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Bliss Family
C. A. BLISS.
E. S. BLISS.
Kansas 1875 Census, Winfield Township, Cowley County, March 1, 1875.
Name age sex color Place/birth Where from
E. S. Bliss 30 m w New York New York
Mina Bliss 28 f w Iowa Iowa
C. A. Bliss 43 m w New York Wisconsin
Julia Bliss 38 f w Wisconsin Wisconsin
Winfield, 1873.
Bliss, C. A., age 49; spouse, Julia A., age 37.
Bliss, E. S., age 26.
Winfield, 1874.
Bliss, Charles A., age 42; spouse, Julia M., age 57.
Bliss, E. Spencer, age 27; spouse, Mina, age 26.
Winfield, 1878.
Bliss, C. A., age 46; spouse, J. M., age 41.
Also listed: Female—Celina Bliss, age 34.
Bliss, D. W., age 56; spouse, Ellen, age 55.
Bliss, E. S., age 31; spouse, Mina, age 31.
Winfield, 1880.
Bliss, C. A., age 48; spouse, Julia A., age 44.
Bliss, E. H., age 34.
Also listed: Female—Celina Bliss, age 36.
Also listed: Female—H. S., age 67.
Walnut Township 1881.
Bliss, E. S., age 34; spouse, Bliss, M., age 33.
Walnut Township, 1882.
Bliss, E. S., age 35; spouse, Bliss, Mina, age 34.
FROM THE NEWSPAPERS.
Cowley County Censor, March 18, 1871.
BLISS, TOUSEY & CO. Have removed to their MAMMOTH BUILDING, which, when completed, will be Eighty-four Feet Long and Twenty-two in Width.
Cowley County Censor, May 13, 1871.
GOOD. Maj. Beebee of Thayer has visited this place and established an immense lumber yard here, at which lumber can be bought cheaper than in any other place in the Walnut valley. He is now delivering 100,000 feet which includes everything of the kind wanted in the country. This is no puff, but a fact. This is the cheapest place to buy lumber in the Walnut valley. Bliss, Tousey & Co., agents.
Cowley County Censor, May 13, 1871.
20,000 pounds of goods received this week at Bliss, Tousey & Co.’s, mostly dry goods. Whew! What a stock!
Cowley County Censor, May 13, 1871.
Our public school opened last Monday under the charge of Miss Bliss.
Excerpt...
[REPORT FROM “D. D. M.” - CORRESPONDENT OF THE STATE RECORD.]
Walnut Valley Times, May 26, 1871.
Winfield is the County seat of Cowley County. Last October the site was an unbroken prairie, now it contains half a hundred houses. C. A. Bliss, formerly of the firm of Bliss & Lee of Topeka, is the postmaster and stage agent, and has besides a large stock of goods, and is getting rich, I think. He says anybody that can’t make money in that country, should have a guardian appointed to take care of him. He is a generous and true hearted man, and is well deserving of success.
Cowley County Censor, July 1, 1871.
THE SCHOOL.
We congratulate the people of this place on the success of the school in the room below our office. The teacher, Miss Bliss, brings experience and rare ability to her position, and discharges her duties with the utmost fidelity. The County and District School Officers express their entire satisfaction with the progress which the school is making.
Cowley County Censor, July 1, 1871.
Ohio stoneware: jars, crocks, churns, jugs at Bliss, Tousey & Co’s.
[CONVENTION: KANSAS CITY, EMPORIA & WALNUT VALLEY RAILROAD.]
Walnut Valley Times, July 19, 1872.
RAILROAD CONVENTION.
Delegates from the several conventions along the line of the Kansas City, Emporia & Walnut Valley Railroad, and from Kansas City, met at the courthouse in Emporia July 11th to consider the matter of raising money and apportioning to each locality along the line its equitable share to build the road. Prof. H. B. Norton, of Arkansas City, was made chairman, and Prof. Warner Craig, of Osage County, secretary.
Entitled to seats in the convention—
Cowley County: H. B. Norton, L. R. Kellogg, C. A. Bliss, and C. A. Millington.
Butler County: W. M. Sparks, A. L. Redden, and T. B. Murdock.
Among those who were made directors—
Cowley County: C. A. Bliss and Thomas Blanchard, of Winfield, and A. D. Keith, of Arkansas City.
Butler County: Wm. Sparks, of Chelsea, T. B. Murdock, of Eldorado, and Neil Wilkie, of Douglass.
Cowley County Censor, October 21, 1871.
Mr. J. J. Bullene has opened a meat market at the old stand of Templeton & Daugherty, first door north of C. A. Bliss & Co., Main street. He intends to keep constantly on hand all kinds of fresh and salted meats, vegetables, etc. If you want a juicy steak for breakfast or a tender roast for dinner, call at J. J. Bullene’s. We learn that he has a fine herd of cattle on his farm northwest of town which are being fatted for market. He is an honest butcher and deserves the patronage of our citizens.
Cowley County Censor, October 21, 1871.
Syrups $1 to $1.25 per gallon at C. A. Bliss & Co.’s.
Cowley County Censor, October 21, 1871.
Salt! Only $7.50 per bbl., at C. A. Bliss & Co.
Cowley County Censor, October 21, 1871.
Dried Buffalo meat at 12½ to 15 cents, at C. A. Bliss & Co.’s.
Excerpt...
[REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.]
Cowley County Censor, October 21, 1871.
Last Saturday the Republican Delegate Convention met at this place and, notwithstanding the day was stormy and disagreeable, all the townships were represented except Creswell. The following named gentlemen were the delegates.
Richland Township: James Kelly and Frank Cox.
Windsor Township: S. Wilkins, B. H. Clover, and John Dudley.
Vernon Township: Geo. Easterly, T. A. Blanchard, and F. A. Schwantes.
Beaver Township: T. W. Morris, B. Y. Hunt, and L. M. Kennedy.
Tisdale Township: G. W. Foughty and A. B. Lemmon.
Pleasant Valley Township: W. E. Cook, D. Hostetter, and S. W. Greer.
Rock Township: John Irwin, A. V. Polk, W. H. Grow, and J. Funk.
Dexter Township: Jas. McDermott, J. H. Reynolds, and G. P. Wagner.
Winfield: E. S. Torrance, I. H. Coon, J. W. Hornbeak, C. A. Bliss, J. A. Myton, Capt. Tansey, D. A. Millington, and Jno. Stannard.
Cowley County Censor, October 28, 1871.
Goods sold cheap for cash at C. A. Bliss & Co.’s.
Winfield Messenger, June 28, 1872.
Mr. Bisbee has built himself a neat shoe shop on Main street near Bliss & Co.’s store. It looks very cozy, and we expect he will make the shoe-pegs hop around lively.
Winfield Messenger, June 28, 1872.
Messrs. Blandin & Bliss are going ahead with their mill project and will have it completed early next winter. From five to twenty loads of rock for it passes our office every day.
Winfield Messenger, June 28, 1872.
Mr. C. A. Bliss has returned from a trip to the Territory, and has brought with him a fine lot of horses and ponies. Persons needing such should avail themselves of this opportunity.
Winfield Messenger, June 28, 1872.
Persons wishing to go to Oxford or Pleasant Valley to spend the 4th will find transportation by calling at Bliss’s store. There will be a few teams going to the above named places that have reported, and if there are any others going to the places named or to other points, by calling for passengers will do a kindness to those who have no way of going, and greatly oblige the COMMITTEE.
Winfield Messenger, July 19, 1872.
Mr. C. A. Bliss is building a fine residence southeast of the M. E. church.
The Bliss house, corner of Tenth and Fuller, was built in 1872.
Winfield Messenger, August 16, 1872.
LUMBER! LUMBER! McClure & Co. are at Winfield and will soon have a complete stock of dry pine lumber, lath, shingles, sash, and doors. Our prices will be the same as at Wichita, freights added. W. C. Anderson, a member of our firm, will have charge of our business at Winfield. Office and yard on the northwest corner of Main Street and 10th Avenue. First door south of C. A. Bliss & Co.’s store. “Terms cash.” McClure & Co.
Winfield Messenger, August 30, 1872.
C. A. Bliss has the finest residence in the county.
[EDITORIAL: RAILROAD MEETING.]
Winfield Messenger, September 6, 1872.
According to a previous announcement, quite a number of citizens from different parts of the county assembled together in Winfield on the evening of the 31st of August, for the purpose of discussing the railroad interest of Cowley County.
On motion Mr. C. M. Wood was called to the chair, and R. B. Saffold appointed Secretary of the meeting. Col. E. C. Manning being requested by the chair explained the object of the meeting. Gen. McBratney, being introduced, spoke ably and fluently of the advantages the citizens of this section would derive from the Nebraska & Kansas Railroad. This road commencing at Omaha, Nebraska, would cross the Kansas Pacific at Junction City, and from there south, crossing the A. T. & S. F. Railroad at Peabody. Work being already commenced, with a large force in Marion County, the road between Junction City and Peabody is to be completed and cars running over the same within a very short time.
The purpose of the company then will be to extend the road from Peabody down the Whitewater and thence down the Walnut River to Winfield, and through the county to Arkansas City, and eventually penetration in the Indian country. The bonds have already been voted for the road to the north line of Butler County.
The meeting was also addressed by Eugene Akin of Butler County, who accompanied Gen. McBratney, Col. Manning, Mr. Lacy, and others. A committee was then appointed, consisting of Col. E. C. Manning, R. B. Saffold, A. T. Stewart, J. B. Fairbank, H. B. Lacy, M. M. Jewett, C. A. Bliss, C. M. Wood, and D. A. Millington for the purpose of working up the enterprise of Cowley County, and for ascertaining whether our citizens were ready to extend the necessary aid in building said road. C. M. WOOD, Chairman.
R. B. SAFFOLD, Secretary.
Winfield Messenger, October 4, 1872.
Bliss & Co. has the largest stock of flour of any firm in town.
Winfield Messenger, October 11, 1872.
The stone work on Bliss & Blandin’s mill is progressing very fast. The manufacture of flour will soon be a leading business at Winfield.
Winfield Messenger, October 18, 1872.
The wall of the first story of Bliss & Blandin’s mill is up, and the work is progressing very fast.
