20, 1873.

RECAP. Rock correspondent, “C. L. R.,” mentioned dance held at the Darien Schoolhouse (District No. 25). Among participants: Mrs. C. L. Rood, Mrs. G. H. Williams, Mrs. Hiram Fisk, Wm. Sumner of Cedar Creek, J. F. Williams, M. S. Palmer of Winfield.

[REPORT FROM “C. L. R.” - ROCK.]

Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 27, 1873.

Rock, Kansas, March 24th, 1873. Can you explain why the subscribers to the COURIER, from this vicinity, do not receive their paper? We would be willing to attribute the occasional loss of a copy to some mistake, and let the matter pass. But as the rule is not to receive the paper, and the exception (very rare at that) to, we think it time to investigate the matter a little. The Telegram comes every week—the COURIER seldom or never. Is there not “some-thing rotten in Denmark?” Now will the COURIER tell us if the City of Winfield has gone into the ring operation? The mail route from Winfield to Rock is not very tortuous, nor the Post office officials very numerous; and having every confidence (?) in them, we ask where lies the trouble? Can we be let into the secret, or what is better, can we be allowed to receive our paper?

The Republicans of this township met in caucus on the 22nd, and nominated the following ticket for the Spring election. For Trustee, William White; Clerk, George H. Williams; Treasurer, William H. Grow; Justice, George H. Williams; Constables, Justus F. Williams and Andrew J. McCollim. Road Overseers, Henry Rogers and William Funk.

A township committee was also elected consisting of C. L. Rood, Chairman, John Funk, and William White. C. L. R.

[ROCK CORRESPONDENT: “C. L. R.”]

Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 10, 1873. Front Page.

ROCK, KANS., April 2, 1873. Our election for Township officers passed off quietly, resulting, as predicted some time ago, in the election of the entire Republican Ticket. The vote polled was very light, doubtless owing to the severe wind storm which prevailed during the grater part of the day. Early in the day a fusion ticket was placed in the field headed with the name of L. B. Lamb for Trustee. Mr. Lamb is a good Citizen and a very worthy man, and although he may have been in the right church, the result shows that the ushers (his friends) placed him in the “wrong pew.” The opposition candidate for Justice of the Peace, who was introduced as a man who had been “picked up to run for squar” doubtless considered himself in poor condition for running, as he withdrew early in the day, distanced at the first quarter. The friends of Mr. Lamb continued to peddle his tickets until about two o’clock. When seeing so many of their favorite ballots go down not into the ballot box, but into the vest pockets of the voters, they virtually gave up the contest on trustee, and turned their batteries against the regular nominees, for constable and road overseers. Mr. Grow’s popularity as a public officer and also that of Mr. Williams was clearly shown by the absence of opposition; while the sterling integrity of Mr. White is clearly proven by the almost unanimous voice of the people, re-electing him to the office of Trustee, against the strongest opposition that could be brought to bear against him. “Thus endeth the first lesson.” We are satisfied with the moral taught. C. L. R.

[COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]

Winfield Courier, April 24, 1874.

Election Judge: G. H. Williams, $2.00.

[COMPLETE LIST OF TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.]

Arkansas City Traveler, March 22, 1876.

ROCK CREEK TOWNSHIP: TRUSTEE, J. F. WILLIAMS; CLERK, GEO. H. WILLIAMS; TREASURER, J. M. HARCOURT; JUSTICES: HIRAM FISK; WM. THOMPSON. CONSTABLES: N. ROGERS; S. D. WILLIAMS.

Winfield Courier, October 19, 1876.

C. H. EAGIN, of Rock, writes to us that at their township caucus held at Darien schoolhouse last Thursday night, W. Wimer was nominated by the Republicans for trustee, George Williams, clerk; J. M. Harcourt, treasurer; J. M. Barrick, justice of the peace; Andrew Dawson and N. Rogers, constables; C. Coon, overseer 1st district, Wm. Funk 2nd; and J. Parson 3rd. After the nominations had been made, Hon. L. J. Webb was introduced, and for an hour and a quarter held the audience by his magnetic eloquence and masterly argument. His speech was complete, thorough, and convincing, and the best that has been heard in Rock during the campaign.

