R.
W. WILSON.
Winfield,
Kansas.
[Note: R. S. Wilson was a partner of A. D. Hendricks in a hardware store in Winfield, arriving in Winfield in 1879. Other than some brief references to Mr. Wilson, most of the data on him concerns the period when he was a City Councilman. The first twenty-six pages or so are devoted to coverage of all the “City Council” meetings in which Wilson was involved under Mayor Troup. After that come more pages covering R. S. Wilson, City Councilman, under Mayor Emerson. Hendricks & Wilson hardware store activities will be found in the file covering A. D. Hendricks.]
Winfield
Courier, February 10, 1881.
CRYSTAL WEDDING.
Mr. and Mrs. Shrieves celebrated the 15th anniversary of their marriage by inviting their friends to attend their crystal wedding on Tuesday evening, February 8th. Accordingly a merry party filled the omnibuses and proceeded to their residence, one mile east of town, and spent an evening of unalloyed pleasure. Mrs. Shrieves, assisted by her sisters, Mrs. Cummings and Mrs. Wm. Shrieves, entertained their guests in a graceful and pleasant manner. Although invitation cards announced no presents, a few of the most intimate friends presented some choice little articles in remembrance of the occasion.
The following were present: Mrs. Hickok, Mrs. Mansfield, Mrs. Butler, Miss Graham, Mr. and Mrs. Kinne, Mr. and Mrs. S. D. Pryor, Mr. and Mrs. Wallis, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. Spotswood, Dr. and Mrs. Van Doren, Mr. and Mrs. Earnest, Mr. and Mrs. H. Brown, Rev. and Mrs. Hyden, Rev. and Mrs. Platter, Mrs. Houston, Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Millington, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. Black, Mr. and Mrs. Williams, Mr. and Mrs. R. S. Wilson, Rev. and Mrs. Borchers, Mr. and Mrs. Meech, Mr. and Mrs. Millhouse, Mr. and Mrs. S. S. Linn, Mr. and Mrs. Snyder, Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Roberts, Mr. Hendricks, and John Roberts.
Cowley County Courant, April 6, 1882.
The election for city officers in Winfield Tuesday resulted in the election of the following named gentlemen.
Justices of the Peace: T. H. Soward and G. H. Buckman.
Constables: H. H. Siverd and Frank Finch.
Councilmen:
First ward—R. S. Wilson.
Second ward—J. C. McMullen.
Members of Board of Education:
First ward (long term)—J. C. Fuller.
(to fill vacancy)—George Emerson.
Second ward (long term)—B. F. Wood.
(to fill vacancy)—A. H. Doane.
The election was conducted in an unusually quiet manner, and the best of feeling prevailed through the entire day.
Cowley County Courant, April 6, 1882.
A little five-year-old daughter of J. C. Fuller was walking the stringer of a picket fence Tuesday evening, and falling, caught her feet between the pickets, and was suspended until Mr. R. S. Wilson ran about a block and rescued her. The ankle was considerably sprained, but no bones were broken.
Winfield Courier, April 6, 1882.
City Election.
The City election last Tuesday passed off pleasantly and quietly, but there was strenuous work done. As usual, the successful candidates are happy and the unsuccessful feel a little sore. There were no party nominations and the contest, so far as there was a contest, was mainly on the prohibition issue. The anti-prohibitionists on Monday evening made up a good strong ticket largely of prohibition candidates with the evident main object of beating Buckman for Justice, Siverd for Constable, and whoever might be nominated in the first ward for councilman by their opponents. The prohibitionists accepted their nominations so far as suited them, but substituted other names for five principal offices, as appears below, to make up a complete ticket. The long and short term candidates for school board happened to get reversed on the two tickets, which occasioned the votes for full term and vacancy for the same candidates. Every man on the prohibitionist’s ticket was elected by majorities ranging from 55 to 180. The average vote on contested candidates in the whole city was 245 prohibition to 145 anti, or 100 majority. This is the way we look at the matter, but others may view it differently. The following is the vote in full. Those names prefixed by * are elected.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
*G. H. BUCKMAN: 256
*T. H. SOWARD: 277
W. E. Tansey: 201
H. B. Lacy: 15
E. S. Bedilion: 1
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
COUNCILMAN [FIRST WARD].
*R. S. WILSON: 150
S. Bard: 72
Dan Maher: 1
J. C. McMullen: 3.
COUNCILMAN [SECOND WARD].
*J. C. McMULLEN: 168
W. J. Hodges: 6
W. H. Smith: 1
R. S. Wilson, First Term as City Councilman...
R. S. Wilson, Council Member Under Mayor M. G. Troup.
Cowley County Courant, April 20, 1882.
COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.
Council met in regular session, Mayor M. G. Troup presiding. Present, Councilmen Read, Gary, Mater, and Hodges, City Attorney Seward, and Clerk Beach.
The minutes of the regular meeting of April 3rd, and of the meeting of April 7th, to canvass the votes cast at the general election held April 8th, were read and approved.
Col. J. C. McMullen and Mr. R. S. Wilson, Councilmen elect, being present, were then inducted into office; Messrs. Hodges and Mater, vacating their offices.
Petition of J. W. Curns and ten others, for sidewalk and street crossings, to begin at the southeast corner of lot No. 6, in block No. 87, and running thence south on the west side of Manning street to the southeast corner of lot No. 18, in block No. 89, in the city of Winfield, was read and on motion the prayer of the petitioners was granted, and the Attorney was instructed to prepare an ordinance in accordance therewith.
Petition of E. P. Hickok and ninety-seven others, asking that the Council cause to be removed the powder house in the south part of Winfield, between Main and Millington streets, was read, and on motion of Mr. McMullen was granted, and the Attorney was instructed to prepare an ordinance providing for its removal to as great a distance from the city as the general safety demands, and the laws of the state will permit.
Ordinance No. 156 being an ordinance providing for the construction of certain sidewalks therein named, was read and on motion of Mr. Read, was taken up for consideration by sections. Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 were adopted. On the motion to adopt as a whole on its final passage, the vote stood as follows: Those voting aye, were Messrs. Read, Gary, McMullen, and Wilson; nays, none, and the ordinance was declared adopted.
The finance committee reported on the reports of Treasurer, for the months ending January 15th, February 15th, and March 15th, 1882, that they had examined the same and found them correct. Report adopted.
The special committee, appointed to confer with the County Commissioners relative to the construction of a tank and windmill on the courthouse grounds, reported adversely to the city having any connection with the matter. On motion, the report was adopted and the committee was discharged.
Bill of clerks and judges of election, 1st and 2nd ward, $20.000, was allowed and ordered paid.
Bill of W. L. Hands, for use of team, for burial of pauper, $3.00, was approved and recommended to the County Commissioners for payment.
Report of Police Judge for March was read and referred to committee on finance.
On motion of Mr. Gary, the City Attorney was instructed to prepare an ordinance prohibiting the lariating of stock, so that they may obstruct any street or alley, by crossing the same; prohibiting the stacking of hay within the city limits, and prohibiting the use of barbed wire for fencing, within the city limits, unless the same shall be protected by a board above it.
The City Attorney was, on motion of Mr. Read, instructed to amend the ordinance relating to fire limits, so as to bring it within the provisions of the statute concerning the same.
On motion of Mr. McMullen, Mr. Read was elected President of the Council for the ensuing year.
The Mayor then made the following appointments of standing committees for the ensuing year.
Finance: Gary, McMullen, and Wilson.
Streets and Alleys: Read, Gary, and Wilson.
Public Health: McMullen, Read, and Gary.
Fire Department: Wilson, Gary, and McMullen.
The Mayor appointed David C. Beach, City Clerk, for the coming year.
On motion of Mr. Gary, the appointment was confirmed by the Council.
The appointment of City Engineer was laid over for one meeting.
The Mayor then appointed James Bethel to the office of City Marshal.
Mr. Read moved that the appointment be confirmed; no second. On motion Council adjourned. M. G. TROUP, Mayor.
Attest: DAVID C. BEACH, City Clerk.
Winfield Courier, May 25, 1882.
Council Proceedings.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, MAY 23, 1882.
Council met pursuant to adjournment. Mayor Troup in chair.
Roll called. Present, Councilmen Read, Gary, McMullen, and Wilson.
Bond of Benjamin F. Herrod as marshal, with Geo. T. Wilson, J. L. Hodges, and J. A. McGuire as securities, was presented and on motion of Mr. McMullen was approved.
Remonstrance of Jno. W. Curns and 17 others against the construction of the stone guttering on East side of Main street between 7th and 10th avenues was read and placed on file.
Ordinance No. 157 providing for the construction of certain sidewalks therein specified was read and on motion of Mr. Read was taken up for consideration by sections. Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 were adopted. On motion to adopt as a whole on its final passage, the vote stood as follows: Those voting aye were Messrs. Read, McMullen, Gary, and Wilson; nays none, and the Ordinance was declared adopted.
Ordinance No. 158 regulating the storing and keeping of powder was read, and on motion was taken up for consideration by sections. Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 were adopted. On motion to adopt as a whole on its final passage, the vote stood as follows: Those voting aye were Messrs. Read, Gary, McMullen, and Wilson; nays none, and the ordinance was declared adopted.
Ordinance No. 159, Protecting life and property by regulating the maintenance and construction of wire fences and the lariating of stock was read and on motion of Mr. Read, was taken up for consideration by sections. Sections 1, 2, and 3 were adopted. On motion to adopt as a whole on its final passage, the vote stood as follows: Those voting aye were Messrs. Read, McMullen, Gary, and Wilson, nays none, and the ordinance was declared adopted.
The following claims were allowed and ordered paid.
C. W. Nichols, street work: $11.25.
J. H. Rice & Sons, 2 J. P. Dockets: $32.00.
Adams Express Co., expressage: $.90.
C. W. Nichols et al., street work: $17.50.
On motion council adjourned. M. G. TROUP, MAYOR.
Attest: DAVID C. BEACH, City Clerk.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, June 8, 1882.
Council Proceedings.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, JUNE 5TH, 1882.
Council met in regular session, Mayor M. G. Troup in chair. Present: Councilmen Read, Gary, Wilson, and McMullen; City Attorney and Clerk.
Minutes of last regular and of adjourned meeting read and approved.
Petition of Geo. A. Schroeter for appointment to the position of the City Time Keeper was read and on motion granted upon the same conditions and terms as last year.
Proposition of Hudson Bros., to furnish a time clock for the regulation of night police without expense to the city, was presented and accepted.