[NEW MILL OF BLISS & BLANDIN.]
Winfield Messenger, October 25, 1872.
We received an invitation a few days ago from Mr. Bliss to take a ride down to the new mill of Bliss & Blandin. The workmen are at work on the second story of the building, and are pushing the work ahead very fast. The building is about 40 x 45, and is to be three and a half stories above the flume. The machinery will be here in a few weeks. The proprietors intend putting in four run of burrs, and will no doubt, as soon as practicable put in a woolen mill. The power is sufficient for a very extensive business, and the men who control it have the capital to improve it to its utmost capacity. Winfield possesses the best water power in the State, and where fuel is so scarce, steam will not be brought into use at all for manufacturing purposes; therefore, the advantage Winfield has over any and in fact all other towns in southern Kansas is plain to be seen. Every businessman will see at once that the future of Winfield is far brighter than many other towns that are far more pretentious, and her growth from this time will be very rapid.
Winfield Messenger, October 25, 1872.
The first brick house in the county is being built in Winfield.
Winfield Messenger, October 25, 1872.
Fresh arrival of fancy goods at C. A. Bliss & Co.’s. Call and see them.
Winfield Messenger, October 25, 1872.
We took a turn through Mr. Bliss’ new house a few days ago, and to our surprise, found the inside the best arranged of any we have been into in Winfield. We would give a description of it, but for that we will wait until it is completed.
Winfield Messenger, October 25, 1872.
We looked into Bliss & Co.’s store room this week and saw thirty barrels of sugar, sirup in barrels, and five gallon kegs by the wholesale. Country merchants south and west of here will do well to patronize this firm.
S. Bliss mentioned in next article...Spencer Bliss!
Winfield Messenger, October 25, 1872.
UNION SABBATH SCHOOL. At the Sabbath school on last Sunday a week ago the following organization was effected: J. B. Fairbank, Superintendent; J. M. Dever, Assistant; Miss Ellis, Secretary; Mrs. Tousey, Librarian; S. Bliss, Treasurer, Music Committee, Mrs. Manning and Miss Blandin. Visiting committee, Miss Tucker and Dr. Egbert. Committee on class organization, Miss Tucker, Mrs. Hickok, and Dr. Egbert. A full attendance is hoped for on next Sunday. The school opens at precisely three o’clock in the afternoon at the Methodist church.
Winfield Messenger, November 1, 1872. Front Page.
UNION SOCIAL, Mrs. C. A. Bliss, Secretary.
M. E. SOCIAL, Mrs. Dr. Andrews, Secretary.
Meet alternately every Wednesday evening.
Winfield Courier, Saturday, January 18, 1873.
C. A. BLISS & CO., Dealers in Dry Goods, Groceries, Clothing, Boots, and Shoes.
On Main Street Opposite Post Office.
Excerpts...
Winfield Courier, Saturday, January 18, 1873. [Editorial.]
A three and one-half story stone mill is rapidly approaching completion, built by Messrs. Bliss & Blandin, with an expenditure of twenty thousand dollars, and before it will be entirely completed will absorb at least five thousand more. This company are now introducing their superior machinery into the building and will have all in operation before the first of March. When the time arrives that will demand additions, they will be promptly made.
The future “Tunnel” Mill also mentioned...
Andrew Koehler, a miller of experience, has a frame structure underway to be used also for milling purposes. The design to secure power by tunneling through a neck of land to gain a fall of water without damaging the stream was an original idea and will prove a flattering success.
These mills will both be run by waterpower, the economy of which in a country where fuel is an object, as it is here, will be realized when the profits of a year’s business will be computed.
Winfield Courier, Saturday, January 18, 1873.
New Arrival. Ten teams arrived this week from the railroad, bringing the new machinery for Bliss & Blandin’s Grist mill. It will be placed in the house at once, and all reasonable efforts will be used to have it in running order by the first of March.
Winfield Courier, Saturday, February 1, 1873.
C. A. Bliss left this week for Columbus, Cherokee County, to inspect the workings of his capital employed in merchandising at that point, and being operated by a partner. He expects to be absent two or three weeks. The mill progresses finely.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 6, 1873.
The first named in the “City Ticket:”
For Mayor. J. B. Fairbank.
For Police Judge. Wallis M. Boyer.
For Councilmen: Owen F. Boyle, Alonso [?] T. Stewart, Jas. P. Short, James D. Cochran, and James M. Dever.
The other is as follows:
For Mayor. W. H. H. Maris.
For Police Judge. Add. A. Jackson.
For Councilmen: Owen F. Boyle, Samuel C. Smith, Jas. D. Cochran, Hiram S. Silver, Chas. A. Bliss.
It behooves the people of Winfield to examine into the standing of these opposing candidates, and weigh their qualifications for the different offices judiciously before entrusting to their care the welfare of our town.
GATHER THERE WERE TWO DIFFERENT SLATES FOR THIS ELECTION.
Note: J. B. Fairbank in earlier papers. J. B. Fairbanks in later papers.
BUSHWHACKING!!
An Infamous Electioneering Dodge!!
Pusillanimous Attacks Upon Innocent Parties the Key-Note of Success.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 13, 1873.
The result of the City election heralded abroad as a “good old Democratic victory.”
What Republicans shared the honors?
The under-current of professed friends fully developed.
SHOW YOUR COLORS!
“A Card to the Public!”
“The way some men have of expressing themselves and the peculiar habit of indulging unlimited and unwarranted prejudice in matters of local character will forever appear strange and incomprehensible to thoughtful and consistent men.
“The matter of city election is today on hand in Winfield, and perhaps no community of the same population ever was more racked or shaken from its very center than is this community on the identical question of city organization.
“To this special feeling of interest manifested by citizens no one can object, but to the introduction of selfish motives and contemptible prejudices as a governing medium, is to be despised and scorned by any man of character and standing.”
This card and explanation was born into existence by the unsolicited aid of one C. A. Bliss, whose name now appears on the city ticket asking the support of this people for his election as a City Councilman. The ticket that Mr. Bliss peddles and espouses the cause of is headed by our worthy citizen, W. H. H. Maris for Mayor, and the ticket I voted this morning, for which I received unconditional censure, is headed by our worthy citizen, John B. Fairbank Now, as I polled my vote, Mr. Bliss seized me by the collar, and leading me into the middle of the street, demanded of me my right to oppose the ticket upon which his name appeared, and stated in the presence of witnesses that the “jig was up with all patronage of the COURIER from him and his friends,” and that “I and R. S. Waddell had been carrying water on both shoulders and throwing dirt promiscuously at the Citizen’s Ticket, which he had the honor of supporting.”
I wish to say to Mr. Bliss, just here, inasmuch as he has blown his horn so loudly, I exercise the right of franchise to suit my own feelings and preferences in the matter, and if he wishes to withdraw his patronage in connection with that of his friends from this office, he has a perfect right to do so.
And I will further state for the benefit of the gentleman, that he has placed himself in a very erroneous position, by accusing and associating my name in a business connection with that of R. S. Waddell, as well also as saddling us together in the matter of support to any ticket before an employee of Mr. Waddell’s in the COURIER office, and I exercise all rights of constitutional liberty without the aid of any man, suiting my own feelings in the matter; and in my opinion, Mr. Waddell possesses the same happy faculty of understanding himself in matters of this character. It is now left to you, Mr. Bliss, to make all the electioneering capital (in the absence of Mr. Waddell) out of this new cut and shuffle that you can, but in the meantime, I beg of you to adhere as strictly as possible, to truthful statements, and in no wise speak of R. S. Waddell in connection with myself. J. C. LILLIE.
Winfield, Kansas, March 7, 1873.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 13, 1873.
The above circular was printed by our foreman, Mr. Lillie, in connection with a communication from a reliable citizen and circulated by the friends of the “City Ticket” on election day.
In a recent interview with Mr. Bliss he gave us choice of three alternatives: either compromise principle by discharging Mr. Lillie from our service; condemn him through the columns of the next paper; or consider his (Mr. Bliss’) patronage withdrawn from the COURIER.
As an American citizen we have always claimed the right to use the ballot in obedience to our convictions upon a subject and freely accord the same right to others, never attempting to control the vote of an employee through the fear of being discharged.
Mr. Bliss withdraws his advertising and patronage, and in so doing invites the condemnation of every true born American for the attempt to gain a petty office through his support of a county paper. The principle is selfish and derogatory to the character of any man.
After the defeat of the “city ticket” was announced, the Black Racer of the community stretched his ostrichian neck above the anxious crowd gathered around the corner and proclaimed it a “good old democratic victory.”
And does Mr. Bliss share the honors of the handsome victory achieved over his party?
His position is not one to be envied.
We are glad to see the undercurrent that has permeated the porous, transparent natures of some professed friends showing itself. That’s right, show your colors and let us know where you stand that we may have an opportunity to defend ourselves by perforating your shallow schemes.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 13, 1873.
To the Public. J. C. Lillie is the authorized agent of the COURIER Co., to solicit subscriptions and receive payment for the same, and represents this office throughout the county.
Mr. Lillie enjoys the reputation of being a spicy writer, and will occasionally contribute to the local columns of the COURIER.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 13, 1873.
How Bliss-ful it is to be a city councilman.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 13, 1873.
Only one disturbance occurred on election day, and it turned out to be a Bliss-ful thing.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 13, 1873.
[CONTRIBUTED]
DRAMA.
PERSONAGES:
Police Judge of Winfield.
Six Drunken Loafers.
Several members of Whiskey Ring on sidewalk.
Scene: Main street, Winfield, Kansas.
Time: March 12, 1873, at 4 p.m.
Police Judge: “I say, chappies, better go a little slow: this is a City now.”
First Loafer: “So you’re the Police Judge, are ye? Well, just go to h__l, go to h__l, G__d d__n ye!”
Second Loafer: “We’re running this institution now!”
Third Loafer: “Hurrah!”
Fourth Loafer: “Whoop-ee.”
Members of Whiskey Ring (In chorus). “Ha! Ha!”
(Exit Police Judge, leaving drunken men masters of the situation.)
Will His Honor, the Mayor, and the Council “rise to explain,” why it is that they allow such proceedings as the above, after the piteous howl they made about electing a “temperance ticket.” CITIZEN.
“Read This.”