[TOWNSHIP OFFICERS ELECTED NOVEMBER 7, 1876.]

Winfield Courier, November 16, 1876. Editorial Page.

Rock Creek Township:

W. B. Wimer, Trustee; G. H. Williams, Clerk; J. M. Harcourt, Treasurer; J. M. Barrick, J. P.; N. Rogers and A. B. Tuggle, Constables.

[REPUBLICAN CONVENTION.]

Winfield Courier, September 20, 1877.

The following persons are elected delegates to the Republican convention at the Courthouse next Saturday.

Rock. Chas. Eagin, W. J. Funk, Geo. H. Williams.

[TOWNSHIP OFFICERS ELECTED.]

Winfield Courier, November 15, 1877.

Rock—W. B. Wimer, Trustee; J. M. Harcourt, Treasurer; G. H. Williams, Clerk; H. Fisk, R. Booth, Justices; No Constable.

Winfield Courier, January 3, 1878.

A Card. ROCK, COWLEY COUNTY, KANSAS, December 23, 1877. MR. EDITOR: Dear Sir: I desire to tender my thanks through the columns of your paper to the kind people of Rock and vicinity for their tokens of love. “Love to our Pastor” was the motto on the trestle-board, last Friday night, which was fully expressed in the liberal donations of the kind people of that place, in the amount of twenty two dollars in cash, besides other tokens. Owing to the inclemency of the weather, there were provisions in great abundance carried away. We also acknowledge our gratitude to Miss Mattie Minnihan, George H. and J. F. Williams for their musical entertainment during the evening.

G. W. HARRISON, Pastor on Douglass circuit.

[ROCK TOWNSHIP CORRESPONDENT: “SILAS BRACKET.”]

Winfield Courier, April 11, 1878.

ROCK TOWNSHIP, April 5, 1878. ED. COURIER. I am a subscriber to your valuable paper, and in looking over the communications I find Rock ignored. Thinking perhaps something from this part of the county would be worth giving a place in your next issue, I have concluded to write you a short communication.

We are situated in the Walnut Valley, 15 miles north of Winfield. The valley at this point is about two miles wide, reaching from the Walnut to Rock Creek. Nearly the entire valley is in cultivation—principally sown to wheat, which looks very fine. We have quite a number of new arrivals in this neighborhood, parties who have bought farms and have emigrated with stock and farming implements prepared to till the soil.

We have one dry goods and grocery store here, kept by ex-Squire George H. Williams, who does a good business. He is P. M. at Rock, and the “prince of good fellows.”

Dr. J. P. Graham, late of Indianapolis, Ind., will locate here next week and enter at once into the practice of medicine. We have organized a M. E. Church at our schoolhouse. Preaching once in two weeks, also a union Sunday school.

BIRTH. J. B. Holmes will harvest about 500 acres of wheat this season; and better still, he is in luck in his old age—it is a boy. But you will get worried with this letter, so I will close. SILAS BRACKET.

Winfield Courier, August 8, 1878.

Primary Meeting. The Republican voters of Rock Creek Township met at Darien schoolhouse Saturday, August 3, 1878. Reuben Booth was chosen for chairman, G. H. Williams, Secretary. The following named gentlemen were chosen to represent the township at the Republican County Convention, to be held in Winfield, Saturday, Aug. 10, 1878.

For delegates: Sam’l. P. Strong, Chas. H. Eagin, Reuben Booth, Wm. J. Funk.

Alternates: E. R. Evans, Geo. H. Williams, Frank Akers, Wm. Palmer.

REUBEN BOOTH, Chairman. GEO. H. WILLIAMS, Secretary.

[TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.]

Winfield Courier, February 17, 1881.

Below we give a list of township officers elected at the February election. In some of the townships the Justices hold over.

ROCK: Trustee, J. F. Williams; treasurer, J. C. Snyder; clerk, G. H. Williams, Justices, R. Booth and J. R. Richards.

Winfield Courier, May 19, 1881.

Mr. D. S. Williams, known by the boys as “Kate,” and a brother of George Williams, of Rock, was married last week to Miss Gallotti, a resident of the north part of the state.