Ordinance No. 161, prohibiting the stacking of hay and other combustible material and the covering of stables and other buildings with such materials, within the corporate limits of the City of Winfield, was read and on motion was taken up for consideration by sections. Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 were adopted. On motion to adopt as a whole on its final passage, the vote stood as follows: Those voting aye were Messrs. Read, McMullen, Gary, and Wilson; nays none, and the ordinance was declared adopted.
Ordinance No. 163 amending Sections No. 3 of Ordinance No. 111 and Ordinance No. 141 was read and on motion was taken up for consideration by sections. Sections No. 1, 2, and 3 were adopted. On motion to adopt as a whole on its final passage the vote stood as follows: Those voting aye were Messrs. Read, McMullen, Gary and Wilson; nays none, and the ordinance was declared adopted.
The following bills were allowed and ordered paid.
Joseph Barricklow, street crossings: $16.40.
City officer’s salary, May: $16.40.
Bill of Winfield “Courant,” printing: $11.00, was referred to committee on Finance.
Bill of A. H. Doane & Co., for wood and coal to city poor, $15.00, was approved and recommended to the County Commissioners for payment.
On motion Council adjourned. M. G. TROUP, Mayor.
Attest: DAVID C. BEACH, City Clerk.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, July 13, 1882.
Council Proceedings.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, JULY 7, 1882.
Council met pursuant to adjournment, Mayor Troup in the chair.
Present: Councilmen Read, McMullen, and Wilson, City Clerk and Attorney.
Minutes of last meeting were read and approved.
Reports of Treasurer for months ending May 15 and June 15 and of City Clerk for quarter ending June 15th were read and referred to Finance Committee.
It was moved that the Finance Committee be instructed to obtain from Police Judge reports of the business of his office for months of April, May, and June. Carried.
It was moved that the street commissioner be requested to make a report of road tax collected by him, by next meeting of the Council.
Bills of Winfield COURIER for printing, $28.50, and J. E. Conklin for dirt on Main Street, $25.00, were referred to Finance Committee.
The following bills were allowed and ordered paid.
H. L. Thomas, crossings, etc.: $100.72.
Joseph Barricklow, crossings, etc.: $21.67.
Wm. Warren, crossings, etc.: $27.50.
Wm. Warren, crossings, etc.: $8.00.
C. H. Wooden, removing nuisances: $3.75.
City officers, salaries June: $7.90.
Bill of L. Burkhalter for $2.00 for team to funeral of Mrs. Sanborn was approved and recommended to the County Commissioners for payment.
On motion Council adjourned. M. G. TROUP, Mayor.
Attest: DAVID C. BEACH, City Clerk.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, July 20, 1882.
Council Proceedings.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, July 17, 1882.
Council met in regular session, Mayor M. G. Troup in chair.
Roll called: Present, Councilmen Read, Gary, and Wilson, City Attorney and Clerk.
Minutes of last meeting read and approved.
Petition of W. E. Tansey and 51 others asking that steps be taken to have the weeds and grass growing along the sidewalks and crossings cut down and removed, was read. On motion the Marshal was instructed to have the weeds removed where most needed, with road work.
The Street Commissioner made a report showing the names of 112 jurors whose road tax had been paid by work upon the streets. Filed.
A. G. Wilson, city weighmaster, submitted a report of the business of his office from March 18th to June 29th, 1882, which was placed on file.
On motion of Mr. Gary the resolution relating to guttering Main street between 7th and 10th avenue, and the remonstrance against the same were referred to the Committee on Streets and Alleys and the City Attorney with instructions to investigate the matter and report at the next meeting of the City Council by ordinance if necessary.
Mr. Seeley made a statement with reference to the fine imposed upon his son, F. D. Seeley, for carrying concealed weapons. Referred to the City Attorney.
The City Weighmaster presented the certificate of County Clerk of the test of his scales. Filed.
The Committee on Streets and Alleys were instructed to buy a scraper.
On motion Council adjourned to meet on Monday evening July 24th, 1882.
M. G. TROUP, Mayor.
Attest: DAVID C. BEACH, City Clerk.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, July 27, 1882.
Council Proceedings.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, JULY 24, 1882.
Council met in adjourned session, Mayor Troup presiding. Present: Councilmen Read, Gary, and Wilson, City Attorney and Clerk.
Ordinance No. 162, providing for the construction of a stone gutter on Main Street between 7th and 10th Avenues, was read, and on motion of Mr. Read was taken up for consideration by sections. Sections 1, 2, and 3 were adopted. On motion to adopt as a whole, in its final passage, the vote stood as follows: Those voting aye were Messrs. Read, Gary, and Wilson; nays none, and the ordinance was declared adopted.
The Committee on Finance reported on clerk’s quarterly statements, and on reports of City Treasurer for months ending May 12th and June 15th, that they had examined the same and found them correct; also on bill of J. E. Conklin, for dirt $25.00, and of Winfield COURIER for printing, $28.50, that they found them correct and recommended payment. On bill of Winfield Courant for printing $11.00, they recommended that it be allowed at $10.50. Reports adopted and warrants ordered drawn for the respective amounts.
Council adjourned. M. G. TROUP, Mayor.
DAVID C. BEACH, City Clerk.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, August 24, 1882.
Council Proceedings.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, AUGUST 21, 1882.
Council met in regular session, Mayor Troup presiding.
Roll called. Present: Councilmen Read, Gary, and Wilson and City Attorney and Clerk.
Minutes of regular and of adjourned session read and approved.
Ordinance No. 163, being an ordinance in relation to working the road tax in the streets and alleys of Winfield City, was read and on motion of Mr. Read was taken up for consideration by sections.
Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 were adopted. On motion to adopt as a whole on its final passage the vote stood as follows: Those voting aye were Messrs. Read, Gary, and Wilson; nays none, and the Ordinance was declared adopted.
Petition of J. A. McGuire and 34 others asking that the “Nightwatch” be paid by the City instead of by individuals was read and on motion of Mr. Gary, action on the same was postponed until the next regular meeting.
Bill of J. Heller, repairs City tools, $5.75 was read and referred to Finance Committee.
Bill of Wm. Warren for street work $1.90 was allowed and ordered paid.
Bond of T. H. Soward, Police Judge, with S. L. Gilbert, Jos. O’Hare, I. D. Gans, T. R. Bryan, and J. S. Mann, as sureties, was read and approved.
Report of City Clerk of receipts and expenditures for the year ending June 15, 1882, was read as follows. . . .
Receipts from—
Licenses: $820.65.
Fines, Police Court: $222.26.
General Tax: $1,035.00.
Dog Tax: $7.00
TOTAL RECEIPTS: $2,084.91.
Warrants issued for the following purposes.
For official salaries: $891.60.
For street crossings and street work: $1,476.18.
For printing: $81.50.
For removing nuisances: $10.50.
For election expenses: $40.00.
For Miscellaneous Items: $336.65.
TOTAL AMOUNT OF WARRANTS: $2,835.83.
The report was placed on file.
The City Attorney was instructed to prepare an Ordinance providing for a tax levy of five (5) mills to meet outstanding indebtedness and current expenses for the coming year.
On motion Council adjourned to meet on Tuesday, August 22, at 8 p.m.
M. G. TROUP, Mayor.
Attest: DAVID C. BEACH, City Clerk.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, August 24, 1882.
Council Proceedings.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, AUGUST 22, 1882.
Council met in adjourned session, Mayor Troup in chair. Roll called: Present, Councilmen Read, McMullen, Gary, and Wilson, and City Clerk.
Ordinance 164 levying a tax for general revenue was read and on motion of Mr. McMullen was taken up for consideration by sections. Sections 1, 2, and 3 were adopted on motion to adopt as a whole in its final passage. The vote stood as follows: Those voting aye were Messrs. Read, McMullen, Gary, and Wilson. Nays one and the ordinance was declared adopted.
On motion Council adjourned. M. G. TROUP, Mayor.
Attest: DAVID C. BEACH, City Clerk.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, September 7, 1882.
Council Proceedings.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, SEPTEMBER 4, 1882.
Council met in regular session, Mayor M. G. Troup presiding.
Present: Councilmen Read, Gary, and Wilson; City attorney and Clerk.
Minutes of last regular and of adjourned, and called sessions read and approved.
Application of A. G. Wilson for appointment as City weigh-master for the six months next ensuing was read and on motion of Mr. Read, Mr. Wilson was appointed.
The Finance Committee reported on reports of Police Judge for months of April, May, July, and August that they found the same correct. Adopted. On report for June the Committee asked further time, which was granted.
On bill of J. Heller, the Committee reported that they had examined the same and found it correct. Report adopted.
The following bills were then allowed and ordered paid.
H. L. Thomas, street crossings, etc.: $73.86.
Jno. Smiley, street crossings, etc.: $22.12.
City Officers’ Salary, August: $67.90.
J. Heller, repairs City tools: $5.75.
Petition of Jno. A. McGuire & others presented at last regular meeting was taken up. On motion of Mr. Read, the City Attorney was instructed to report by ordinance or otherwise to the next meeting of the City Council with a view to the appointment of a Deputy Marshal.
On motion Council adjourned. M. G. TROUP, MAYOR.
DAVID C. BEACH, CITY CLERK.
Winfield Courier, September 21, 1882.
Council Proceedings.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, SEPTEMBER 18, 1882.
Council met in regular session, Mayor Troup, presiding. Present: Councilmen Gary, McMullen, and Wilson, City Attorney and Clerk.
The reading of the minutes of previous meeting was postponed until next meeting.
Petition of W. C. Robinson and 73 others, asking that the sum of $25 per month be appropriated for the support of a free Reading Room, was read and on motion was laid over until the next meeting.
The City Attorney stated that ordinances already in force provided for the appointment of an assistant Marshal at a salary of $1.25 per day. By consent the matter of the appointment of an assistant Marshal was referred to the Mayor with authority to make such appointment whenever in his judgment such an officer shall be needed.
Reports of Police Judge for August, and of City Treasurer for months ending July 15th, August 15th, and September 15th, and of City Clerk for quarter ending September 15th, 1882, were read and referred to Finance Committee.
Bill of Wm. Warren for street crossing and culverts, $14.60, was allowed and ordered paid.
On motion Council adjourned. M. G. TROUP, Mayor.
Attest: DAVID C. BEACH, City Clerk.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, October 5, 1882.
Council Proceedings.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, OCT. 2, 1882.