Inasmuch as Messrs. Waddell & Co., have peremptorily refused to comply with the demand of C. A. Bliss in the matter of the circular issued by me on city election day, in which was shown the true character of this man Bliss, I deem it my duty and privilege to place before the public the facts in the closing scene of this drama.
The circular issued by me, and read generally in the city, was issued for the purpose of defending R. S. Waddell & Co., in their absence, against the malignant, unwanton attacks made by Mr. Bliss for electioneering purposes. At the time he became very wrathy, and only succeeded in waiting with fretful patience the return of Mr. Waddell, from whom he was determined to exact one of the following amends:
That it were wholly unnecessary for me, as a common day laborer, to pick a flaw in his (bliss’) weakness, and publish the same, and that I certainly had not the right to oppose his election by casting my ballot against him, and that he demanded an apology for my conduct of Messrs. Waddell & Co. through the columns of their paper, or my immediate discharge from the employ, or lastly, the withdrawal of his patronage from the paper. I am happy to say that manly principle decided the question, immediately, and that Mr. bliss must withdraw his patronage from the columns of this paper.
Now, just one word to the thinking men of Winfield and vicinity. This man is a merchant in our city, and from the hard earnings of poor men he hoards up his hundreds. I say then, to free and untrammeled citizens, would you not burn with self-shame at the very thought of a man, who would by force of circumstances, attempt to coerce you and deprive you of the inalienable rights of a free born American citizen, while at the same time you can hear chinking in his dishonest pocket the hard earned dollars of an honest man? Will you patronize such a man when you know him?
J. C. LILLIE.
Winfield, March 13, 1873.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 27, 1873.
Bliss & Blandin’s mill grinds corn for twenty miles around and still is not crowded.
Excerpt...
[FROM CORRESPONDENT AT ARKANSAS CITY: NAME CHOPPED OFF!]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 10, 1873.
I regret to learn from your local columns that two of our fellow citizens sold out an immense stock of beads, leggins, tomahawks, moccasins, and other warlike gear at your town the other day, and were compelled to borrow clothing to wear home. There is no reason in the world why you fellows should don savage attire. You are sufficiently “on your ear” among yourselves already; no need of war-paint or scarlet breech-clouts. I propose that Waddell, Allison, “mr. jackson,” “mr. bliss,” “mr. saffold” and all the rest, including the sheriff and deputies, don this sanguinary garb and have it out on the fair ground. It is likely that they would handle each other worse than “Oakes’s cat” was treated. (You see jokes do travel!)
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 10, 1873.
The Ladies of the Baptist Society will give a social at the residence of C. A. Bliss Wednesday evening, April 16th. Music, refreshments, and a good social time is expected. All are invited to attend.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 17, 1873.
The Social at C. A. Bliss is postponed due to inclement weather.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 24, 1873.
The Baptist Sociable was held at the residence of C. A. Bliss last Friday evening. Mr. and Mrs. Bliss, Mrs. Jennie Tousley, and Spencer Bliss constituted a reception committee. The church will gain by $17.75.
Excerpt: both mills mentioned...
[ARTICLE DESCRIBING WINFIELD/COWLEY COUNTY.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 8, 1873. [From the Atchison Champion.]
WINFIELD, KAS., April 24, 1873.
We had the pleasure of a little drive around in company with Hon. L. J. Webb, to see the Fair Grounds and the two new mills, one just below the bridge on the west of town, and the other on a narrow peninsula a half mile south. The former is built of rock, three stories high. Two run of burrs have been put in, and it is the intention to add two more. It is run by water power. There is a splendid rock dam attached. Messrs. Bliss & Blandin, proprietors.
The building of the latter has been attended by a marked degree of enterprise, in the construction of a tunnel one hundred and thirty feet in length, from the Walnut above to the same stream around a bench, at a cost thus far of $5,000 or $7,000, and it will cost to complete it about as much more. The building is a three story frame, 24 x 36, and will have a basement in addition. One burr has already been put in, and it is the intention to add three more. Messrs. Koehler & Covert are the proprietors. So that this community will have no want of good mills, as well as school facilities.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 27, 1873.
The dam of Messrs. Bliss & Blandin’s fine flouring mills at this place was washed out last Sunday. This was one of the finest pieces of masonry in the country, and built at an enormous cost. The cause of its giving way is no doubt owing to the fact that the west end of the dam was not completed in its circle as it was intended to be finished.
The high waters of the Walnut for the past ten days have done considerable damage to crops on the bottom lands, and if it continues to rise another week as it has the past, it will be decidedly disastrous to farming prospects.
P.S. Since writing the above the Walnut has risen several feet and it is believed by the oldest settlers to be higher than ever seen before. Messrs. Bliss & Blandin will, as soon as the waters fall, begin the work of rebuilding their dam.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 12, 1873.
Work on Bliss & Blandin’s mill dam is going ahead rapidly, and but a short while is required to complete the job. They have not lost half a days’ grinding by the high waters.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 19, 1873.
That “Old White Hat” is here again. It is not the one worn by the illustrious philosopher, but the same old hat that M. B. Mathews wears, who is the founder of the popular Independence Commercial Nursery. This nursery has long felt the need of a good agent in Winfield, and Mr. Mathews has succeeded in securing the right man in the right place to take charge, as agent, at this place. Alonzo Howland, the well known and popular clerk at the store of C. A. Bliss, where he will take orders for all kinds of nursery stock, and warrant their delivery in health and good order. Call on Mr. Howland and leave your orders.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 26, 1873.
Joseph C. Blandin has purchased a half interest in the mill of Koehler & Covert.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 26, 1873.
We are under many obligations to Mr. C. A. Bliss for bringing our ink from Wichita last week. Mr. Bliss will please accept our thanks.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 31, 1873.
E. W. PERKINS, [SUCCESSOR TO McCLURE & CO.],
DEALER IN PINE & NATIVE LUMBER, ETC.
Office and Yard One door South of C. A. Bliss & Co.,
Winfield, Kansas.
[PROCEEDINGS OF THE DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 31, 1873.
FIRST DAY.
No. 209. In case of Wood vs. Millspaugh, receiver in the case of Bliss vs. Blandin—Order—“That said Millspaugh appear before this Court on the morning of July 29th, and show cause why an attachment should not be issued against him for a violation of the injunction heretofore granted in this action.”
Excerpts...
[NOTES OF A TRIP TO KANSAS: W. GALLAND.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 7, 1873. Front Page.
[From the Bolivar Free Press.]
Our young friend and traveling companion, A. C. Goff, having left our company at Oswego, the Doctor and I were heartily welcomed and hospitably entertained at Winfield, by C. A. Bliss, Esq., and family.
The flouring mill of C. A. Bliss & Co., at Winfield, is a large stone structure three or four stories high, running two pair of burrs, with power and room for six to seven more. There are one or two other water mills near to Winfield. The crops of Kansas were looking finely, and the wheat crop promised to be large, and will be especially of great benefit to the people of the state as it is their first wheat crop, and will make money for the mills.
The town of Winfield, in point of business, character, and style of its buildings, will compare favorably with most of our towns in Missouri of the same population and many more year’s growth. Many of the private residences are stylish, and expensive; among the best of these is that of the home of our friend and entertainer, C. A. Bliss.
[COURT PROCEEDINGS.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 7, 1873.
C. A. Bliss vs. J. C. Blandin: order to Receiver to sell the property.
Wm. Bartlow vs. C. A. Bliss et al, continued.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 7, 1873.
DIED. The adopted daughter of C. A. Bliss, aged six or seven months, died yesterday morning. Mr. Bliss and wife have our heartfelt sympathy in their deep affliction.
[RECEIVER’S SALE: CHARLES A. BLISS VS. JOSEPH C. BLANDIN.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 7, 1873.
Receiver’s Sale.
Cowley County District Court, 13th Judicial District, State of Kansas.
CHARLES A. BLISS, Plaintiff )
versus ) No. 207.
JOSEPH C. BLANDIN, Defendant)
NOTICE is hereby given that the undersigned, the receiver in said action, will, pursuant to the order of said court to him directed, on Monday, the 8th day of September, 1873, from 9 o’clock A.M., to six o’clock P.M. of said day, offer for sale at public auction, on the premises the following described real property, situated in said county to-wit: Those tracts or parcels of land and premises situated, lying and being in the township of Winfield, County of Cowley, and State of Kansas, and being in the north half (½) of the northeast quarter (1/4) of section number twenty nine (29), township number thirty-two (32), south of range number four (4) east; and bounded as follows, to-wit: One lot beginning at a point in the east line of said north half (½) of said northeast quarter (1/4) of said section number twenty-nine (29) distant sixteen (16) rods north from the southeast corner of said north half (½) of said quarter (1/4) section and running thence north along said east line thirty-two (32) rods; thence west at right angles to said last mentioned line twenty-five (25) rods; thence south at right angles thirty-two (32) rods; thence east at right angles twenty-five (25) rods by place of beginning containing five (5) acres.
Another of said lots or pieces of land bounded as follows: Beginning at a point in the south line of said north half (½) of said section number twenty-nine (29) distant twenty (20) rods west of the southeast corner of said north half of said section number twenty-nine (29) running thence north parallel to the east line of said section number twenty-nine (29) sixteen (16) rods; thence west at right angles five (5) rods; thence north at right angles to the center of the Walnut river; thence down said river along its center to where the same intersects the south line of said north half (½) of said section number twenty-nine (29); thence east along said south line to the place of beginning. Containing five (5) acres more or less.
Said property to be appraised by three disinterested householders of said county, and sold for not less than two thirds its appraised value upon the following terms: One-third cash in hand; one-third in six months, and one-third in twelve months from the date of sale.
The deferred payments to be secured by notes bearing interest at twelve percent, per annum, after maturity, with at least two sufficient sureties and by mortgage on the premises. The purchaser to receive deed and possession upon complying with the above terms.
Said property being a grist and flouring mill and mill property and water privilege belonging to the parties above named.
Witness my hand at Winfield, Kansas, this 6th day of August 1873.
JOHN W. MILLSPAUGH, Receiver.
[NURSERY ADS.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 7, 1873.