[REPORT FROM “U. L. SEE” - ROCK.]

Winfield Courier, June 2, 1881.

The corners are happy. Thirty-six hours of rain in Southern Kansas is well calculated to make the natives rejoice. We have a very fair prospect for wheat in this locality, especially on the bottom lands; and corn, well, it is immense. The Timothy meadows, what little we have, will be good. The weeds are outstripping the oat crop. Rock supports a good Sunday school under the Superintendency of Thomas Harp, our village blacksmith. Our day school is being taught by Alex Limerick, one of Cowley’s best teachers.

The store on the corners is still run by Geo. H. Williams, who does an immense business for a country store, keeping a general assortment of merchandise.

The Walnut river is on a rampage, marking a 15 foot raise. Rock Creek Township will present the name of our present efficient chairman of the Board of County Commissioners for renomination by the republican county convention this fall. His past record is an all sufficient guarantee for the future. Geo. I. Gale is the man for the place.

We note the arrival of a new M. D. at Rock, a young man from Michigan. Success to the Doctor. [NAME OF DOCTOR NOT GIVEN.] U. L. SEE.

[PETER LARSON: PERISHED BY STRYCHNINE POISON.]

Winfield Courier, September 1, 1881.

We noticed in last week’s issue the death of Peter Larson, supposed from poison administered by one Harmon, a tenant of Larson’s. Since that time County Attorney Jennings has been thoroughly investigating the matter and has succeeded in bringing to light evidence that is very strong against Harmon. The facts, as near as can be gathered, are as follows.

Larson was a Norwegian by birth, without friends or relatives in this country; but an honest, hardworking man, much given to saving his dimes, and had accumulated considerable property. He owned a splendid farm in Rock township, had cattle, hogs, horses, and no one knows how much ready money, and was worth in all seven or eight thousand dollars. He had on his place the man Harmon and family and lived in a house near them. One day a neighbor happened to pass Harmon’s and saw Larson have a fit; and immediately went to his help, and had a physician brought. Larson soon recovered from it, and when the cause of his illness was questioned, Harmon suggested that perhaps it was hydrophobia, as the dog had died that morning. Larson stated that he hadn’t been bitten by any dog and he seemed all right, so the neighbor left. During the night he was taken with other fits and died before a physician arrived. He was buried next day, at Douglass. On the second day following, George Williams, one of the best known and highly respected citizens of Rock township, was appointed administrator by Judge Gans and instructed to immediately take possession of the property of the deceased. George Williams soon discovered that some of the hogs were missing and found that during the previous night, Harmon had taken a load to Augusta and sold them. He immediately had Harmon arrested, stopped payment on the check, and recovered the hogs. Harmon now lies in jail at this place. After the action on Harmon’s part led to suspicions of foul play, Mr. Williams and Attorney Jennings began a careful investigation of the circumstances of Larson’s death. The symptoms of the fits were found to be those of strychnine poisoning. It was ascertained that during the morning meal Larson had fed his dog from the food he was eating and that the dog ran to a pool of water, drank, and then stiffened dead. Mr. Jennings then went to Douglass, interviewed the druggists, and found that several days before one of them had sold a man a bottle of strychnine. The druggist described the man and his description answered to that of Harmon to a dot. He was then brought to Winfield, taken to the jail, and asked to point out from among the prisoners, if possible, the man to whom he had sold the poison. He immediately pointed out Harmon as the one. The next day, Monday, the Probate Judge, County Attorney, and Drs. Emerson and Graham, went to Douglass, exhumed the body of Larson, took from it the stomach, heart, and liver, and returned with them to Winfield. The Doctors then made a comparative analysis of these organs and discovered strychnine, and thus the matter stands at the present writing. The liver is so strongly poisoned that if a fly lights upon it, it tumbles off dead as a mackerel.

The impression seems to be that there was a scheme on foot to get the old man out of the way quietly and then get away with the property before anyone knew it. The preliminary trial will be held soon, the result of which will appear in next week’s paper.

Winfield Courier, December 22, 1881.

George Williams, Uncle Sam and the people’s servant at Rock, called in to see us Tuesday. He reports business flourishing and everything lovely up north.