Council met in regular session, Mayor M. G. Troup presiding. Present: Councilmen Gary, Wilson, McMullen, and City Attorney Seward. In the absence of City Clerk, D. C. Beach, on motion of Gary, O. M. Seward was appointed City Clerk pro tem. Minutes of meetings of Sept. 4th and 18th, 1882, read and approved.
Petition of W. C. Robinson, E. P. Hickok, and others asking for an appropriation of $25 a month for a public reading room, was postponed until the next regular meeting of the Council.
Reports of the City Treasurer for the months ending July, August, and September 15th, 1882. Approved.
The following accounts were presented and referred to the County Commissioners.
Johnston & Hill for 2 coffins and box: $22.50.
J. A. Earnest, groceries for poor: $12.00.
Harter Bros., Medicines for poor: $19.35.
Dr. Emerson for professional services: $22.00.
Dr. Davis for professional services: $89.00.
The following accounts were allowed and warrants ordered drawn on City Treasurer.
City Officers: $67.90.
B. McFadden, special police: $2.50.
Sandy Burge, special police: $1.25.
Jackman, special police: $.37
John Bates, special police: $.25
The bill of Wm. Warren for $28.50 for street crossings was referred to the Finance Committee.
On motion Council adjourned to next regular meeting. M. G. TROUP, Mayor.
O. M. SEWARD, City Clerk pro tem.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, October 26, 1882.
Council Proceedings.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, OCTOBER 16, 1882.
Council met in regular session, Mayor Troup in chair. Roll called. Present: Councilmen McMullen, Gary, and Wilson, City Attorney and Clerk.
Minutes of last meeting read and approved.
Petition of G. B. Stiles for authority to number the buildings in the city was read and referred to the Committee on streets and alleys.
Petition of H. D. Gans and 11 others for sidewalk on the east side of Block 145 was read and on motion of Mr. Gary, the prayer of the petition was granted and the Attorney was instructed to prepare an ordinance in accordance therewith.
Petition of C. L. Harter and 13 others for sidewalk on north side of Blocks 87 and 107 was read and on motion of Mr. McMullen, the prayer of the petition was granted and the Attorney was instructed to prepare an ordinance accordingly.
Petition of W. C. Robinson, J. W. Curns, and 125 others asking an appropriation for City Library was again presented. On motion of Mr. McMullen, action on same was postponed until next regular meeting.
Report of Finance Committee on Police Judge’s report for August, that they found the same correct, was adopted. The Committee were given further time in all other matters in their hands.
Bill of C. H. Wooden, removing nuisances, $3.75, and of Wm. Warren, street crossings, etc., $28.50, were allowed and ordered paid.
Bill of A. T. Shenneman for board of city prisoners from January 1st to Sept. 16, $42.25, and bill of Winfield COURIER, printing and job work, $51.00, were referred to the Finance Committee.
It was moved that the time allowed under the deed from the city to the County Commissioners for constructing a fence around the Courthouse grounds be extended to the 1st day of January 1883. Carried.
On motion Council adjourned. M. G. TROUP, Mayor.
Attest: DAVID C. BEACH, City Clerk.
CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, November 16, 1882.
Council Proceedings.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, NOVEMBER 6, 1882.
Council met in regular session, Mayor M. G. Troup in chair. Roll called. Present, Councilmen Read, McMullen, Gary, and Wilson; City Attorney and Clerk.
Minutes of last meeting read and approved.
Petition of A. B. Graham and 10 others for sidewalk on west side of block 187 and on south side of block 186, was read. On motion of Mr. Gary, that part of the petition relating to sidewalk on west side of block 187 was granted and the Attorney was instructed to prepare an Ordinance in accordance therewith.
Ordinance No. 165 providing for the construction of sidewalks on the west side of block 187; on the north side of blocks 87 and 107; and on the east side of block No. 145, was read and on motion of Mr. Read was taken up for consideration by sections. Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 were adopted. On motion to adopt as a whole on its final passage, the vote stood as follows: Those voting aye, were Councilmen Read, McMullen, Gary, and Wilson; nays none, and the Ordinance was declared adopted.
Communication from S. L. Gilbert declining to remain on the bond of T. H. Soward as Police Judge, and asking to be released therefrom, was read. On motion of Mr. Gary, the communication was placed on file and the clerk was instructed to notify the Police Judge that he must file a new bond by the next meeting of the Council.
David C. Beach again tendered his resignation as City Clerk, which was accepted. The Mayor appointed Lovell H. Webb to the position of City Clerk for the remainder of the term, he to file his bond for approval at the next regular meeting. On motion, the appointment of the Mayor was confirmed by the council.
The Finance Committee reported favorably on bills:
Winfield COURIER, Printing, etc.: $57.00.
A. T. Shenneman, Board Prisoners: $42.00
Reports adopted and warrants ordered for the amounts of same.
The Finance Committee reported on Clerk’s quarterly statement for Sept. 15th that they had examined the same and found it correct. Reports adopted. On Police Judges report for June the Committee reported that they found it correct. Report adopted.
The following bills were presented, allowed, and ordered paid.
H. L. Thomas, street crossings and culverts: $44.24.
City officers salaries, Oct.: $67.90.
Dr. Geo. Emerson, medical attendance: $5.00.
Bill of A. B. Arment for coffin for City poor, $7.50, was approved and recommended to the County Commissioners for payment.
E. H. Lintrell and W. B. McConnels made a statement concerning the fines assessed against them in Police Court for violation of the Ordinance relating to licenses. The Mayor for the reason that the violations were technical and unintentional, remitted their fines. The action of the Mayor was on motion approved by the Council, and the City Clerk was instructed to inform the Police Judge of the same.
On motion the City Clerk was instructed to notify the Police Judge to make his reports for months of Sept. and Oct.
Council then adjourned. M. G. TROUP, Mayor.
DAVID C. BEACH, City Clerk.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, December 21, 1882.
Council Proceedings.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, DECEMBER 18, 1882.
Council met in regular session, Mayor Troup presiding. Roll called. Present: Councilmen Read, McMullen, Gary, and Wilson, City Attorney and Clerk. Minutes of last meeting read and approved. Finance committee given until the next regular meeting to report on all matters referred to them.
The following bills were presented, allowed, and ordered paid.
Jas. H. Bullen & Co., lumber: $3.43.
Hendricks & Wilson, tools: $4.10.
Petition of certain draymen to change the ordinance relating to dray licenses was presented. A motion was carried that the prayer of the petition be granted and the City Attorney was instructed to draw an ordinance in accordance therewith.
Petition of citizens in reference to water works was presented. On motion consideration of the matter was postponed until the next meeting.
The report of the Police Judge for the month of November, 1882, was presented and on motion referred to the Finance committee.
The reports of the Treasurer for the months ending Oct. 15, Nov. 15, Dec. 15, 1882, were presented, and on motion referred to the Finance committee.
The bond filed by the Police Judge was read and on motion was approved and accepted by the council.
The report of the City Clerk for the quarter ending Dec. 15, 1882, was presented and referred to the Finance committee and ordered published.
The Street Commission was ordered to report at the next regular meeting the number of those liable who have paid their road taxes and the number in default.
On motion the Council adjourned to meet on Friday evening, Dec. 22, 1882.
M. G. TROUP, Mayor.
Attest: L. H. WEBB, City Clerk.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, December 28, 1882.
COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.
CITY OF WINFIELD, DECEMBER 22, 1882.
Council met pursuant to adjournment, Mayor Troup in the chair. Present: Councilmen Read, McMullen, Gary, and Wilson, and the City Attorney.
In the absence of the City Clerk, D. C. Beach, Esq., was elected Clerk pro tem.
Petition of W. F. Bowen and others in reference to dray licenses was presented and read.
The City Attorney presented proposed Ordinance No. 166 entitled “An Ordinance amending Sec. No. 1 of Ordinance No. 135, providing for the levy and collection of certain license taxes,” as instructed at the last meeting, which proposed Ordinance was read and considered by sections, with the following result: The proposed Ordinance as a whole was then submitted to a vote on its final passage, with the following result. Those voting aye were Councilmen Read, McMullen, Wilson, and Gary; noes, none; and the Ordinance was declared passed, and was approved by the Mayor.
On motion the Council adjourned. M. G. TROUP, Mayor.
Attest: L. H. WEBB, City Clerk.
[CITY COUNCIL MEETING.]
Winfield Courier, January 4, 1883.
Council Proceedings.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, JANUARY 1, 1883.
Council met in regular session, Mayor Troup in the chair. Present: Councilmen McMullen, Gary, and Wilson; absent, Read. Minutes of last regular meeting and of the adjourned and special sessions were read. A motion was carried to amend the minutes of the meeting of Dec. 26 so as to show the votes of the several Councilmen on the tie vote there recorded. Upon the motion to reconsider Sec. 1 of the proposed ordinance, the vote was as follows: Those voting aye were Councilmen McMullen and Gary; those voting no were Councilmen Wilson and Read. Upon the motion to amend Sec. 1 by the addition of the proviso, Councilmen McMullen and Gary voted aye and Councilmen Read and Wilson voted no. Upon the motion to adopt Sec. 1 as originally adopted, Councilmen Read and Wilson voted aye and Councilmen Gary and McMullen voted no. The minutes as amended were then adopted.
A petition from citizens of 1st ward to postpone definite action on the proposed waterworks ordinance was read and ordered filed.
A communication from Councilman Read was read and ordered filed.
A proposition from C. H. Wooden to do all the work of removing nuisances in the city for the year 1883 for fifteen dollars, payable quarterly at the end of each quarter, was read, accepted by the Council, and ordered fixed.
The Finance Committee was given until the next regular meeting to report on matters referred to them.
The report of the street commissioner as to those who have paid road tax and those in default was referred to the committee on streets and alleys.
The following bills were presented and allowed and ordered paid.
Frank W. Finch, services as assistant marshal: $30.00.
A. H. Doane & Co., coal: $1.90.
C. H. Wooden, removing nuisances: $3.75.
Wm. Warren, repairing sewers: $1.25.
Beach & Denning, room rent: $5.75.
City officer’s salary, Dec.: $87.90.
Bill of Wm. Moore and sons for well stone was referred to Finance committee.
The following bills were approved and recommended to the County Commissioners for payment.
A. H. Doane & Co., coal and wood for city poor: $35.25.
Wallis & Wallis, groceries, city poor: $17.65.
J. H. Land, digging grave for pauper child: $2.00.
J. B. Lynn, goods for city poor: $15.00.
J. B. Lynn, goods for city poor: $10.00.
A proposition from E. P. Greer in reference to water works, in the shape of a proposed ordinance, was presented and read, and Mr. Greer addressed the Council thereon. Several citizens then addressed the Council on the question of water works.