H. M. SWASEY
PROPRIETOR
HOME NURSERY
GROWER AND DEALER IN
Fruit, Forest, and Ornamental Trees,
Roses, Small Fruits, and Hedge Paints.
One and one-half miles South West of Independence, Kansas.
G. C. SWASEY
[OF VERNON TOWNSHIP]
IS AGENT
For the above nursery in Sumner and Cowley Counties.
ALL ORDERS FOR NURSERY STOCK
Will be properly attended to.
THOSE ROSES
OF THE
INDEPENDENCE
COMMERCIAL NURSERY
Are the Most Magnificent Extant.
This is the most complete Nursery in all kinds of stock in the Southwest.
Mr. Alonzo Howland, OF WINFIELD, is our Special Agent.
HE CAN BE FOUND at C. A. Bliss’s store on Main Street AND WILL TAKE ORDERS FOR FALL, 1873.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 21, 1873.
The suit of Chas. A. Bliss vs. Joseph C. Blandin that has been pending in the District Court for some months has at last been amicably settled, Mr. Bliss purchasing Mr. Blandin’s interest in the mill. We speak for the entire community when we say that everybody will be pleased to learn this fact. The mill will now be splendidly repaired, and ere long we will again hear the pleasant hum of the burrs as they grind into flour Cowley County’s first crop of wheat.
Excerpt that mentions Spencer Bliss...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 28, 1873.
At a meeting held by the children of Winfield on Wednesday of last week in the Methodist Church it was decided to have a picnic in Mr. Andrew’s grove on Friday Sept. 5th. The following committees were appointed.
To arrange the swing, croquet, etc.: J. D. Cochran, Spencer Bliss, Mrs. Flint, Miss Mary Stewart, Rev. Lowry, and T. A. Rice.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 4, 1873.
The stone mill of C. A. Bliss & Co. will be in full operation the first of next week.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 4, 1873.
The directors of the Agricultural Society will meet at the Fair Grounds, Saturday, Sept. 6th, 1873, at 2 o’clock P. M. They earnestly desire that the Superintendents of all the departments meet with them to acquaint themselves with their duties. The following are the names of the various Superintendents.
Capt. E. Davis; A. Walton; J. H. Churchill; J. P. Short; John R. Smith; E. B. Johnson; W. K. Davis; A. S. Williams; Will S. Voris; S. H. Myton; Samuel Darrah; James Stewart; Jas. H. Land; T. B. Myers; Geo. W. Martin; W. M. Boyer; Max Shoeb; John Swain; S. C. Smith, Mrs. L. H. Howard; Mrs. J. D. Cochran; Mrs. E. Davis; Mrs. J. C. Fuller; Mrs. C. A. Bliss; Mrs. Fitch; Max Fawcett; J. O. Matthewson; H. B. Norton; D. A. Millington; E. B. Kager, C. M. Wood; T. A. Wilkinson.
The Superintendents are desired to study carefully the rules and regulations of the society so they may be able to render assistance to exhibitors.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 11, 1873.
Last Saturday we were shown some of the first flour ever ground in Winfield out of Cowley County wheat. It was from Blandin’s mills. The flour was of the first quality, and we think we are safe in saying that when Mr. Bliss gets his mill in operation (which will be soon) the people of this county will no longer need to import their flour.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 11, 1873.
J. W. Curns, of this place, and G. S. Manser, of Arkansas City, have formed a co-partnership to do a general land office business. We have not had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Manser, but we speak for John W. Curns, to those who may have business with him. They will find him ever ready, courteous, and kind. This is a business the want of which has been felt for some time and we hope these gentlemen (Curns & Manser) will receive a good support. Their office will be on the corner of Main Street and 10th Avenue, just south of the store of C. A. Bliss & Co.
[THE DISTRICT COURT: OCTOBER TERM.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 16, 1873.
The following cases will stand for trial at the October term of the District Court of Cowley County and have been placed upon the trial docket in the following order.
CIVIL DOCKET. FOURTH DAY.
C. A. Bliss vs. Joseph C. Blandin.
[PROCEEDINGS OF THE COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT OCT. 29, 1873.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 30, 1873.
Proceedings of the Cowley County District Court, to Oct. 29th, 1873, the Following Causes having Been Disposed of.
C. A. Bliss vs. Joseph C. Blandin, dismissed.
C. A. Bliss et al vs. J. C. Blandin, dismissed.
C. M. Wood vs. John W. Millspaugh, C. A. Bliss given leave to become a party defendant, and cause continued. JAMES KELLY, Clerk.
E. S. BEDILION, Deputy.
Winfield Courier, December 12, 1873.
The Co. Commissioners at their last meeting accepted the Courthouse. And the contractors, Messrs. Stewart & Simpson, take this method to return thanks to their bondsmen, S. C. Smith, Charley Black, R. B. Saffold, Hiram Silver, S. H. Myton, Rice & Ray, J. J. Ellis, J. D. Cochran, M. L. Read, J. C. Blandin, John Lowry, and C. A. Bliss, for the confidence reposed in them when they were entire strangers, and to say that they are honorably discharged from any further obligation on account of the Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, December 12, 1873.
The Tableaux. Listing participants mentioned by editor only. Mr. Michener, Mr. Howland, Mr. Mansfield, Mr. Bedilion, Mr. Saffold, and Mr. C. A. Bliss; Misses Parmelee and Leffingwell also mentioned. The spacious new Winfield Courtroom was filled to overflowing with an orderly and appreciative audience, number at least 500 persons to watch John Bunyan’s splendid conceptions of “Pilgrim’s Progress” for the exhibition given under the auspices of the Baptist church of Winfield.
Excerpts...
[GRAND MASONIC FESTIVAL.]
Winfield Courier, December 12, 1873.
TABLE COMMITTEE. A. T. Stewart, J. F. Paul, T. A. Rice, W. M. Boyer, J. E. Saint, J. D. Cochran, J. C. Fuller, John Swain, J. A. Simpson, A. T. Shenneman, A. S. Williams, J. P. Short, Mrs. J. P. Short, Miss Read, Miss Mary Stewart, Mrs. Geo. Oakes, Mrs. J. F. Paul, Mrs. E. Maris, Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Mrs. W. M. Boyer, Mrs. L. R. Paul, Mrs. L. J. Webb, Mrs. J. C. Weathers, Mrs. Newman, Mrs. Howland, Mrs. Hickok, Mrs. W. G. Graham, Mrs. J. D. Cochran, Mrs. C. A. Bliss, Miss Parmelee, Miss Lizzie Graham, Miss Yount.
TICKET AGENTS. C. A. Bliss, J. Newman, J. C. Weathers.
Winfield Courier, Friday, December 19, 1873.
The splendid stone mill of C. A. Bliss is now in running order, has plenty of water, and grinds day and night. Their flour is said to be the best manufactured in the county.
Winfield Courier, Friday, December 19, 1873.
Mr. C. A. Bliss desires to inform the farmers of Southwestern Kansas that his mill southwest of Winfield is now in running order and he is prepared to accommodate all who will give him a call. His flour has been pronounced by good judges to be excellent.
Winfield Courier, Friday, December 19, 1873.
To show what a good flouring mill does for a place, we notice that teams from near Wichita come to the mill of C. A. Bliss to get their grinding done.
Winfield Courier, Friday, December 26, 1873.
Bliss has four run of stone in operation steady. That must be bliss for somebody.
[EDITORIAL PAGE.]
Winfield Courier, January 2, 1874.
A Peep Over the Shoulder.
This number completes Volume 1st of the WINFIELD COURIER. One year ago it was started to supply a want long felt, not only in the Republican party, but among businessmen of all shades of opinion, who desired a good advertising medium. . . .
The buildings erected during the year just closed have been of the most substantial kind, the most prominent of which we call to mind, the splendid brick Bank building of M. L. Read; the neat Drug house of Maris, Carson & Baldwin; the magnificent flowering mills of C. A. Bliss and Blandin & Covert; the jail and Courthouse; the residences of Kirk, McMillen, and Dr. Graham. These are but a few of the many built during the last twelve months, and they are such as to do credit to any town in the state. Bridges of magnificent proportions span all main streams on the roads leading to town. . . .
Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.
Henry McDorman, F. L. Rex, and R. T. Wells, of Dexter, brought 14 bushels of wheat to Bliss Co.’s mill which made 43 pounds of flour to the bushel, besides the toll.
Winfield Courier, February 6, 1874.
Mr. C. A. Bliss has the hams of thirteen hogs in his smoke house, undergoing the curing process. We believe that this is the largest lot of hams ever cured at one time in this county.
Winfield Courier, March 20, 1874.
Below we give the names of our businessmen who advertised in the “COURIER EXTRA” this week. Our readers may rest assured that men who advertise liberally will deal liberally.
Ellis & Black, W. L. Mullen, Darrah & Doty, O. N. Morris & Bro., T. E. Gilleland, George Miller, Maris, Carson & Baldwin, J. C. Weathers and Co., C. A. Bliss & Co., Hitchcock & Boyle, W. M. Boyer, Lagonda House, Banking Houses of M. L. Read and J. C. Fuller, J. B. Lynn, N. Roberson, M. Miller, Frank Williams, Geo. W. Martin, and the Arkansas City Traveler.
Winfield Courier, March 20, 1874.
A. BISBEE, BOOT & SHOE MAKER. Makes a thorobred boot. Works the best French brands of calf, and kip, and all work warranted.
2 doors north of Bliss & Co.’s on Main St., Winfield, Kansas.
Winfield Courier, March 20, 1874.
ROBERTS & NICHOLS, BARBERS AND HAIR-DRESSERS.
NEATEST ROOMS IN THE CITY. The oldest and most reliable workman in the West. Special attention given to Ladies’ Hair-Dressing. ROOMS, One door south of Bliss’ Store, Winfield, Kansas.
First mention of E. S. Bliss...
Winfield Courier, April 10, 1874.
MARRIED.
BLISS - HAWKINS. In this city March 31st, by Rev. A. M. Averill, of Emporia, Mr. E. S. Bliss to Mrs. Mina Hawkins, all of this city.
Winfield Courier, April 10, 1874.
The ladies of the Baptist Church and congregation will hold a social at the residence of Mr. C. A. Bliss on next Tuesday evening. A cordial invitation is extended to all.
Winfield Courier, April 10, 1874.