[REPORT FROM “WILLIAM”—NORTH FAIRVIEW.]

Cowley County Courant, January 5, 1882.

About twenty of the young folks met at the residence of Mr. Calvin Coon last evening for an oyster supper, but when sending to our accommodating merchant, Geo. H. Williams, for the oysters, lo, and behold! He had had such a run that the last oyster was gone. The boys were bound to have a good time, however, and turned it into a candy pulling. About 10 o’clock Mrs. Coon spread a bountiful repast, which was enjoyed hugely, by all present.

WILLIAM. ROCK, KANSAS, Dec. 29, 1881.

Winfield Courier, January 5, 1882.

On the evening of Dec. 31, in order to bid adieu to the old year, a small party of the people of northern Rock assembled at the residence of Mr. G. L. Gale to “ring out the old and ring in the new.” Wit, wisdom, and wealth were in profusion. Jet Williams, and that prince of good fellows, G. H. Williams, drew the bows across the fiddle strings and oh! How they did “mill ‘em around and square ‘em up.” It was glorious to look upon. When supper was served all retired feeling it was “good to be there.” May Mr. Gale and his noble lady live long and enjoy life.

Winfield Courier, February 16, 1882.

George Williams, administrator of the Larson estate, has received a letter from the Swedish and Norwegian Minister at Washington to the effect that he has the power of attorney from a half sister of Peter Larson, and will put in a claim for the estate.

Cowley County Courant, May 25, 1882.

A Courant representative visited Rock township yesterday. To say that this is the best township in the county would lay the Courant liable to the charge of toadyism from which it prides itself on being so free. It is, however, one of the several very best in any county. No township in the county combines so many natural advantages. Besides vast quantities of the richest bottom land, there is abundance of timber, pure water in plenty, and exhaustive building and fencing stone, to be had for the quarrying; and wheat and corn everywhere. We think it probable that Rock township should be credited with having raised the biggest wheat in the State, that is, the largest yield to the acre. The acreage is not so large this year as last, but gives promise of being the best crop yet raised in that wheat raising township.

The Rock store kept by that clever, sensible Republican, George H. Williams, is the political headquarters, and may be said to be the county seat of Rock township. Here may be found a few congenial souls almost any time of the day. And the wayfarer can be accommodated with any kind of a discussion he feels himself capable of taking a hand in. The versatile Harcourt will lock horns with him on temperance, the conscientious Gale will hold him down on religion or the want of it, while Uncle John Holmes can wear him out on hogs and cattle. These gentlemen all live handy, and can afford now, to take their ease. They are in no sense loafers. They are men who have gathered a big competence by hard work and good management, who now feel that they have earned a rest on the shadowy side of their lives.

John Holmes, Esq., is the most extensive farmer in the county. He owns a thousand acres of the choicest land, nearly all of it in wheat and corn. We had the good fortune to be invited to dinner with Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Harcourt, where in company with Mr. and Mrs. Commissioner Gale, we passed a pleasant hour. This is decidedly a hoosier neighborhood, every man within a radius of several miles having been lucky enough to get away from Indiana. Tom C. Brown had the misfortune to have a fine mare badly torn on a barbarous barbed wire fence some time ago and now Tom wishes there wasn’t a wire of that kind in the State. W. O. Baxter, M. L. Hollingsworth, W. L. White, G. M. Turner, F. G. Szirkowsky, Mr. Thompson, J. M. Harcourt, John Holmes, Mr. Bailey, and Sam Strong are among the most successful farmers of that township. Mr. Szirkowsky is one of the most enthusiastic Kansans that we have yet found. Last year was to some extent a bad one, yet this man tells us that he paid out three hundred and fifty dollars over and above his living, off of a small farm of sixty acres. He is now out of debt and considers Kansas the best state in the Union. Tom Harp is the blacksmith at Rock and is said to be a number one workman. As we expect to visit that section again, we will not say anymore now.

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, November 16, 1882.

George Williams and Gene Wilber came down from Rock Wednesday to hear the news. It is unnecessary to add that they went home sick.

[ROCK CORRESPONDENT: “JIM.”]

Winfield Courier, December 14, 1882.