On motion the Council adjourned M. G. TROUP, Mayor.
Attest: L. H. WEBB, City Clerk.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, January 4, 1883.
Council Proceedings.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, DECEMBER 23, 1882.
Council met in special session on call of the Mayor.
On motion, it was resolved to consider the proposed ordinance in relation to water works.
The proposed ordinance offered with the petition in relation to water works was then taken up for consideration by sections, with the following result: Sections 1 and 2 were adopted as read. Section three was amended and adopted. Sections 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 were adopted as read. Section 9 was amended and adopted. Section 10 was adopted as read. Sections 11, 12, and 13 were amended and adopted. Sections 14 and 15 were adopted as read.
Adjourned to Tuesday night.
DECEMBER 26, 1882.
Council met pursuant to adjournment, Mayor Troup in the chair. Present, Councilmen Read, Wilson, Gary, and McMullen, City Attorney and Clerk.
The proposed water works ordinance was again taken up for consideration. Sections 16 and 17 were amended and adopted, Sections 18 and 19 were adopted as read.
It was then moved that Section 1 be reconsidered. The vote upon the motion was a tie. The Mayor voted in favor of such reconsideration. It was then moved to amend Section 1 by adding the following:
“Provided, That nothing in this ordinance shall be deemed or held to give to said Barclay or assigns the exclusive privilege to construct, operate, or maintain a system of water works in said city.”
The vote upon such motion was a tie, and the Mayor voted against such motion to amend. It was then moved to adopt Section 1 as originally adopted. The vote upon said motion was a tie, and the Mayor voted in favor of such adoption.
A motion was carried to reconsider Section 19. The following was adopted as Section 19.
“Section 19. That the said Frank Barclay, his associates, successors, or assigns shall be required under the provisions of this ordinance to do the business pertaining to their said water works company within the corporate limits of the said city of Winfield.”
Former Section 19 was then adopted as Section 20.
The Council then adjourned without taking final action in the matter.
M. G. TROUP, Mayor.
Attest: L. H. WEBB, City Clerk.
[WATER WORKS.]
Winfield Courier, January 25, 1883.
THE WATER WORKS QUESTION SETTLED.
Job Reduced But Still Big.
Last week we went over east with Joe. E. Conklin on business in the interest of Winfield and her citizens, and in our absence the water works question came up before the city council on Monday evening, and as we expected, was not concluded by the passage of an ordinance. We further expected that the matter would go over to the next regular meeting, by which time it could probably be determined whether a better proposition could be obtained than either of the two propositions before the council. Contrary to our expectations the council adjourned to Tuesday and then to Wednesday evening and rushed the matter along, finally passing an ordinance substantially that offered by Ed. Greer with his amendments, but giving the contract to the originators of the Barclay ordinance, contrary to all rules of justice and fair dealing. Instead of giving the contract to the lowest responsible bidder, it was given to the highest bidder on the condition that he should accept the terms proposed by the lowest bidder.
This was an outrage which admits of no excuse, and we believe that no one pretends there was any excuse for it. Ed. had the backing of at least as much Winfield capital and character as had the parties to whom the job was awarded, and in addition he had the indorsement of one of the strongest water works builders in the country who promised to build the works if Greer’s proposition passed; while the parties to whom the award was made, had no outside backing at all, and now boast that their pretended backing, John Worthington, has been dead two years.
Such an outrage could not have been perpetrated by councilmen Read and Mayor Troup alone. One other councilman was necessary to complete the job. Councilmen Wilson and McMullen could never have been inveigled into such a measure. Councilman Gary was their only chance. He had been the most stubborn opponent to the Barclay job and held that the city could not afford to go into any plan of water works which had been presented or was likely to be presented. Wilson and McMullen were in favor of water works on the best terms the city could get. Read and Troup were as certainly in favor of giving as big a job as possible to Barclay’s assigns, viz., Read’s Bank. How they managed to win Gary to their side is a matter on which our citizens will all have an opinion, but we need not state ours. Some circumstances, however, will not be overlooked. In the first place, it seems that only Read’s Bank was in the scheme. It becoming necessary to have a good talker and a lawyer, Hackney was enlisted, either on a fee or with a share in the job. We have too much regard for his shrewdness to suppose he went in without either. The job did not rush through as suddenly as was expected and Hackney had to go to Topeka. Several outsiders tumbled to their racket, probably without pay or shares, but simply because their souls belonged to Read’s Bank. But they did not count for much. Greer had put in an ordinance that would favor the city at least $55,000 over the other ordinance and something had to be done or the original job would be beaten. They must have a lawyer and a shrewd talker. They selected J. Wade McDonald, probably on similar terms to those on which Hackney was engaged, and because it was claimed that Wade had Gary in his vest pocket. But somehow Gary did not tumble at once. He promised Ed. that he would vote for his ordinance unless the other fellows should present something a great deal better, that he would never vote to allow any other to take the job on Ed’s bid. There was still a hitch in the matter and other arguments had to be used on Gary. Other parties were taken into the ring to help out. We did not hear the new argument which was presented to Gary, but whatever it was it brought him down. On the first test vote, Gary went over to the enemy. He even refused to support Wilson’s motion to reduce the rents on additional hydrants from $75 to $65, according to Greer’s offer. This showed that Ed’s ordinance would certainly be passed and given to the other fellows, and Ed. wilted and gave up the fight. Believing that it was necessary to have water works and that the matter was reduced to the best terms the city could get, Ed. urged Wilson to vote for the measure with Read and Gary and thus settle the question. Had we been present we would have continued the fight for two weeks longer if possible, with the expectation of getting, within that time, a much better proposition for the city than that which is now saddled upon us.
We consider that Ed. has succeeded in his main point, that of saving the city a large sum of money by compelling Robinson & Co., to accept a franchise not worth one-half as much as that which they would have got but for his efforts.
Under the original ordinance, which would certainly have passed but for him, the City would have had to pay rents on at least eighty hydrants after two years at most at $75 per hydrant per year to the end of the 99 years, amounting to $6,000 a year, and if the City should require 20 more, or 100 hydrants in all, it would cost the city $7,500 a year.
Under the ordinance as passed, it will cost the city $3,000 a year for the first 40 hydrants, $65 each per year for perhaps 20 more, and the other 40 hydrants to make up 100 may be free of rent to the city, thus possibly costing the city only $4,300 a year rent for 100 hydrants, a possible saving to the city of $3,200 a year. As this sum is simply interest on the franchise, it reduces the value of the franchise by a sum which would produce $3,200 a year at 6 percent interest.
But we hold that this ordinance ought not to have passed, simply because the city cannot afford it, and because the city could have established and maintained the same kind of works with less than half of the expense, and possibly with no expense at all after two or three years; by issuing $50,000 six percent bonds and letting the individual water-rents pay the running expenses, repairs, and interest on the bonds and creating sinking fund to extinguish the bonds. Because too, as we are now informed, a proposition would soon have been made, on the same basis as the one passed, in all respects except that no hydrant should cost the city more than $60 per year, which would be a further saving to the city of about $700 a year.
But we have not got altogether a sure thing on the savings of $3,200 a year on the ordinance as passed, over the first ordinance as presented. It depends upon the structure of our future city governments. If the persons who own this franchise should be allowed to control the city legislation as in the past, they will make their stock pay, “you bet.”
The only way to preserve what we have gained is to always elect mayors and councilmen who are not interested in this stock. Even with the closest care we are liable to elect persons who are secretly stockholders or who may be bought.
The grand objection which was urged against the City building its own water works, was, that it would make a big hubbub and quarrel at every city election in the struggle between parties and individuals to get control of the water works offices. We have got the same troubles or worse ones fastened on us with this ordinance. At every city election there will be a struggle and bad blood to determine whether water works men or other citizens shall fill the city offices.
Related article...
Winfield Courier, January 25, 1883.
SOME JOKES.
Ed. Greer is the butt of some rather keen jokes since his ordinance was passed and given to M. L. Robinson & Co. Ed. is pictured as Diogenes with a lantern looking for an honest man, and thinking he had found one, rested in security. The result was that he got left. Another is that John Worthington, the backing of the Barclay ordinance, died two years ago, and M. L. beat Ed. with a “stiff.” Ed. retorts on M. L. inquiring if he means to say that he fooled our worthy mayor so completely with a mere “stiff.” Another is that the Council passed Ed.’s ordinance and then beat him out of it by striking out his name and inserting those of Robinson et. al. Ed. consoles himself that his ordinance saves the city two thousand dollars a year for ninety-nine years over the original Barclay ordinance, and that is some glory, though others reap the harvest of profits and fortune which his ordinance still retained for the poor fellows who now get the benefits of it.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, January 25, 1883.
Council Proceedings.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, JANUARY 15, 1883.
Council met in regular session, Mayor Troup in chair. Roll called. Present: Councilmen Read, Wilson, McMullen, and Gary; City Attorney and Clerk.
Minutes of last meeting read and approved.
The finance committee reported on and found correct the statement of the Clerk for the quarter ending Dec. 15th, 1882; the report of the Police Judge for the months of August, September, October, and December, 1882, and the reports of the Treasurer for the months ending Oct. 15, Nov. 15, and Dec. 15, 1882, and the bill of Horning and Whitney for $1.15 for goods furnished the city, and recommended that the bill be paid. The report of the committee was adopted and the bill of Horning & Whitney was ordered paid.
The bill of W. A. Lee for $2.00 for room rent for election was presented, allowed, and ordered paid.
The Police Judge’s report for December was presented and referred to finance committee.
Mr. McMullen moved to consider by sections the so-called Greer water-works ordinance. Those voting aye were Councilmen McMullen and Wilson; those voting no were Councilmen Read and Gary. The Mayor voted no.
Mr. Gary moved that the Council go into committee of the whole on all questions relative to water-works, and the motion was carried and the Council then went into committee of the whole. Upon rising the committee reported back the two water-works propositions with certain proposed amendments submitted to them in relation to the proposition made by Frank Barclay, but without making any recommendation in regard thereto.
On motion the Council adjourned until January 16, 1883, at 7 o’clock p.m.
Winfield Courier, January 25, 1883.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, JANUARY 16, 1883.
Council met pursuant to adjournment. Mayor Troup in the chair. Present: Councilmen Read, Wilson, Gary, and McMullen, and Clerk.