Marriage Licenses.
The following is a list of the marriage licenses issued by the Probate Judge for the month of March.
E. S. Bliss to Mina Hawkins.
Reference made to “Officer Bliss”...
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1874.
In the Courts.
Last Monday night Mrs. W. D. Roberts was brought into her own house—having previously been arrested by officer Bliss of the police force, upon the charge of disturbing the peace. Upon being brought before his honor, Judge Hickok, Hon. S. D. Pryor arose and gave the Court to “understand and be informed, that Mrs. W. D. Roberts, at the county of Cowley, and on the 10th day of May, 1873, and on every Sunday save one, since said 10th day of May, 1873, at the Baptist church in Winfield, she, the said Mrs. W. D. Roberts, in a bold fearless manner, wilfully and knowingly disturbed the peace and quiet of many citizens of Winfield by using her tongue wilfully and fearlessly, in a loud voice, singing songs of praise to God, against the peace and quiet of many saloon-keepers, and contrary to the laws of king alcohol.”
The prisoner was ably defended by Rev. N. L. Rigby. Before the counsel for the defense had concluded, however, the prisoner was discharged.
To show that they didn’t believe her guilty of any crime and as a slight token of their esteem, Mr. Rigby, on behalf of the company, presented her with a beautiful silver cake basket, which was indeed a surprise to Mrs. Roberts, but nevertheless appreciated by her. After the presentation the guests were right royally regaled with Ice Cream and cake. All went home glad that they had been there, and glad that so much affection exists in the human family, and hoping that many such occasions may be experienced “ere the roses droop and die.”
Winfield Courier, August 28, 1874.
H. C. Hawkins has opened out a new lumber yard at Bliss’ old stand, and is rapidly filling it with everything in his line. All he requires to establish a good business is to advertise.
[THE DISTRICT COURT: SEPTEMBER TERM.]
Winfield Courier, September 18, 1874.
CIVIL DOCKET. SIXTH DAY.
Allen Carleson vs. C. A. Bliss.
Excerpt from lengthy article...
[THE POST OFFICE RING.]
Winfield Courier, September 25, 1874. [Editorial by James Kelly.]
As to the fourth charge, “war on the business prosperity of Winfield.”
The P. O. ring, and the Telegram, in order to divert attention from their real designs, must abuse and malign someone, and these are generally the best men in town and county. A. T. Stewart, J. B. Fairbank, C. M. Wood, Rev. Parmelee, C. A. Bliss, W. M. Boyer, and others, together with all the county officers it could not control, have suffered calumny at its hand. The people of the county are taught that the citizens of Winfield are thieves and cutthroats. This drives people away from the town. This divides our people among themselves. It prevents a cooperation among the citizens of the place in any laudable endeavor, either charitable, educational, religious, moral, or social, or for the general prosperity of the place. No one can deny this.
Winfield Courier, October 15, 1874.
MRS. M. FITCH wishes to inform the Ladies of Winfield and vicinity that she is prepared to do Dress Making in all the latest styles, also all kinds of plain sewing. Their patronage solicited. Rooms one door south of Bliss’ store.
Spencer Bliss...
Winfield Courier, November 12, 1874.
Mr. Spencer Bliss, who has been severely ill for the last two weeks, is, we are pleased to learn, rapidly recovering.
Winfield Plow and Anvil, November 19, 1874.
The best grade of home manufactured flour can be bought at Bliss’ for $3.25.
Winfield Plow and Anvil, November 19, 1874.
There is a very desirable assortment of prints at C. A. Bliss. The ladies are specially invited to call and see them.
MORE RELIEF.
The Ladies Organize.
Winfield Courier, December 3, 1874.
A large meeting of ladies was held at the residence of Mr. C. A. Bliss today to organize a society for the relief of the poor. Mrs. Huston presided and Mrs. Rigby acted as secretary. The society was permanently organized with Mrs. C. A. Bliss as President and Mrs. N. L. Rigby, Secretary. They called it the “Winfield Ladies Aid Society.”
The city was divided into four wards, thus, all the territory lying east of Main street and south of 9th Avenue, to constitute the 1st ward; East of Main street and north of 9th Avenue, the 2nd; west of Main street and north of 9th Avenue, the 3rd; and the remainder, the 4th ward. Committees to solicit aid, and hunt up the needy, were appointed as follows: for the first ward, Mrs. Dever, Mrs. Ferguson, Mrs. Platter, and Mrs. Robinson. For the second: Mrs. McCleland, Mrs. McMasters, and Mrs. Magraw. For the third, Mrs. Mansfield, Mrs. Kelly, and Mrs. Mullen. For the fourth, Mrs. Dr. Black, Mrs. Williams, and Mrs. Flint. The Society meets every Friday afternoon, at the house of Mr. Bliss.
Winfield Courier, December 24, 1874.
A Free Supper.
The citizens of Winfield are invited to partake of a free supper given by the brethren, sisters, and friends of the Christian church at their new meeting house Thursday evening, Dec. 31st, 1874.
Committee of Arrangements: Mr. and Mrs. J. Newman, Mr. and Mrs. W. Maris, Mr. and Mrs. Meanor, Mr. and Mrs. McClelland.
Committee on Tables: Mesdames South, McRaw, Miller, Wilkinson, Sr. Barnes, W. L. Mullen, C. A. Bliss, Cochran, and Mansfield.
Committee on Reception: Miss Jennie Hawkins, J. Lipscomb, Annie Newman, J. Cochran, Charlie McClellan.
Committee on Music: Misses Stewart, Bryant, Hawkins, Newman, Mrs. Swain, Mrs. W. Maris, Messrs. Swain, W. Maris, and Cochran.
ELDER HENRY HAWKINS, Moderator.
Winfield Courier, December 24, 1874.
GRAHAM FLOUR at C. A. Bliss & Co.
Winfield Courier, December 24, 1874.
BEST OF XXXX flour at $3.25 per hundred, at C. A. Bliss & Co.’s.
Excerpts...
[CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS: DECEMBER 21 & 22, 1874.]
Winfield Courier, January 14, 1875.
C. A. Bliss presented a bill of $20.62 for building sidewalks along lots 4 and 5 in block 150 in Winfield, which was referred to the finance committee and reported favorably thereon. On motion the bill was allowed.
Messrs. C. A. Bliss and Enoch Maris appeared and asked the council to make provision for the purchasing of a lot in the cemetery grounds for the use of the city, in pursuance of which, it was moved and seconded that a committee of three, consisting of S. Darrah, R. B. Saffold, and H. S. Silver be appointed to confer with the cemetery committee in regard to purchasing a part or the whole of said cemetery. Motion carried.
Motion carried to adjourn to meet Dec. 22, at 4 o’clock p.m. S. C. SMITH, Mayor.
J. W. CURNS, City Clerk.
Winfield Courier, February 11, 1875.
A Card.
Allow us to extend our most cordial thanks to the many friends who visited our home on Monday evening, Feb. 8th, to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of our married life. The China Wedding left us so many tokens of their kind regards, and also to those who remembered us though not present. Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Bliss.
[CHINA WEDDING: MR. AND MRS. C. A. BLISS.]
Winfield Courier, February 11, 1875.
If the city of Winfield deserves credit for one thing more than another, it is for the magnificence of her China Weddings. Our people admire the heroic courage, which must be possessed in a very high degree by a couple which after twenty years of married life are still willing to resume the yoke matrimonial.
Such may have been the feeling of the merry, laughing set, the most brilliant assemblage of the season, which met at the residence of Mr. C. A. Bliss last Monday evening to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the marriage of the host and hostess.
The ceremony was conducted by the Reverends Rigby, Platter, and McQuiston, at the conclusion of which Mr. M. N. Chaffey in an eloquent and happy speech presented the “happy couple” with an elegant china tea set. A supper was then spread which would have done honor to any wedding party, our reporter in common with the rest, throwing himself outside of grub enough to last him a week, forgetting for the nonce that grasshoppers, or anything else, had ever devastated the country. The relief committee was there, and viewed the seeming waste of so much that was good to eat; their palms, no doubt, itching for a chance to distribute it to the poor. Altogether it was one of the largest and happiest gatherings ever witnessed in Winfield, and it will long be remembered by those who participated as one of the green fields in the dreary desert of life.
Excerpt...
[CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS: FEBRUARY 1, 1875.]
Winfield Courier, February 18, 1875..
C. A. Bliss presented a bill of $37.50 for building sidewalks along the south side of lot 12 in block 129, which after being reported favorably on by the finance committee, was allowed and ordered paid.
Winfield Courier, March 4, 1875.
For the first time in six months the Walnut River at Bliss’ mill is dam full.
[DISTRICT COURT DOCKET: MARCH TERM.]
Winfield Courier, March 18, 1875.
CIVIL DOCKET. SECOND DAY.
No. 413. Allen Carlson, vs. Charles A. Bliss.
Winfield Courier, March 18, 1875.
[Published March 18th, 1875.]
Ordinance No. 48.
An Ordinance providing for the holding of an Annual Election for City Officers.
Be it Ordained by the Mayor and Councilmen of the City of Winfield.
Sec. 1. That the place for voting for city officers, at the annual election to be held in the city of Winfield, on the 5th day of April, A. D., 1875, for the ensuing year, shall be held in the building situated on lot No. 12, in block No. 109, in the said city, being the property of C. A. Bliss & Co.
Sec. 2. This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its publication in the Winfield COURIER.
Approved March 15, 1875. S. C. SMITH, Mayor.
J. W. CURNS, City Clerk.
[WINFIELD CEMETERY ASSOCIATION.]
Winfield Courier, March 25, 1875.
Notice.
There will be a meeting of the stockholders of the Winfield Cemetery Association on Wednesday, March 31, 1875, at W. H. H. Maris’ store. All persons owning a lot in the Winfield Cemetery are stockholders, and entitled to vote at the meeting. A full attendance is requested. The following is a list of the said stockholders.
JOHN B. FAIRBANK, Secretary.