Geo. Williams (Bro. Gardner) is doing a big business; selling more goods than anybody. By the way, George is one of the cleverest fellows going. Don’t you forget it. JIM

[ROCK CORRESPONDENT: “JIM.”]

Winfield Courier, December 28, 1882.

Geo. Williams had a Christmas present of a fine euchre deck enclosed in a box, which has an apparatus on it for both counting games and points. It is the nicest thing of the kind we have seen.

[ROCK TOWNSHIP CORRESPONDENT: “JIM.”]

Winfield Courier, March 15, 1883.

The “old boys” had some fun last week. Wheat looks well and a fine prospect for a crop.

Lambs are as plentiful as sands by the sea shore. Spring is now here, the roads are good, farmers are plowing. S. P. Strong has purchased a nice one horse buggy. Sam is too large for his grey pony. A surprise party was given to Mr. and Mrs. Gale last week. All came away highly pleased. Gale and Wilber sold 500 head of fat weathers to Smith of Augusta, averaging 108. Price $5.15. James Walker and Miss Daniels are married. Success to them. Jim is one of our successful teachers. Tom Harp, our blacksmith, is full—of work. Tom is a good workman and they come for miles around.

“Kate” Williams and his lieutenant are on the war path. Look out if you want to buy a good sawing machine cheap.

Mr. Szirkowsky has moved onto his farm east of here, and MASE (Mase) Railsback has gone to housekeeping where he lived. Ed. Pentecost, who has been living with Gene Wilber, has moved to Winfield. Ed. is a genial companion and full of business. We are sorry to lose him. A gentleman from Topeka has been among us for some few days with a Norman horse, trying to get a company of ten to take shares in him. Price $10,000. He made a failure, only getting five names. Mr. Hollingsworth, formerly living on J. B. Holmes’ farm, gave a dance. M. L. Hollingsworth, though a man of 40 odd, had never seen but one dance, and it struck him as a tip-top invention, so he had one. All had a good time. Geo. M. Turner sold his farm of 160 acres to S. P. Strong. Consideration $4,000. Mr. Turner is going into the cattle business. Geo. is a No. 1 citizen and he will be missed. The worst thing about him is that he is a Democrat. JIM.

[ROCK TOWNSHIP CORRESPONDENT: “JIM.”]

Winfield Courier, March 29, 1883.

S. D. Williams is now assessing.

Ab. Holmes bought the Harcourt sheep of Osborne.

Marion Harcourt has sold his range (370 acres) east of here, and about 700 sheep, including 200 lambs, to William Osborne for $3,500.

[ROCK CORRESPONDENT: “MAY.”]

Winfield Courier, August 16, 1883.

G. H. Williams has a new croquet set and it is in use most of the time.

Winfield Courier, August 30, 1883.

Recap: Geo. H. Williams, Administrator of the Estate of Joseph Winslow, Deceased, granted Letters of Administration by Probate Court May 28, 1883.

Winfield Courier, August 30, 1883.

George Williams was down from Rock Monday. George is the merchant prince of that locality and does a business that would put some of our metropolitan storekeepers to shame.

[PERMANENT ORGANIZATION: EX-SOLDIERS.]

Winfield Courier, October 25, 1883.

During the Soldiers’ Re-union last week it was determined to effect a permanent organization, and the soldiers present from each state were requested to appoint one member of a committee to recommend a form for such organization and the officers for the first year. The committee met and organized by electing comrade James McDermott, chairman, and comrade A. H. Limerick, secretary. The roll of the committee was called and the following members were found present.

G. H. Williams, 2nd Colorado Infantry.

The committee made the following report, which was adopted by the soldiers at dress parade on Friday evening, October 18, 1883. The committee of one person from each state represented at this Re-union, appointed to recommend a plan of organization for future Re-unions, beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following:

That an association be formed to be called “The Arkansas Valley Re-Union Association,” for the purpose of holding annual re-Unions. The association shall be composed of all old Soldiers and Sailors of the United States residing in the counties of Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, Butler, Cowley, Sumner, Sedgwick, Harvey, Reno, Kingman, Harper, and Barber. The officers of the association shall be a president, a secretary, a treasurer, and one vice-president from each county. The officers named shall constitute an Executive Board. The officers shall be elected at the annual Re-unions and shall hold their offices until the next annual Re-union, and until their successors are elected. The Executive Board shall determine the time and place of each Re-union, but the time shall be between August 1st and October 1st, and the Re-union shall not be held in connection with any fair or other public gathering. The president, secretary, and three vice-presidents shall constitute a quorum of the Executive Board. The Executive Board shall have power to fill all vacancies in offices in the intervals between Re-unions.