A petition to change the ordinance relating to auction merchants was presented, read, and ordered filed.
A petition to indefinitely postpone the propositions before the Council in reference to water-works was presented, read, and ordered filed.
The Council then listened to propositions in relation to water-works by Frank Barclay and certain others, and by Ed. P. Greer and others.
It was then moved that the Council accept the proposition made by Mr. Barclay and certain others. Those voting aye were Councilmen Read and Gary; those voting no were Councilmen McMullen and Wilson. The Mayor voted aye.
On motion the Council adjourned until January 17th, 1883, at 7 o’clock p.m.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, JANUARY 17, 1883.
Council met pursuant to adjournment. Mayor Troup in the chair. Roll called. Present: Councilmen Read, Gary, and Wilson; absent, McMullen.
A communication from Councilman McMullen was read and ordered filed.
A motion was carried to reconsider the vote by which the proposed ordinance No. 167 was adopted, for the purpose of considering said proposed ordinance with certain amendments thereto. Said proposed ordinance as amended was taken up for consideration by sections, with the following result:
Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 were adopted as read.
Section 8 was amended and adopted.
Sections 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 were adopted as read.
The ordinance as a whole was then submitted to a vote upon its final passage with the following result. Those voting aye were Councilmen Read, Wilson, and Gary; noes none, and the ordinance was declared adopted and was approved by the Mayor.
A motion was carried to adopt the following as the title and number of such ordinance: “Ordinance No. 167. An ordinance contracting for and providing for a system of water works for the City of Winfield, Cowley County, Kansas, for domestic, sanitary, and other purposes, and regulating the rates thereof.”
On motion the Council adjourned. M. G. TROUP, Mayor.
Attest: L. H. WEBB, City Clerk.
COUNTY LEGAL NOTICES.
Winfield Courier, January 25, 1883.
Recap of Claims Submitted in report of Commissioners Proceedings given by J. S. Hunt, County Clerk of Cowley County.
SOME INTERESTING NAMES...AM SKIPPING DOLLAR AMOUNTS WHICH VARIED FROM ABOUT $4.00 TO $38.40 FOR JURORS AND FROM $2.00 TO $20.00 FOR TALESMAN.
Listed as a Talesman: R. W. Wilson.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, February 8, 1883.
Council Proceedings.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, Feb. 5, 1883.
Council met in regular session, Mayor Troup in the chair. Roll called. Present: Councilmen Wilson, McMullen, and Gary; absent, Councilman Read.
Minutes of last regular meeting, and of the adjourned meetings of Jan. 16 and 17 were read and approved.
The bill of F. M. Freeland for 75 cents for board furnished city poor, was approved and recommended to the county commissioners for payment.
The following bills were presented and allowed and ordered paid.
A. T. Shenneman, board city prisoners: $1.50.
Frank W. Finch, Assistant Marshal, January: $15.00.
Beach & Denning, rent, Council room: $3.00
City officers’ salary, January: $67.00.
Wm. Moore & Sons, well stone: $5.00.
The City Attorney was instructed to inquire into and report upon, by ordinance or otherwise, the question whether those taking out licenses as movers of buildings cannot be protected as such licensees.
On motion Council adjourned. M. G. TROUP, Mayor.
Attest: L. H. WEBB, City Clerk.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, February 22, 1883.
Council Proceedings.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, FEBRUARY 19, 1883.
Council met in regular session. In the absence of the Mayor, President Read took the chair. Roll called. Present: Councilmen Wilson, Gary, and Read. Absent, Councilman McMullen.
Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
The City Attorney presented a proposed ordinance entitled “An ordinance regulating the moving of buildings in Winfield,” which was read, and the further consideration thereof postponed until the next regular meeting.
The following accounts were presented and referred to the Finance Committee:
COURIER CO., City printing: $75.95.
M. E. Knox, care city poor: $20.50.
L. A. Belmont, care city poor: $5.00.
A written communication from the Mayor was presented and read appointing J. P. Short Assessor of the city for the ensuing year. On motion the appointment was confirmed by an affirmative vote of the three Councilmen present.
On motion the Council adjourned. M. L. READ, President of Council.
Attest: L. H. WEBB, City Clerk.
[GREER SPEAKS OUT AGAINST GARY AND WATER PROPOSITION.]
Winfield Courier, March 1, 1883. Editorial by Greer.
A Card.
My attention has several times been called to a card in the Telegram of last week from S. G. Gary to the effect that I had offered him ten thousand dollars worth of stock in a water company as a consideration for his vote and influence in support of my proposition. The statement is a Democratic lie, pure and unadulterated, without the usual embellishment given to utterances of like character.
As the gentleman has taken upon himself to draw so largely on his imagination for a question of fact, I may be pardoned for briefly referring to his official action in the water-works matter—a thing I have refrained from doing thus far only through the personal solicitation of his friends.
When the Barclay ordinance was first proposed, I thought it was a steal. When I learned its origin and studied its provisions, suspicion became conviction. Observation had taught me that faith without works accomplished little—especially when combated by wealth and the prestige of success. To defeat the proposition with three of the council pronounced in favor of water-works, was out of the question. A better proposition must be secured, and that speedily. On Tuesday evening the Barclay ordinance had been passed by sections, and adjournment was had until next Monday evening, when the question of final passage would come up. In the four succeeding days I traveled a thousand miles, secured the backing and necessary data for a proposition infinitely better for the city, and broke the Sabbath day getting the papers in shape to lay before the council. I did this at my own volition and at my own expense. When the council met on Monday evening and my banker friend had gathered himself there to carry away the spoils, my proposition was presented. It was received with derision and sneers by Mr. Robinson and his co-laborers—that gentleman going so far as to assert that it was simply a ruse to defeat, and that no man could build the works under such a proposition.
Up to this time Mr. Gary had been the sturdy defender of the city’s interests. Messrs. Wilson and McMullen declared themselves in favor of water-works on the best terms that could be had. Mr. Read’s position was conceded to be for it, regardless of the interests of the city, while Mr. Troup acted but at the beck and call of M. L. Robinson.
During the pendency of the question, I interviewed all of the council except Mr. Read. Councilmen McMullen and Wilson unhesitatingly said that my proposition was much the best and they would support it until a better one was offered. Mr. Gary said he wanted to “investigate,” and when I put the question squarely to him whether he would support my proposition until a better one was offered, he evaded it by saying he would “support the best one.” I had unbounded confidence in his integrity as a man and an officer, believed that he meant what he said, and did not question him farther. In this I erred. Others who had less confidence than I in integrity and official honor, were at work. Sunday evening a caucus was held and plans laid to “fix Gary.” What those plans were I do not know, but they were eminently successful, and the results were clearly apparent at the council meeting on the following evening. Mr. Robinson then appeared with his ordinance modified to cover some of the salient improvements in mine and Gary seemed to be supporting him.
On Tuesday evening Mr. Robinson had further modified his ordinance until it embraced exactly the same material provisions contained in mine. I then reduced my proposition, making the terms of the franchise sixty years instead of ninety-nine, and the price on extension hydrants sixty-five instead of seventy-five dollars, making a better proposition for the city than any that had been presented by possibly five thousand dollars.
In this shape the two propositions were placed before the council in committee of the whole.
Before a vote was taken, Mr. Gary rose up and said that he wished to “explain himself.” That he considered the two propositions about equal, but that the Robinson proposition had a little the best financial backing, and for that reason he should vote for it. I then told him that I would quiet his fears on that score and produced a paper signed by citizens representing probably two hundred thousand dollars of capital, guaranteeing the erection of the works under my ordinance if accepted by the council. In a rather confused manner Mr. Gary replied that “it was too late as he had indicated how he intended to vote.” I told him he was supposed to be acting in the interest of the city, had not yet voted, and would be expected to cast his vote for the best proposition regardless of any previous condition of mind.
The question was called, Messrs. Gary and Read voted for the Robinson ordinance and Messrs. Wilson and McMullen against. Mr. Troup, after a lengthy apology for so doing, cast the tie for Robinson, and the council adjourned.
On the next evening the council again met for the consideration and final passage of the ordinance. Mr. McMullen was absent. When they came to the section relating to extension hydrants, Mr. Wilson moved to amend by making the price sixty-five instead of seventy-five dollars each, and stated that while he did not wish to obtrude his ideas upon the council, he must insist upon this reduction, as Mr. Greer had offered to do it for that and a contract for a higher price would never receive his vote. Mr. Gary would not second the motion. Without Mr. Wilson’s vote, in the absence of Mr. McMullen, the ordinance could not pass, and after an hours’ wrangle, Robinson consented to allow the reduction; and then, and not till then, did Mr. Gary consent to vote in the interests of the people whom he pretended to represent, as against the man whom he evidently was doing his utmost to assist.
Mr. Wilson, by his firm and determined stand, forced Robinson & Co., to consent that Gary should vote for the reduction.
The ordinance as finally passed is exactly the same in every material point as the one I proposed, with the exception of the term of franchise, which in mine was reduced thirty-nine years.
That some subtle influence guided Mr. Gary’s actions in the matter, no sensible man will deny. What that influence was, no one but Mr. Gary and those interested will ever know. The facts will remain, however, and he will be regarded with distrust that it will take years of penance to remove.
The result of the water-works was not a disappointment to me. Mr. Gary’s action was. I had always regarded him in the highest estimation and felt that his spirit of fairness, aside from his duty as an officer, would accord any citizen the common courtesy which a bidder at a street corner auction never fails to receive—namely, the precedence of bid until a better offer is made. When I found that he, too, could be suborned to act in the interests of a Shylock, regardless of every principle of justice, fairness, and his duty, I was painfully surprised and disgusted.
Mr. Gary claims to publish this card in order to refute certain “innuendoes” which have appeared in this paper against him. If any innuendoes appeared, it was at least five weeks ago. Since that time the assassin’s bullet has taken from our midst a true, noble, honest officer—one whose highest aim was to serve the people faithfully and well, and who would have scorned to do a questionable act. While his remains lay yet unburied, surrounded by weeping kindred and embalmed in the heartfelt grief of thousands of sympathizing friends, seventeen persons met at the call of men whom Mr. Gary’s action had most benefitted, and nine of them decided upon him as a fit and proper person to fill the dead sheriff’s place. One of the parties went immediately to Topeka, urged the appointment, and succeeded in having it made. The intelligence was conveyed by telegraph to M. L. Robinson, which telegram he exultingly displayed to me and industriously exhibited upon the streets.