John Lowrey, C. A. Bliss, Mrs. Clara Flint, Robert Hudson, W. L. Fortner, W. H. Dunn, Mallard, Dr. D. N. Egbert, J. H. Land, W. M. Boyer, A. Menor, S. J. Swanson, Mrs. Eliza Davis, M. L. Read. S. C. Smith, Kenton, Marshall, Henry Martin, W. H. H. Maris, Mrs. K. Maris, E. Maris, J. Newman, L. J. Webb, J. W. Smiley, George W. Brown, John Rhoads, H. H. Lacy, L. T. Michner, George Gray, N. H. Holmes, John Mentch, M. Steward, J. J. Barrett, J. W. Johnson, J. Evans, Cutting, W. G. Graham, S. W. Greer, Dr. W. Q. Mansfield, J. D. Cochran, C. C. Stephens, W. H. South, J. C. Weathers, Mrs. Joseph Foos, G. S. Manser, Mrs. Southworth, A. A. Jackson, J. F. Graham, Mrs. H. McMasters, S. H. Myton, S. H. Darrah, M. L. Robinson, D. H. Rodocker, R. H. Tucker, James Kelly, W. Dibble, D. F. Best, Z. T. Swigart, R. Rogers.
Winfield Courier, April 15, 1875.
Card of Thanks.
The young folks who met at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Bliss on Friday evening last unite in tendering their sincere thanks to the host and hostess for the cordial and hospitable manner in which they were received. After they had all arrived a series of games and plays were introduced which made the time pass pleasantly, and amid laughter and social converse, the happy evening glided into eternity, leaving nought but pleasant remembrances of the happy occasion on the minds of the assembled guests.
Winfield Courier, April 29, 1875.
Mr. Haskins, brother-in-law of Mr. C. A. Bliss, is here paying his friends a visit. He has with him the model of a farm gate, which is one of the handiest things imaginable. It is so arranged that the driver of a team or a person on horseback can open or shut it with ease, without getting out of the wagon or down off the horse. The gate is on exhibition at the store of C. A. Bliss & Co., and will repay any man a visit.
Winfield Courier, April 29, 1875.
The enterprising firm of C. A. Bliss & Co., in order to keep pace with the time, and also be in readiness to grind the new wheat crop—the prospect for which is simply immense—have been making extensive improvements in their fine stone flouring mills. They have added, among other things, a new bolt, and now turn off some of the best flour possible to be manufactured.
Their mills are situated on one of the best water powers in the State; with apparatus second to none, with experienced and accommodating millers, and the flouring mills of C. A. Bliss & Co., richly deserve the patronage of the public.
Winfield Courier, July 1, 1875.
Dr. Houx is fixing up a nice dental office one door south of C. A. Bliss’.
Winfield Courier, July 1, 1875.
C. A. Bliss and I. E. Moore, our millers, are making negotiations to furnish the agencies and others south of us with flour.
Winfield Courier, July 22, 1875.
A brother of Phillip Stump, our miller at Bliss’, has come on from Ohio and will help him through the wheat campaign this fall.
Winfield Courier, July 22, 1875.
GRAHAM FLOUR at C. A. Bliss & Co.
Winfield Courier, July 22, 1875.
CORN & WHEAT taken in exchange for goods at C. A. Bliss & Co.’s.
Mention of E. Spencer Bliss...
Winfield Courier, September 2, 1875.
E. Spencer Bliss has returned from his summer sojourn in the States. He skips round the counter at “229” as lively as a grasshopper in a roasting ear patch.
Winfield Courier, September 2, 1875.
Yesterday morning we dropped into “229,” the Mammoth store of C. A. Bliss & Co., and found the clerks flying around, busily engaged “clearing away the wreck,” ready for their immense stock of fall goods. “229” has been renovated, thoroughly cleaned up and newly painted, and is now in first-class “ship-shape.”
Winfield Courier, September 9, 1875.
Please remember that Mrs. E. F. Kennedy, formerly the “Co.” of the Ladies’ Bazar, has opened out a handsome Parlor Millinery Store, four doors North of C. A. Bliss & Co.’s, where she is constantly receiving new varieties of ladies’ fashionable goods, etc. Don’t forget the place—Mrs. Bullene’s old stand, four doors north of C. A. Bliss & Co.’s.
Excerpt that refers to “Samuel Bliss”...
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, September 16, 1875.
CIVIL DOCKET. FIFTH DAY.
Samuel Bliss vs. A. H. Broadwell, et al.
Winfield Courier, September 16, 1875.
229. EVERYTHING from a pair of Overalls to a complete Wedding Outfit to be found at C. A. Bliss & Co.’s the coming week.
[ANNOUNCEMENT: FRANK GALLOTTI FOR COUNTY TREASURER.]
Winfield Courier, September 16, 1875.
TO THE VOTERS OF COWLEY COUNTY.
This is to certify that we, whose names are hereto subscribed, do most heartily recommend for our next County Treasurer, FRANK GALLOTTI, who has for the last year and a half faithfully and satisfactorily performed the duties of said office while acting in the capacity of Deputy; and we do hereby further certify that his character during that time has been such as to fully entitle him to the recommendation. The records of said office kept by him, bears ample testimony of his capability and efficiency. We consider him well qualified to fulfill the duties of said office, and therefore cheerfully recommend him to the voters of Cowley County as well worth of their cordial support, and who, if elected, will most faithfully and systematically perform the duties of said office.
One of those who signed: C. A. Bliss.
One of those who signed: C. L. Bliss.
Winfield Courier, October 21, 1875.
INDEPENDENT REFORMERS, buy your clothing of C. A. Bliss & Co., No. 229.
Winfield Courier, December 9, 1875.
A new brand of cigars at C. A. Bliss’s.
Departure of Spencer Bliss...
Winfield Courier, December 16, 1875.
Mr. Spencer Bliss and wife left our city last Thursday for New York State. They go by the way of Burlington, Iowa, where they will spend a part of the winter visiting friends. A change of climate has been advised, thinking it would benefit Mr. Bliss’ health. He is one of our valley pioneers, and leaves many warm friends behind him who wish that the change may produce the desired effect. Several of them met at the residence of C. A. Bliss the evening before his departure and gave unmistakable expression of their good opinion of him. We wish them a pleasant journey.
[BILLS ALLOWED BY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield Courier, December 23, 1875.
C. A. Bliss & Co., pauper bill.
Winfield Courier, December 30, 1875.
Mr. Wright, representing the woolen mills of Blue Rapids, Kansas, was in town Tuesday introducing his goods in this part of the State. He sold C. A. Bliss & Co. a large bill.
Excerpts...
THE WINFIELD COURIER.
[Covering Period January 6, 1876 - December 28, 1876.]
CENTENNIAL ISSUE.
WINFIELD COURIER, THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 1876.
Sometime in the month of June, 1869, C. M. Wood brought some flour, bacon, and groceries down to sell to Indians and settlers. He left his goods at the house of James Renfro’s and erected on the rise of ground a few rods east of where Bliss & Co.’s grist mill now stands, a small building by setting puncheons in the ground and covering them. He moved his goods into it in July following. The Osage Indians attempted to take some of his goods away from him shortly after and he drove them away, but concluded to return his goods to Renfro’s for safety. Soon after the goods were moved, the Indians burned the house down.
C. A. Bliss & Co. bought out the small stock of Baker & Manning in September of 1870, and were the first regular mercantile firm in town and brought in a large stock of goods.
The city of Winfield was incorporated Feb. 22nd, 1873. The first city election was held March 7th, 1873, at which W. H. H. Maris was elected Mayor.
A. A. Jackson, Probate Judge.
O. F. Boyle, J. D. Cochran, H. S. Silver, S. C. Smith, and C. A. Bliss, for Councilmen.
The Council chose S. C. Smith, its President; J. W. Curns, Clerk; M. L. Robinson, Treasurer; C. W. Richmond, Marshal; and J. M. Alexander, Attorney.
The first annual election was held April 7th, 1873, and the same persons were re-elected to the various offices, excepting that S. Darrah succeeded C. A. Bliss, and the Council re-appointed the same persons to the other offices, with the exception that W. T. Dougherty succeeded Richmond as Marshal.
The residence of Dr. Mansfield, M. L. Read, C. A. Bliss, D. A. Millington, J. P. McMillen, W. G. Graham, W. W. Andrews, S. H. Myton, and many others are good substantial structures and ornaments to the city.
MASONIC.
On the 29th day of October, 1870, a dispensation was granted to J. S. Hunt, A. H. Green, Enoch Maris, and eight others for a lodge at Winfield. J. S. Hunt was appointed W. M.; A. H. Green, S. W.; and Enoch Maris, J. W. On the 17th day of October, 1872, the lodge obtained a charter under the name of Adelphi, No. 119, with the following charter members: J. S. Hunt, A. H. Green, Enoch Maris, C. A. Bliss, A. A. Jackson, W. M. Boyer, H. Shaughness, I. L. Comfort, E. Adams, Thomas Hart, W. S. Huff, S. H. Revis, T. A. Rice, and J. Traxler.
MILLS.
There are seven grist mills in the county, four water power, three steam power. C. A. Bliss & Co. are proprietors and C. A. Bliss and J. C. Blandin were the builders in 1872 and 1873, of the four-story stone mill on the Walnut adjoining Winfield. It rests upon a solid stone foundation at the south end of a beautiful stone dam. The mill contains three run of burrs, merchant and custom bolt, $1,200 Middlings Purifier (the only one at work in the State at this time). Its daily grinding capacity of 24 hours is over 1,000 bushels of grain. This is the best water mill in southern Kansas. The mill is valued at $24,000.
Winfield Courier, January 6, 1876.
OH SAY! Now that the Holidays are coming, hadn’t you better call on Mrs. Kennedy’s fashionable Millinery Emporium, and purchase one of those beautiful hats? Or perhaps a plume, a sash, a bolt of ribbon, or something else that’s nice? Remember the place. Four doors north of C. A. Bliss & Co.’s.
Excerpts...
Winfield Courier, January 6, 1876.
Our “Courier” Patrons.
In beginning the “Centennial year,” with an enterprise like the one we have engaged in this week, it is but right and proper that we make honorable mention of the men who, by giving us their patronage, have greatly helped us in the “financial” part thereof.