Winfield Courier, January 17, 1884.

The Darien schoolhouse in Rock Township was destroyed by fire Friday night. Some wood had been put in the drum of the stove to dry. This caught fire, fell out on the floor, and set the building on fire. All of the paraphernalia of the school, many of the scholars’ books, and some belonging to the teacher, Miss Leota Gary, were destroyed. Darien was one of the oldest schoolhouses in the county, and has been a place of rendezvous for the denizens of Upper Walnut for many years. The old walls could have told many tales of red-hot political meetings where Uncle Reuben Booth held the boys level, or deep-laid plans to “capture the delegation” or “put up a trick,” in which George Williams, Harcourt, Strong, Gale, Grow, Wilber, and a host of others, were participants. Let a new house, raised on the ashes of the old one, be called “Darien.”

Winfield Courier, February 28, 1884.

RECAP: Administrator, George H. Williams, of the estate of Peter Larson, deceased, Henry E. Asp, Attorney, notified creditors of final settlement of estate April 7, 1884.

[COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]

Winfield Courier, April 17, 1884.

J. M. Harcourt, W. H. Grow, and G. H. Williams appointed viewers on C. H. Mabry Co. road.

Winfield Courier, August 7, 1884.

George Williams and J. M. Harcourt were down from Rock Wednesday shaking hands with the boys all around.

[COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]

Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 15, 1885.

Road petition of James E. Hanlen granted and W. H. Grow, George Williams, and J. M. Harcourt appointed viewers.

[COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]

Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 29, 1885.

Jas. E. Hanlen road, Rock township, commencing at nw cor of sec 34, township 80, range 4 e, running thence on section line 3 miles to ne cor sec 37, same township and range. W. H. Grow, Geo. Williams, and J. M. Harcourt, viewers, and county surveyor will meet at place of beginning on April 2^nd, 1885, at 10 a.m., giving all a hearing and survey said road.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 18, 1885.

Dr. H. F. Hornaday and George H. Williams, of Rock, were down Tuesday taking in the Queen City of southern Kansas.

THE WINFIELD NATIONAL BANK.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 18, 1885.

We are in receipt of a handsome circular announcing the change of the Winfield Bank to the Winfield National Bank, with a paid in capital of one hundred thousand dollars, and an authorized capital of five hundred thousand dollars. H. B. Schuler is president and E. T. Schuler, cashier. The directors are H. B. Schuler, J. B. Lynn, C. Perry, Dr. Geo. Emerson, Arthur M. Green, of Pleasant Valley; H. R. Branson, of Dexter; and George H. Williams, of Rock. The new National opens up under the most favorable auspices. Mr. Schuler is a banker of long experience and is conservative and careful as a manager. The directors are among our best businessmen and capitalists. The old Winfield Bank has long enjoyed the confidence and a large share of the business of our people and THE COURIER predicts for the Winfield National, into which it has merged, long continued success and prosperity.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 18, 1885.

George Williams, administrator of the estate of Joseph Winslow, has made his second annual settlement.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 30, 1885.

George Williams and H. F. Hornaday were down from Rock Tuesday.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 30, 1885.

George H. Williams has been appointed administrator of the estate of William Kaats, deceased. Kaats was one of the victims of the Dawson ford drowning.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 13, 1885.

RECAP. Probate Court. Matter of the Estate of William Kaats, deceased. Notice given of Geo. H. Williams becoming Administrator on August 4, 1885.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 20, 1885.

Recap. Administrator’s Notice. Geo. H. Williams, Administrator of the Estate of William Kaats, deceased. Date of appointment: July 20, 1885.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 24, 1885.

Winfield National Bank.

NO. 3351.