Mr. Gary holds the office of sheriff of this county by virtue of his action in the water-works matter. Under such circumstances it is meet that he continue to do the master’s bidding. He seems to have treasured up his righteous indignation for five long weeks, during which time the changes above referred to have taken place, and during which time the COURIER, aided by the people of this city and county, have been making it exceedingly warm for his benefactor.
It is but consistent that he do all he can, even to the sacrifice of his little remaining character, to assist in diverting public attention from a much abused subject. In the roll he has been following, this action is much more creditable to him than any he has yet attempted. I must at least accord him the one virtue of gratitude. If this seeming virtue proves but a cloak for avarice, then I know not where to turn for another. ED. P. GREER.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, March 8, 1883.
Council Proceedings.
CITY OF WINFIELD, MARCH 5, 1883.
Council met in regular session, Mayor Troup in chair. Roll called. Present: Councilman Gary, Wilson, and Read; absent, Councilman McMullen.
Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. A petition from H. Goldsmith and others for a sidewalk along the north side of Seventh Avenue, on the south side of blocks 126, 146, and 166 was presented and read. On motion the prayer of the petitioners was granted and the City Attorney was instructed to draw an ordinance accordingly.
A petition from A. G. Wilson asking that he be appointed City Weighmaster for the ensuing six months was read, and on motion the appointment was made.
The proposed ordinance in relation to movers of buildings, reported at last meeting, was taken up as unfinished business, and on motion further consideration thereof was indefinitely postponed.
The Finance Committee reported the bill of the COURIER Co., for $75.95 for printing correct in the amount of $75.25; the bill of M. E. Knox for $20.50 for care city poor correct in amount of $20.00; the report of the Police Judge for December 1882 correct. The report of the committee was adopted and the bill of COURIER was ordered paid and the bill of M. E. Knox was recommended to the County Commissioners for payment.
The following accounts were presented and recommended to the County Commissioners for payment.
Vance & Collins, team to poor house: $2.25.
A. T. Spotswood & Co., goods for city poor: $21.65.
J. H. Land, digging grave for city poor: $4.00.
The following accounts were presented and allowed and ordered paid.
City officers’ salaries, February: $67.90.
Beach & Denning rent Council room: $3.00.
The account of Horning & Whitney for $1.75 for stove grate was referred to Finance Committee.
The reports of Police Judge for January and February were referred to Finance Committee.
Winfield Courier, March 8, 1883. [Re City Council Meeting March 5, 1883.]
The City Clerk notified the Council that there had been filed with him and laid before the Council, an acceptance of the terms of the Ordinance in relation to Water Works, signed by all the persons named as grantees in such ordinance, and also a notice of an assignment by said individuals of their rights and privileges therein to the Winfield Water Company, and an acceptance of the terms of said ordinance by the Winfield Water Company. The Clerk was instructed to report the above facts in the journal.
The committee on streets and alleys was instructed to report at the next meeting as to the proper places for the location of the City’s hydrants to be erected under the terms of the ordinance in relation to Water Works.
On motion the Council adjourned. M. G. TROUP, Mayor.
Attest: L. H. Webb, City Clerk.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, March 22, 1883.
Council Proceedings.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, MARCH 19, 1883.
Council met in regular session, Mayor Troup in chair. Roll called. Present: Councilmen McMullen, Gary, and Wilson; absent, Councilman Read.
Minutes of last meeting read and approved.
The City Attorney presented an ordinance in relation to construction of certain sidewalks. The ordinance was read and sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 were separately read, considered, and adopted by an affirmative vote of the three Councilmen present. The ordinance as a whole was then submitted to a vote upon its final passage with the following result: Those voting aye were Councilmen Wilson, Gary, and McMullen; naes, none, and the ordinance was declared adopted as Ordinance 168, and was approved by the Mayor.
An ordinance was presented, relating to fire limits, and was postponed until the next meeting.
The account of Hughes & Cooper for goods furnished city poor was approved and recommended to the County Commissioners for payment. The account of Wm. Warren for $3.00 for work on Eighth Avenue sewer was approved and ordered paid.
The reports of the City Treasurer for the months ending Jan. 15, Feb. 15, and March 15, 1883, were presented and referred to the Finance committee.
The City Clerk was instructed to have published his report for the quarter ending March 15, 1883, and present the same at the next meeting. M. G. TROUP, Mayor.
Attest: L. H. WEBB, City Clerk.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, March 29, 1883.
Council Proceedings.
CITY OF WINFIELD, MARCH 23, 1883.
Council met in special session, on call of the Mayor.
The proposed ordinance amending the ordinance relating to fire limits was taken up for consideration by sections and sections 1, 2, and 3 were separately read, considered, and adopted by an affirmative vote of the three Councilmen present. The ordinance as a whole was then submitted to a vote upon its final passage with the following result: Those voting aye were Councilmen Wilson, Gary, and McMullen; nays one, and the ordinance was declared passed and approved by the Mayor.
The Mayor stated that he would, with the consent of the council, remit the fine assessed by the Police Judge against C. L. Harter for a violation of the ordinance relating to erection of buildings of combustible material, for the reason that the erection was an ice house necessary for the use of the hotel operated by Mr. Harter. On motion, the Council consented to such remission by an affirmative vote of the three Councilmen present.
On motion the Council adjourned. M. G. TROUP, Mayor.
Attest: L. H. WEBB, City Clerk.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, April 5, 1883.
Council Proceedings.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, APRIL 2, 1883.
Council met in regular session, Mayor Troup in the chair. Roll call. Present: Councilmen Gary, McMullen, and Wilson; absent, Councilman Read.
Minutes of last regular meeting and of the special meeting held March 23, ultimo, read and approved.
The finance committee made the following report: Reports of Treasurer and Police Judge referred, correct; bill of Horning & Whitney for $1.75, correct and payment recommended; bill of L. A. Belmont on county for care of poor, $5.00 found and paid and rejection recommended. The report was adopted and the bill of Horning & Whitney was ordered paid.
The clerks quarterly report on the quarter ending March 15, 1883, was presented and referred to the finance committee.
The following accounts were presented and allowed and ordered paid.
Geo. Emerson, prof. Ser.: $5.00.
C. H. Wooden, removing nuisances: $3.75.
City officers, salaries March: $67.00.
Beach & Denning, room rent, March: $3.80.
L. H. Webb, services reg., books claim $60.00; allowed $50.00.
The following accounts were presented and approved and recommended to county commissioners for payment.
A. T. Spotswood & Co., goods city poor: $10.00
C. C. Green, med., services: $6.00.
Geo. Emerson: $46.00.
A. H. Doane & Co., fuel: $80.00.
The City Clerk was directed to purchase a canceling stamp for the use of the City Treasurer.
On motion the Council adjourned. M. G. TROUP, Mayor
Attest: L. H. WEBB, City Clerk.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, April 26, 1883.
Council Proceedings.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, APRIL 16, 1883.
Council met in regular session, Mayor Troup in the chair. Roll called. Present: Councilmen Read, Wilson, McMullen, and Gary. Minutes of the last regular meeting and of the meeting held April 6, to canvass the votes of the late city election were read and approved. Mayor Troup, Councilman Gary, of the first ward, and Councilman Read, of the second ward, whose terms of office had expired, then vacated their seats, and Geo. Emerson, Jno. A. McGuire, and D. L. Kretsinger, having filed their oaths of office with the clerk, took the seats thus vacated, as Mayor, Councilman from the first ward, and Councilman from the second ward respectively. Roll called. Present: Mayor Emerson, Councilmen Wilson, McGuire, McMullen, and Kretsinger. The council then proceeded with the regular order of business.
Two petitions in reference to gutters on Main Street were presented and were laid over until next meeting.
The report of the finance committee that the report of the clerk for quarter ending March 15, 1883, was correct, was received and adopted.
The report of the committee on streets and alleys was adopted.
The following accounts were presented and referred to the finance committee.
W. R. Davis, Med. Attend., City Poor: $95.00
Cal. Ferguson, team and hearse: $3.00
Courier Co., city printing: $22.50
L. H. Webb, elec. Exp.: $.55
T. H. Soward, Police Judge, office rent: $24.00
The following amounts were presented and allowed and ordered paid.
Judge and clerk of election: $22.00
Cal. Ferguson, room for election: $2.00
L. Wise, gutter, 10 Ave. and Main St.: $14.70.
The bond of L. L. Beck as Police Judge with C. L. Harter, J. M. Keck, H. S. Silver, and J. B Lynn as sureties, was presented and approved.
The report of the Police Judge for March and 9 days of April was presented and referred to the finance committee.
The mayor allowed the standing committees for the ensuing year as follows.
On streets and alleys: Wilson, Kretsinger, and McGuire.
On finance: McMullen, Kretsinger, and Wilson.
On fire department: Kretsinger, McMullen, and McGuire.
On public health: McGuire, McMullen, and Wilson.
On motion of councilman Kretsinger, councilman McMullen was elected President of the council for the ensuing year.
The committee on streets and alleys was instructed to secure the dirt from the excavation of Mr. Myton’s new building on the best possible terms.
Messrs. Black & Rembaugh and the Courier Co. submitted proposition to do the city printing for one year from May 1st as follows: Council proceedings without charge; other city printing except job work at rates allowed by law for public printing; job works at lowest schedule rates. On motion the printing was awarded to Black & Rembaugh for six months from May 1st, 1883, and to the Courier Co. for six months thereafter, and the City Attorney was instructed to draw a contract accordingly.
On motion the council adjourned.
Attest: L. H. WEBB, City Clerk.
R.
S. Wilson, Second Term as City Councilman...
R. W. Wilson, Council Member Under Mayor Dr. George Emerson.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, May 10, 1883.
COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.
Council Chamber, City of Winfield, May 7, 1883.
Council met in regular session, Mayor Emerson in the chair. Roll called. Present: Councilmen McGuire, McMullen and Kretsinger; absent, Councilman Wilson. Minutes of last meeting read and approved.
A petition from Jno. D. Pryor and others for a sidewalk along the west side of block 174 and west ends of lots 10, 11, and 12 in block 175, to be connected by cross-walks, was presented. On motion the petition was granted and the attorney instructed to present an ordinance therefor at next meeting.
At this point Councilman Wilson entered and took his seat.
The finance committee made the following report on accounts referred.
W. R. Davis, medical attendance city poor, $95.50, rejected.
Cal Ferguson, hearse for city poor, $3.00, approved and recommended to county commissioners.
T. H. Soward, rent, $24.00, payment recommended.
L. H. Webb, election expenses, 55 cents, same.
Courier, printing, $22.50, same.