BLISS, C. A. & Co., of which C. A. is “which,” is made up chiefly of those western elements, called faith, pluck, and grit—the greatest of which is “grit.” The elements he has had to contend with would have sunk an ordinary businessman, but he still swims. At the time he built, his was the largest store in the county, the finest residence in the county, and his mill, of which we are all so proud, is one of the best in the state. He furnishes employment for a dozen hands—is always improving and enhancing the value of his property, thereby adding much to the material wealth of our city. He has done more toward building up the town of his adoption than any one man in it. Success to C. A. Bliss, his salesman, J. Ex Saint, and all the boys connected therewith.
Winfield Courier, January 6, 1876.
EVERYTHING from a pair of Overalls to a complete Wedding Out-fit to be found at C. A. Bliss & Co.’s.
Winfield Courier, January 6, 1876.
NEW HATS! NEW HATS!! Have you seen those new hats at C. A. Bliss & Co.’s?
Winfield Courier, January 13, 1876.
DR. AUSTIN has removed his office to one door south of Bliss & Co.’s store.
Winfield Courier, January 27, 1876.
C. A. BLISS came down from Wichita on Thursday the 20th inst.; was seven hours on the road, and met 27 teams from Cowley County loaded with wheat. It was not a good day for wheat either. And yet, we have no railroad.
Cowley County Democrat, April 6, 1876.
We have had some soaking rains, and our springs and streams are now filled up as they have not been for over a year. The Walnut, although not quite so high as it has been at one time before, seriously threatened the mill dam at the stone mill, but Mr. Bliss was fortunate enough, by timely exertion, to save it.
Cowley County Democrat, Thursday, April 6, 1876.
PROFESSIONAL CARDS.
J. O. HOUX, DENTAL SURGEON.—All work warranted to give satisfaction. Office one door south of Bliss & Co’s., Winfield, Kansas.
Winfield Courier, April 6, 1876. Editorial Page.
THE RAILROAD MEETING AT ELK FALLS.
On the 20th of this month an important railroad meeting was held at Elk Falls, in Elk County, lying directly east of us. Delegates, or representative men were present from various parts of Cowley and Sumner. The published report of the proceedings occupies quite a space in the Elk Falls Ledger. By that report we learn that earnest and significant interest was manifested at the meeting on the railroad question. Messrs. R. F. Burden and S. M. Fall represented Cowley County in the meeting. No safer men, or men who could more fairly reflect the sentiments of Cowley County could have been sent over to that meeting. From Sumner County we notice the names of T. F. Clark, T. W. Stevenson, and L. K. Myers.
A committee was appointed whose duty is to work up the project of this east and west line. The members of that committee in this county are R. F. Burden, S. M. Fall, C. A. Bliss, and E. C. Manning.
Winfield Courier, April 6, 1876.
The following is the result of the vote cast at the city election held in Winfield last Monday.
REPUBLICAN TICKET.
For Mayor, D. A. Millington: 81 votes.
For Police Judge, Linus S. Webb: 75 votes.
For Councilman, A. B. Lemmon: 86 votes.
For Councilman, C. A. Bliss: 81 votes.
For Councilman, T. B. Myers: 84 votes.
For Councilman, H. Brotherton: 88 votes.
For Councilman, M. G. Troup: 91 votes.
DEMOCRAT TICKET.
For Mayor, H. S. Silver: 86 votes.
For Police Judge, J. W. Curns: 81 votes.
For Councilman, N. Roberson: 71 votes.
For Councilman, A. G. Wilson: 76 votes.
For Councilman, N. M. Powers: 70 votes.
For Councilman, W. L. Mullen: 57 votes.
For Councilman, Frank Williams: 76 votes.
SCATTERING: J. P. McMillen received 20 votes, C. C. Black 1; and J. P. Short 3, for Councilmen; and J. D. Pryor 5 votes for Police Judge.
Excerpts...
Winfield Courier, April 13, 1876.
City Council Proceedings.
WINFIELD, KAN., April 5, 1876.
City Council met in adjourned session, March 21st, A. D. 1876.
Present: D. A. Millington, Mayor; N. M. Powers, C. C. Black, and M. G. Troup, Councilmen; B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.
The City Council proceeded to canvass the vote of Winfield city election, held on April 3rd, A. D., 1876, which resulted as follows:
Whole number of votes cast: 182.
For Mayor: D. A. Millington, 81; H. S. Silver, 80, E. S. Bedilion, 1.
For Police Judge: Linus S. Webb, 75; J. W. Curns, 81; J. D. Pryor, 5.
For Councilmen: A. B. Lemmon, 86; M. G. Troup, 91; C. A. Bliss, 81; T. B. Myers, 84; H. Brotherton, 88; N. Roberson, 71; Frank Williams, 76; N. M. Powers, 70; A. G. Wilson, 76; W. L. Mullin, 57; J. P. McMillen, 20; C. C. Black, 3; J. P. Short, 1.
D. A. Millington, having received the highest number of votes for Mayor, was declared elected. J. W. Curns, receiving the highest number of votes for Police Judge, was declared elected. A. B. Lemmon, M. G. Troup, T. B. Myers, C. A. Bliss, and H. Brotherton, receiving the highest number of votes for Councilmen, were declared elected.
Excerpts...
Winfield Courier, April 20, 1876.
City Council Proceedings.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, April 17th, 1876.
City Council met at the City Clerk’s office April 17th, A. D. 1876.
Present: D. A. Millington, Mayor; M. G. Troup, C. A. Bliss, H. Brotherton, and A. B. Lemmon, Councilmen; B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.
The Mayor read his annual inaugural address to the Council stating the financial condition of the city for the past year, its present condition, and making many suggestions as to its future.
On motion of A. B. Lemmon, M. G. Troup was elected President of the Council for the coming year.
On motion the Mayor appointed three standing committees of three members each, as follows:
Finance committee: M. G. Troup, H. Brotherton, T. B. Myers.
Committee on streets, alleys, and sidewalks: C. A. Bliss, H. Brotherton, and A. B. Lemmon.
Committee on fire: A. B. Lemmon, T. B. Myers, C. A. Bliss.
Winfield Courier, May 4, 1876.
Bliss & Co. are repairing the dam at the stone mill.
Excerpts...
Winfield Courier, May 4, 1876.
City Council Proceedings.
WINFIELD, KAN., May 1st, 1876.
City Council met in regular session at the Clerk’s office, May 1st, 1876.
Present: D. A. Millington, Mayor; M. G. Troup, C. A. Bliss, H. Brotherton, A. B. Lemmon, and T. B. Myers, Councilmen; B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk; J. E. Allen, City Attorney.
Ordinance No. 59 was read and passed by sections. Vote on final passage was as follows: Yes: A. B. Lemmon, H. Brotherton, M. G. Troup, T. B. Myers, and C. A. Bliss. Nays: None. Ordinance No. 59, as passed, was duly approved by the Mayor.
Excerpt...
UNPRECEDENTED FLOOD IN THE WALNUT VALLEY.
WATER SIX FEET HIGHER THAN EVER BEFORE KNOWN.
WINFIELD SURROUNDED BY WATER.
Families Driven From Houses.
BRIDGES GONE.
STOCK DROWNED.
$100,000 Damage.
Winfield Courier, May 11, 1876. Editorial Page.
At noon of Saturday the stream north of town, known as Timber Creek, was over its banks and surging against the bridge. About noon the bridge left its moorings.
By this time the water was spreading over the farms in the bottoms. Houses, families, crops, and stock were in peril. The real danger now broke upon the minds of the people. The water had passed all its former limits and was still rising. There was “hurrying to and fro.” The bridges and mills adjoining town on the Walnut were the objects of solicitude next. Bliss & Co. carried all the wheat and flour into the upper story of their mill. Ropes and axes were used to keep flood wood away from the upper bridge. Communication with the lower bridge was cut off before the bridge was in great peril itself.
At the time of the flood grave apprehensions were entertained as to the extent of the damage likely to ensue. But as reports came in
THE RESULTS
of the unpopular uprising are not so serious as expected. C. A. Bliss & Co. were damaged to the amount of $500; Fin Graham lost sixteen head of cattle, some wheat and corn in bin and grain in field, about $500. McBride & Green, in brick yard, about $200. These are the heaviest individual losses.
Winfield Courier, May 11, 1876.
Bliss’ mill is again running.
Excerpt...
Winfield Courier, May 11, 1876.
Republican Work.
Winfield Township caucus met at the Courthouse at 2 o’clock p.m.; M. G. Troup was selected as chairman and E. C. Manning, secretary. Thirteen delegates to the 88th District Convention were elected as follows: D. A. Millington, J. C. Monforte, M. G. Troup, A. H. Green, T. J. Jones, T. B. Myers, Geo. Robertson, Sam. Burger, C. A. Bliss, E. P. Kinne, J. L. King, J. P. McMillen, and E. C. Manning.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 17, 1876.
The bridge at Bliss’ mill is said to be in a bad condition. The abutments on both sides of the river are cracked.
Cowley County Democrat, May 18, 1876.
Daily thousands of pounds of fish are being caught at Bliss’ mill dam.
[SANTA FE RAILROAD DEALINGS: WALNUT VALLEY.]
Winfield Courier, May 25, 1876. Editorial Page.
BUSTED.
The President and Directors of the A. T. & S. F. railroad led the people of the Walnut Valley to believe that they would, last Friday, at Wichita, state definitely the time and terms within and upon which they would build a railroad down the valley. They did not do it, however. M. G. Troup, D. A. Millington, W. P. Hackney, C. A. Bliss, and E. C. Manning went to Wichita to learn definitely what the purpose of the railroad company was. A delegation of citizens from each of the following places was there ahead of the directors to interview them: Emporia, Cottonwood Falls, Florence, Butler County, Sumner County, and Cowley County. The special train bearing the railroad authorities arrived about 6 p.m. About 8 p.m. the delegations from Butler and Cowley counties were granted an interview. The President, Mr. Nickerson, then informed the Walnut Valley party that their company was not prepared to say what they would do about building a road down the Valley, but that in thirty or sixty days they would be able to say whether they would or would not build the road, and upon what terms. Upon receiving this highly satisfactory (?) information, the W. V. delegation humbly took their hats and withdrew.
Each of our readers may guess what had possessed these fellows to say at Topeka the week before that they would state a definite proposition at Wichita, which might be accepted or rejected by the Walnut Valley people, and then when the appointed time came, to say they were not ready. We have a guess of our own, but as it is only a guess, we will not give it.