CAPITAL, $100,000.

AUTHORIZED CAPITAL, $500,000.

President: H. B. Schuler

Cashier: E. T. Schuler

DIRECTORS: C. Perry, H. B. Schuler, Geo. H. Williams, J. B. Lynn, A. H. Green, Geo. Emerson, H. R. Braum.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 5, 1885.

Geo. H. Williams is postmaster at Rock in this county, but don’t care about the post office only for the accommodation of the people. He is an “offensive partisan,” and several weeks ago sent in his resignation stating that when a Democratic applicant is found who can write his name without sticking out his tongue, the office will be turned over to him. At last accounts the candidate with the required qualifications had not been found.

Winfield Courier, December 3, 1885.

The claim of W. A. Lee was allowed against the estate of Wm. Kaats, deceased, for $40.

The following claims were allowed against the estate of J. C. McKibben, deceased: S. E. Schemerhorn, $944; Geo. Eaton, $266.15; Winfield Bank, $162.79; same Bank, $158.05; W. C. Robinson, one claim $184.25, and one for $136.20; W. A. Lee, $65.24; S. H. Myton, $40.45.

Inventory filed in the estate of J. C. McKibben by Geo. Williams, administrator: personal estate $919.20, besides 10 acres growing wheat. The estate also embraces two good quarters of land.

Winfield Courier, December 3, 1885.

George H. Williams, administrator of the estate of J. C. McKibben, has filed a petition for the sale of the real estate belonging to said estate.

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. Rock: S. P. Strong, H. F. Hornaday, E. J. Wilber, and W. H. Grow.

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.

Here are the figures.

ROCK TOWNSHIP.

The assessed valuation 1885: $132,800.00

Tax levy of 1885 except school and road: $2,184.80

Interest on $18,000 bonds asked for at 6 per cent: $1,080.00

Valuation with proposed road bed: $178,300.00

The present rate of taxation on township with road, will produce: $3,137.98

Tax to be raised with interest on bonds: $3,264.89

Difference and amount to be raised: $226.91

J. C. Paige, T. C. Covert, W. P. Hackney, and W. H. Grow made pointed remarks. It was decided to submit propositions to Rock for $18,000; Walnut $15,000; Fairview $10,000; Winfield $17,000, making the $60,000 required for the extension. Committees were appointed to canvass and work up the propositions, as follows.

Rock: G. H. Williams, R. Booth, Sr., S. P. Strong, H. F. Hornaday, W. H. Grow, J. M. Harcourt, and E. J. Wilber.

Committees were appointed as follows to see that this matter is properly worked up.

Winfield: Capt. Nipp, J. E. Conklin, D. L. Kretsinger, C. Schmidt, Col. Whiting, J. A. Eaton, and A. H. Doane.

Walnut: J. B. Corson, J. P. Short, J. C. Roberts, T. A. Blanchard, and W. D. Roberts.

Fairview: M. C. Headrick, J. C. Paige, A. H. Limerick, J. W. Douglas, and T. S. Covert.

Rock: G. L. Gale, G. H. Williams, H. F. Hornaday, E. J. Wilber, J. M. Harcourt, S. P. Strong, J. B. Holmes, and John Stalter.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 21, 1886.

Geo. H. Williams, Dr. Hornaday, S. P. Strong, and others prominent in Rock, spent last Friday in the city.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 21, 1886.

A meeting of the stockholders of the Winfield National Bank was held Tuesday, Jan. 12^th, 1886. C. Perry, Arthur H. Green, Geo. Emerson, J. B. Lynn, Geo. H. Williams, Henry R. Branson, and H. B. Schuler were elected directors. The officers elected are H. B. Schuler, President; Everett Schuler, cashier; and Geo. H. Schuler, assistant cashier.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 18, 1886.

Joseph Winslow died in Rock township two years ago. He was supposed to be a widower. Geo. H. Williams was appointed administrator of the eighty acres of land and other property. Until today no heirs could be found. Judge Gans, today, got a letter from Avery Winslow, a brother, living in Iona, Mitchell County, Kansas, who says he has heard that his long lost brother had died in this county and wants to know whether the report is true or not.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 8, 1886.