The report of the committee was adopted.
The following accounts were referred to finance committee.
Vance & Collins, taking pauper to poor house: $2.25.
E. F. Sears, crossing, Loomis street: $4.00.
The following accounts were approved and recommended to the county commissioners for payment.
A. T. Spotswood & Co., goods, city poor: $5.00.
J. B. Lynn, goods for city poor: $25.00.
J. B. Lynn, goods for city poor: $55.00.
D. C. Beach, house rent: $3.00.
The following accounts were presented and allowed and ordered paid.
E. F. Sears, crossings, etc.: $29.40.
David C. Beach, rent, April: $3.00.
L. H. Webb, canceling stamp for city treasurer: $5.25.
Wm. Warren, crossings, etc.: $46.60.
City officers, April salaries: $67.90.
D. L. Hoblit, election room: $2.00.
The police judge’s report for April was referred to finance committee.
The council accepted the offer of O. M. Seward to provide a council room and police judge’s office at five ($5.00) dollars per month.
Winfield Courier, May 10, 1883.
[At City Council Meeting.]
J. Wade McDonald, attorney for the Winfield Water Company, appeared and filed and presented to the mayor and councilmen a notification and request from said Water Company, in the words and figures following, to-wit:
Office of the Winfield Water Company, Winfield, Kansas, May 7th, 1883.
To
the Honorable Mayor and Council of the City of Winfield, Cowley County, Kansas:
GENTLEMEN: You are hereby notified and requested to proceed with all practicable dispatch to have condemned in the name of the City of Winfield, the right to perpetually divest from the Walnut River, at a point thereon northwest of the north end of Walton Street, of said city, all such quantity or quantities of water as may be necessary to enable the Winfield Water Company, its successors or assigns, to supply the said City of Winfield and the inhabitants thereof, with water, in pursuance with the provisions of ordinance numbered 167, of said city.
This notification and request is made in pursuance with and under and by virtue of the provisions of section 14 of said ordinance, numbered 167.
The Winfield Water Company by M. L. ROBINSON, President.
Attest: CHAS. F. BAHNTGE, Secretary.
And thereupon upon motion of Councilman McMullen it was ordered by the mayor and council that the city do forthwith, by Joseph O’Hare, Esq., city attorney, present, in the name of the city, a petition to the Honorable E. S. Torrance, judge of the district court of the County of Cowley, State of Kansas, requesting the appointment of three commissioners to lay off and condemn to the use of the city the right to forever divest from the Walnut River at a point thereon northwest of the present north end of Walton Street of said city, so much of the water of and from said stream as may or shall be or become necessary to forever supply from day to day and from year to year said city and the inhabitants thereof with an abundance of water for the extinguishment of fires and for domestic, sanitary, and other purposes as specified and provided for in and by ordinance numbered 167, of said city.
On motion, the Mayor, Councilman Kretsinger, and Mr. J. P. Short were appointed a committee to examine the question of providing the city with fire hose and carts.
G. B. Shaw & Co., were granted the privilege of erecting a windmill in the street near their place of business, subject to removal on order of council.
The Mayor appointed Giles Prater city marshal and street commissioner for the ensuing year, and on motion the council confirmed the appointment; the mayor then appointed E. S. Bedilion city clerk for the ensuing year, and the council refused to confirm, there being two votes for confirmation and two against; the mayor then appointed D. A. Millington city engineer for the ensuing year, and the appointment was confirmed by the council.
The city attorney was instructed to present an ordinance to prevent children from being on the streets at night. On motion the council adjourned.
Attest: L. H. WEBB, City Clerk.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, May 24, 1883.
Council Proceedings.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, City of Winfield, May 21, 1883.
Council met in regular session, Mayor Emerson in the chair. Roll called. Present, Councilmen McMullen, McGuire, and Wilson; absent, councilman Kretsinger.
Minutes of last meeting read and approved.
An ordinance providing for the construction of a stone sidewalk along the west side of block 174 and the west ends of lots 10, 11, and 12, block 175, were presented and read, and on motion was taken up for consideration by sections. Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 were separately read, considered, and adopted by the affirmative of the three councilmen present. The ordinance was then submitted to a vote on its final passage as a whole with the following result: Those voting aye were councilmen McMullen, Wilson, and McGuire, noes, none, and the ordinance was declared passed as ordinance No. 170, and was approved by the Mayor.
An ordinance to prevent minors from being on the street at night was presented and laid over until the next meeting.
An invitation from the Mayor and Council of Wichita to attend the test of waterworks in that city on the 24th inst., was read, and on motion it was resolved that the Mayor make the necessary arrangements for the acceptance thereof, and that the Clerk notify the Mayor of Wichita of such acceptance.
The Finance Committee made the following report.
Claim of E. F. Sears, crossing, $4.00, payment recommended.
Vance and Collins, team for pauper, $2.25, recommended to county commissioners for payment.
Reports of Police Judge for March and April found correct. The report of the committee was adopted.
The following accounts were allowed and ordered paid.
B. F. Herrod, salary, marshal, May 9th: $13.50.
Wm. Moore & Sons, stone for crossing: $43.54.
W. R. Sears, crossings: $22.24.
Winfield Courier, May 24, 1883. [City Council Meeting.]
On motion it was resolved to ask the Winfield Water Company to give the city a bond of indemnity against loss or expense on account of possible suits concerning the condemnation proceedings for water works.
E. B. Weitzel was given permission to remove a wooden building from lot 8 to lot 6 in block 110.
On motion the Council adjourned.
ATTEST: L. H. WEBB, City Clerk.
Winfield Courier, May 31, 1883.
On invitation from the mayor and council of Wichita, Mayor Emerson, Councilmen McMullen, McGuire, and Wilson, and citizens Lynn and Bryan, went up to Wichita last Thursday to witness the formal test of their waterworks. The party express themselves as well pleased with the test and that the works are a success. They are especially pleased with the hospitality shown them by the officers and citizens of that place.
Tommy Wilson, son of Councilman Wilson, seriously injured...
Winfield Courier, June 14, 1883.
Little Tommy Wilson, son of Councilman Wilson, was seriously injured Monday. He climbed a tree in Mr. Plank’s yard, when the limb broke and he fell, breaking an arm and cutting his head severely.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, August 9, 1883.
At the Council meeting Monday evening sidewalk petitions from J. M. Reed and Patrick Buckley were granted. The petition of Quincy Glass for permission to erect scales on Main Street was refused. A lot of bills were allowed and referred. The question of tax levy was referred to committee of Kretsinger and Wilson. The bids for fire department supplies were referred to the fire department committee and Council adjourned to meet next Monday evening.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, November 15, 1883.
Council Proceedings.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, November 12, 1883.
Council met pursuant to adjournment, Mayor Emerson in chair. Roll called. Present: Councilmen McMullen, McGuire, Kretsinger, and Wilson. Minutes of the last two regular meetings and adjourned meeting read and approved.
Ordinance No. for constructing sidewalk on west side of Andrews street, was indefinitely postponed.
Petition of M. J. Stimson for permit to erect frame building within fire limits, was rejected by the council.
Finance Committee reported police judge’s report for September correct. Report adopted.
Claim of B. F. Herrod for services as assistant marshal for September was rejected.
The following bills were allowed and ordered paid.
Frank Barclay, piping, etc., to drinking fountains: $34.75.
W. A. Lee, room for election, $2.00.
L. H. Webb, Salary and Registering voters, $8.05.
G. W. Crane & Co., Registration Books, $4.00.
G. H. Buckman, salary, City Clerk and express, $5.55.
B. F. Herrod, salary, marshal, for October, $45.00.
W. L. Fortner, crossings, $14.22.
The following claims referred to Finance Committee.
Ella C. Shenneman, dirt on streets, $15.00.
C. H. Wooden, city scavenger for July, August, and September, $3.75.
J. W. Chaney, attending election board, $1.00.
The bond of B. F. Herrod as marshal and G. H. Buckman, city clerk, were approved.
The acceptance by Wm. Whiting of the gas ordinance was ordered filed and spread upon the council proceedings.
Police judges report for October was referred to finance committee.
Communication from manager of S. K. R. R. Co., received, and ordered filed.
The City Attorney was instructed to investigate as to the legality of the petition and ordinance relating to sidewalks on west side of Blocks 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115, and Chairman of Common streets and alleys instructed to contract for the construction of same at once.
On motion the Council decided that the city should put in gutter in front of Newton’s Harness Shop, where the city well is to be removed.
On motion Council then adjourned.
Attest: G. H. BUCKMAN, City Clerk.
[WINFIELD WATERWORKS.]
Winfield Courier, January 31, 1884.
WATERWORKS ACCEPTED.
The city councilmen at their meeting Monday evening accepted the waterworks, Messrs. Kretsinger, McMullen, and McGuire voting aye; Mr. Wilson and Mayor Emerson opposing. This was hastily done while the reservoir had never been filled to test whether it was strong enough to hold two million gallons of water as required by the ordinance and while the question of whether the company had a right to the water from the “mill pond” was pending in the court. Since the acceptance the court has decided that the company have no right to use the water, thus leaving the city with a dry, waterless waterworks on its hands and $3,000 a year tax. We expected Kretsinger would vote for an acceptance whether there was any water in the reservoir or not, but we were surprised beyond measure when McMullen went over thus early and McGuire with him, while we honor Mr. Wilson and the mayor for their conservative and prudent course in the interests of the city. We do not mean to reflect on the motives of the gentlemen who voted for acceptance. We give them credit for doing what they considered just and proper in the case, and we hold them in higher respect, but we think they have made a mistake.
[CITY PARLIAMENT.]
Winfield Courier, March 13, 1884.
The city fathers met in adjourned session on Wednesday evening of last week and ground out a large grist of business. Al Wilson was re-appointed by the Mayor as City Weighmaster for the ensuing six months, and the appointment was unanimously confirmed by the three councilmen present. Mr. Wilson has filled this position to the full satisfaction of all concerned and his re-appointment is well merited.
The petition of W. P. Hackney and fourteen others for a sidewalk along the south side of blocks No. 208, 229, 249, 269, 289, and 309 and the west side of blocks No. 330 and 331 was granted and the city attorney instructed to draw an ordinance covering the same.
The following bills were allowed and ordered paid.
E. S. Bedilion et al, cost in city vs. J. F. Younger and W. A. Lee, about $40.00.
Johnston & Hill, supplies for council chamber: $115.00.
Black & Rembaugh, printing: $43.25.
Hendricks & Wilson, supplies for Council Room: $40.80.
S. G. Gary, boarding city prisoners: $21.45.
W. A. Lee, rent of ground for bell tower: $8.80.
H. F. Paris, moving city property: $1.50.
A. H. Doane & Co., coal: $8.50.
Wallis & Wallis, supplies for Council Room: $4.00.
I. W. Randall, supplies for Council Room: $40.50.
Wm. Kuhns, special police: $1.25.
A. A. Thomas, special police: $1.25.
James Bethel, special police: $1.25.
O. M. Seward, Council Room rent for February: $5.00.
T. H. Soward, recording plat: $2.50.
Frank Barclay, supplies for Council Room: $6.00.
City officers’ salaries and expenses: $68.30.
Jas. McLain, night watch: $45.60.
E. F. Sears, crossings, etc.: $18.00
H. B. Lacey, city scavenger, $300.00 claimed, allowed $15.00.
The lease existing between Albro & Dorley for room for hose carts was annulled, both parties concurring. A lease was then made with J. C. McMullen for his brick and stone building on North Main for the term of five years at $25.00 per month, for the use of the fire department.
The city treasurer was instructed to pay all money in his hands belonging to the fund raised for paying orders of the city in favor of English Brothers.
J. F. McMullen, attorney for the Gas Company, filed a written request for the appointment of a committee to locate the places for the erection of the gas ports. Councilmen McMullen, Wilson, and Kretsinger were appointed as such committee.
Ordinance No. 184, contracting for the supply of gas to the city of Winfield to light the streets and public buildings of said city was passed and approved by the mayor.
An ordinance granting to the Southern Kansas Railway Co. the right to lay a side track along and in Fifth Avenue between Main and Manning Streets, was passed.
The Winfield Gas Company filed a statement locating its main buildings and appurtenances for the manipulation of gas on out lot No. 3 lying north of Fifth Avenue and west of Main Street within the corporate limits of the city. The location was accepted by the council.
R. S. Wilson chose not to run for councilman again...
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, April 3, 1884.
THE FINANCIAL POLICY.
The result of the city election is generally satisfactory. The contest was not very spirited, the issue being merely a personal choice between candidates, neither of whom seemed very anxious to succeed. There was a general sentiment that too much taxes have already been placed on the city by the inauguration of water works, gas works, and fire department, and against any extensions of mains this year to add to the city taxes; and that was the only issue talked of. As all the candidates for councilmen were pledged against extensions, both by the actions of the caucuses which nominated them and by their own declarations, this issue was one sided.
The policy of the city council this year will be to keep down expenses to the lowest possible limit and raise all the revenue practicable from other sources than direct taxation so as, if possible, to pay all the water and gas rents from these sources and leave only the ordinary expenses of the city to raise by direct taxation.
It is certainly time we called a halt and looked about us to see what we are coming to.
In the first ward, Mr. R. S. Wilson would certainly have been re-elected to the Council if he had consented to serve another term, for he has been the strongest opponent to heavy taxation, and advocate of economy, and his services have earned the thanks of the taxpayers of this city.
R. S. Wilson furnishes stone to the city...
[COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.]
Winfield Courier, April 10, 1884.
The City Fathers met on Monday evening in regular session, all present. Sidewalk Ordinance 187 was passed. Report of Police Judge for December and January found correct.
The street commissioner was instructed to ascertain the cost of 800 feet sewer pipe, to be attached to the Brettun House sewer leading down Main and across the S. K. Depot, and report the same to the Council at the next regular meeting.
The report of committee on location of gas ports was adopted.
The following bills were ordered paid.
Black & Rembaugh, printing, $35.
Frank W. Finch, board of city prisoners, $30.75.
Judges and Clerks of election, $20.00.
R. S. Wilson, stone furnished the city, $10.00.
Perry Barron, burying dogs, 50 cents.
J. C. McMullen, rent fire dept. buildings for March, $15.00.
City officers’ salaries, $67.90.
J. M. Reed, staining and supplies for the city, $5.10.
Jas. McLain, night watch for March, $62.00.
E. F. Sears, crossing, $31.40.
Scott & Matthews, room for election, $2.00.
Wilkinson & Co., room for election, $2.00.
Hendricks & Wilson, supplies, $10.25.
J. C. Fuller, rent of Council room for Jan., Feb., and March, $30.
G. H. Buckman, work on registration books, $102.20.
Bill of Bryan & Lynn, $15.00.
Goods furnished pauper, was recommended to County Committee for payment.
Application of W. A. Lee for permit to build shed within fire limits, was rejected.
Petition of Ed. Burnett for water pipe extension was rejected.
The new council was organized with W. R. McDonald, President.
Petition to have stock yards, elevator, and gas works removed were referred to the committee on Public Health.
McDonald, McGuire, and the City Attorney were appointed a committee to report a revision of the license and salary ordinances.
City Clerk and Councilman McGuire were appointed committee to confer with businessmen regarding their assuming half the salary of night watch.
Appointments of the Mayor were as follows:
Marshal, B. F. Herrod.
Assistant Marshal, James McLain.
City Clerk, G. H. Buckman
City engineer, D. A. Millington.
Contract with Joe. O’Hare for law office in Council room at $5.00 per month, was approved.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 18, 1885.
M. L. Robinson, R. S. Wilson, J. H. Horning, John Crane, and J. D. Lee returned from Leavenworth Sunday, where they had been in attendance upon the U. S. Circuit Court in the case of Frank Barclay against the Winfield Water Company. Barclay got judgment for nine hundred dollars. He claimed about nine thousand.
REV.
B. KELLY CAPTURED.
A Number of Gentlemen Uniquely Surprise Him
on Behalf of Numerous Citizens.
A
Splendid Token of Esteem.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 6, 1885.
The faithful and productive labors of Rev. B. Kelly, as a minister and a citizen, met with a response Monday that left not a little additional sunshine in the Reverend’s pleasant home. Numerous citizens, from a spontaneous appreciation, had made up a purse of three hundred and thirty-one dollars to be presented to Rev. Kelly, as a token of their respect for him. Christian and sinner, prohibitionist and anti-prohibitionist, rich and poor, were among the donors showing the universal admiration of Mr. Kelly’s fearless and zealous advocacy of every good cause. To have so many interested, the matter had been kept remarkably still, and Rev. Kelly was completely in the dark. The committee of presentation, on the part of the donors, were Capt. J. B. Nipp, Judge T. H. Soward, Messrs. J. E. Conklin, John Arrowsmith, and R. S. Wilson, who, accompanied by our reporter, made the raid at 8:30 last evening. Mr. Kelly was found at home, and, with an astonished, though very genial manner, welcomed the party. Without any embarrassing preliminaries, Judge Soward said:
“Bro. Kelly: It gives me great pleasure, in company with these friends, to meet you in your home this evening. We do not come for the single pleasure of an hour’s social intercourse. We come as the representatives of a large number of your warm hearted fellow citizens of this city, composed of all denominations and a very large number who represent no religious sect, to assure you of the high esteem which we have for you as a christian gentleman, and to express to you our admiration of the indomitable and untiring energy you have shown in behalf of the moral culture, happiness, and prosperity of our people. Words alone cannot express our feelings, and I bring you from these hands, acting under the impulse of warm and generous hearts, this gift, which we ask you to accept as a slight token of our esteem of a brave and manly man. The intrinsic value of this gift, in itself, is slight; but when I assure you that it bears with it the warm hearted wishes of your friends and admirers, who wish many more years of usefulness and happiness to your household, it becomes more valuable, as we know you esteem the confidence and friendship of your fellow citizens priceless.”
Rev. Kelly, usually equal to any occasion, was to use a homely expression, “all broke up,” and were we to publish his response in full, would no doubt demand a committee of identification. He was glad to welcome the gentlemen to his home on a mission laden with such esteem and encouragement. The surprise, he said, was so complete and of such a character as to incapacitate him for expressing as he would like his deep felt gratitude. He accepted the gift in the spirit it was given—a spontaneous token from warm and appreciative hearts. During his fifteen years residence in Kansas, he had tried to build up, in christianity, morality, and general prosperity. This he had done in Winfield and would continue to do. His fidelity was not prompted by monetary gain, but for the upbuilding of humanity and the calling he espoused. This gift would make one of the greenest spots in his memory. His heart was filled with inexpressible appreciation. With hearty hand-shaking, the formality was changed into pleasant converse, followed by seasonable refreshments, served very agreeably by Misses Maude and Hortense. Mrs. Kelly was ill and unable to appear. The gift was accompanied by a list of the contributors.
MEAN
TRICK.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 27, 1885.
Many have noticed and commented upon the little old shed building placed alongside R. S. Wilson’s splendid new residence on East Eleventh Avenue, almost ruining its beauty. We have made inquiry and if the facts as presented to us by the neighbors and others are true, it exhibits one of the most contemptibly mean actions we have yet been called upon to record. In fact, we did not imagine that Winfield contained a man so low down as to do a thing of the kind. We suggest that the matter be fixed up. If it isn’t, THE COURIER will feel compelled, in the interests of public decency, to ventilate someone.
THE
BOOM COMMENCED.
New Buildings, Residence and
Business, Spring Up All Over the City.
Their Owners, Style, Cost, etc.—A
Resume of our Improvement Boom!
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 3, 1885.
R. S. Wilson is pushing his residence to completion on East 11th Avenue. This house is 40 x 30, containing ten rooms. The parlor is 14 x 16, connected with the sitting room by folding doors. From the sitting room you can go out on the porch or into the dining room; back of the dining room is the kitchen 14 x 18, which will be supplied with water pipes. There is a bathroom back of this 6 x 7 and a pantry 6 x 6. There are six bedrooms above. Probable cost: $3,000. R. S. Wilson, architect; R. S. Spencer, foreman.
Finally! Proof that R. S. Wilson was the partner of A. D. Hendricks...
The Marriage of Mr. Ezra M. Nixon and Miss
Jessie Millington Thursday Night.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 15, 1885.
THE TOKENS AND DONORS.
Mr. and Mrs. R. S. Wilson and Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Hendricks, pair silver goblets.
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.
R. S. Wilson, residence: $5,000.00.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 21, 1886.
Mrs. Zook has taken rooms at R. S. Wilson’s, on 11th avenue, where she will be glad to see her friends.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 25, 1886.
Mr. Klauser has begun the erection of another fine residence, this time on east 11th, near R. S. Wilson’s. His houses are always unique in architecture.