News from New York re E. Spencer Bliss and family...
Winfield Courier, May 25, 1876.
BIRTH OF TWINS. Their many friends here will be glad to learn that Mr. and Mrs. E. SPENCER BLISS have been blessed with not only a son and heir, but in addition a daughter and heiress. The Centennial pair arrived on the 5th instant., and their combined avoirdupois tips the beam at seven and one-half pounds. Mr. and Mrs. Bliss are doubtless the happiest couple in the Empire State.
[FOURTH OF JULY PREPARATIONS.]
Winfield Courier, June 1, 1876.
Last Saturday, pursuant to call, the citizens of Winfield met at the Courthouse and organized a meeting by calling D. A. Millington to the chair and electing C. M. McIntire secretary.
After deliberation as to what steps should be taken to appropriately celebrate the 4th of July of the Centennial year, the following committee was appointed to draft a plan of procedure and report to a meeting of citizens last night: James Kelly, J. P. Short, C. M. McIntire, W. B. Gibbs, and W. C. Robinson.
At the appointed hour, Wednesday evening, the meeting assembled at the Courthouse and organized by selecting C. A. Bliss, chairman, and J. E. Allen as secretary. The committee made a report which, after some amendments made by the meeting, was finally adopted.
General Superintendent: Prof. A. B. Lemmon.
County Historian: W. W. Walton.
Committee of Arrangements: C. M. Wood, M. L. Bangs, W. B. Vandeventer, John Lowry, J. D. Cochran.
Committee on Programme: H. D. Gans, E. P. Kinne, James Kelly, B. F. Baldwin, W. M. Allison.
Committee on Speakers: E. C. Manning, L. J. Webb, Chas. McIntire.
Committee on Finance: W. C. Robinson, W. P. Hackney, O. F. Boyle, M. G. Troup, J. C. Fuller.
Committee on Music: J. D. Pryor, Mrs. W. D. Roberts, Miss Mollie Bryant.
Committee on Toasts: A. J. Pyburn, J. E. Allen, J. P. Short, Dr. J. Hedrick.
Committee on Stand: W. E. Tansey, T. B. Myers, W. B. Gibbs.
Committee on Decoration: Frank Gallotti, John Swain, I. Randall, Mary Stewart, Jennie Greenlee, Ada Millington, Mrs. Rigby, Mrs. Mansfield.
Committee on Invitation: D. A. Millington, L. C. Harter, J. B. Lynn, C. A. Bliss, J. P. McMillen, H. S. Silver, A. H. Green, S. S. Majors, C. M. Scott, T. B. McIntire, R. C. Haywood, J. L. Abbott, John Blevins, T. R. Bryan, H. C. McDorman, Mc. D. Stapleton, S. M. Fall, J. Stalter, Wm. White, S. S. Moore, Jno. McGuire, H. P. Heath, J. O. Van Orsdol, G. B. Green, W. B. Skinner, J. W. Millspaugh.
Committee on Fireworks: G. S. Manser, T. K. Johnson, C. C. Haskins.
Meeting adjourned to meet at the call of the General Superintendent.
Winfield Courier, June 1, 1876.
Goods, low down, at Bliss’.
Winfield Courier, June 1, 1876.
Flour, 2 X, $1.80; 3 X, $2.40, at Bliss’.
Winfield Courier, June 1, 1876.
Now is your time to buy flour cheap for cash at Bliss’.
Excerpt...
[FROM THE DEMOCRAT.]
Arkansas City Traveler, June 7, 1876.
There are two families of Gipsies camped across the Walnut near Bliss’ Mill. They are in town every day, going from house to house and telling fortunes. They have come all the way from Texas through the Indian Territory by wagon, and are going from here to Arizona.
Excerpt...
Winfield Courier, June 8, 1876.
City Council Proceedings.
WINFIELD, KAN., June 5th, 1876.
The bill of C. A. Bliss, $1.75, for rope for public well, was read, approved, and ordered paid.
Winfield Courier, June 15, 1876.
The water is making a big hole in Bliss’ dam.
Winfield Courier, June 15, 1876.
Great numbers of fish were thrown from Bliss’ mill race with pitchforks last week by the youthful disciples of Sir Isaac Walton, the venerable fishermen. The fish got caught in the race when the gate was shut down for the night. Several hundred pounds were thus taken out.
Winfield Courier, June 15, 1876.
J. EX. SAINT has been promoted from salesman at Bliss’ store to miller-in-chief of the Winfield City Mills. Though naturally poetic, the change makes him unusually flour-y, at times. He says a man that can talk nice to the ladies, draw a quart of kerosene, measure a yard of silk, and tie up a package of cod-fish, all at the same time, must be endowed with more patience than falls to the lot of an ordinary Saint. He’d rather be two millers than one clerk.
Winfield Courier, June 22, 1876.
Pratt’s steam thresher starts in Saturday on Bliss’ wheat, one half mile southeast of town.
Winfield Courier, June 22, 1876.
Quite a hole was washed out in Bliss’ mill-dam by the recent rise. The mill will be running again as soon as money and time will repair the damage.
Winfield Courier, June 22, 1876.
New Wheat.
ROBERT WEEKLY, of Bethel Grange, today brought the first load of new wheat to Bliss’ mill to be ground. Hoo-ray!
Winfield Courier, June 29, 1876.
That is not a statue, representing a Knight of the 13th century, with lance at rest, that has been standing under the bridge at Bliss’ mill dam for the past week, but Linus Webb, with pitchfork in hand watching for a fish.
Excerpt...
Winfield Courier, June 29, 1876.
City Council Proceedings.
WINFIELD, KAN., June 19, 1876.
City Council met in regular session at the Clerk’s office, June 19th, 1876.
Present: D. A. Millington, Mayor; M. G. Troup, H. Brotherton, T. B. Myers, and C. A. Bliss, Councilmen; J. E. Allen, City Attorney, B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.
Winfield Courier, July 6, 1876.
City Council Proceedings.
WINFIELD, KAN., July 3, 1876.
City Council met in regular session at the Clerk’s office, July 3rd, 1876.
Present: M. G. Troup, President of Council; T. B. Myers, C. A. Bliss, A. B. Lemmon, Councilmen; J. E. Allen, City Attorney; B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.
Minutes of previous meeting read and approved.
City Attorney presented Ordinance No. 60, for the protection of public trees and shrubs growing in the city; the same being read and passed by sections. Vote on final passage was—ayes, C. A. Bliss, T. B. Myers, M. G. Troup, and A. B. Lemmon. Nays, none.
Bill of H. Jochems, hardware for city, $2.83, was read, approved, and ordered paid.
Bill of E. S. Bedilion, Clerk of District Court, for $3,00, fee bill, city of Winfield vs. S. Tarrant, was read and referred to finance committee.
On motion A. B. Lemmon and C. A. Bliss were appointed as a committee to confer with the board of County Commissioners in regard to disposing of the city jail to the county.
On motion the Council adjourned. B. F. BALDWIN, City Clerk.
Excerpts...
[CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.]
Winfield Courier, July 6, 1876.
THE SISTERHOOD OF STATES,
agreeable to a suggestion of ours made a few weeks ago, was represented by about fifty ladies on horse-back. This, without doubt, was the most interesting and attractive part of the procession. The ladies, be it said to their credit, without a single exception, rode well, although several of them had not been in a saddle more than once or twice for years. They managed their steeds with an easy grace, entirely surprising to that male portion of the lookers on, who, so vainly imagine that they alone can sit and guide a horse correctly.
The States and Territories appeared in the order of their admission into the Union. The “original thirteen” led off.
Mrs. Bliss represented Connecticut.
Excerpt...
Cowley County Democrat, Winfield, Kansas, Thursday, July 13, 1876.
[VOL. 2, NO. 34.]
HISTORY
OF
COWLEY COUNTY.
Read at the Centennial Celebration, July 4th, 1876, at Winfield, Kansas.
BY WIRT W. WALTON
The city of Winfield was incorporated February 22, 1873. The first city election was held March 7, 1873, at which W. H. H. Maris was elected Mayor; A. A. Jackson, police judge; and O. F. Boyle, C. A. Bliss, J. D. Cochran, H. S. Silver and S. C. Smith as councilmen.
The council chose S. C. Smith its president; J. W. Curns, clerk; M. L. Robinson, treasurer; C. W. Richmond, marshal; and J. M. Alexander, attorney.
The first annual election was held April 7, 1873, and the same persons were re-elected, with the exception of Mr. Bliss, who was succeeded by Samuel Darrah.
At the last annual election, held April 4, 1876, D. A. Millington was elected mayor; J. W. Curns, police judge; and A. B. Lemmon, M. G. Troup, C. A. Bliss, T. B. Myers, and H. Brotherton, councilmen. The same officers were re-appointed by the council, with the exception of Evans, who was superseded by Walter Denning.
A. F. AND A. M.
On the 20th day of October, 1870, a dispensation was granted to J. S. Hunt, A. H. Green, Enoch Maris, and eight others, for a lodge at Winfield. J. S. Hunt was appointed W. M.; A. H. Green, S. W., and Enoch Maris J. W. On the 17th day of October, 1872, the lodge obtained a charter under the name of Adelphi, No. 110, with the following charter members: J. S. Hunt, A. H. Green, Enoch Maris, C. A. Bliss, A. A. Jackson, W. M. Boyer, H. Shaughness, I. L. Comfort, E. Adams, Thomas Hart, W. S. Huff, S. H. Revis, T. A. Rice, and J. Traxler. The same officers were installed under the charter and held their offices until January 1, 1873, when Enoch Maris was elected W. M.; W. M. Boyer, S. W., and T. A. Rice, J. W. On January 1, 1874, Enoch Maris was re-elected W. M.; T. A. Rice, S. W.; and W. G. Graham, J. W. On January 1, 1875, L. J. Webb was elected W. M.; W. G. Graham, S. W.; and J. E. Saint, J. W. For the present year J. S. Hunt was elected W. M.; J. E. Saint, S. W.; and A. B. Lemmon, J. W. The lodge now has 50 members and is in a healthy condition, morally and financially.
R. A. M.
On the 15th of March, 1875, a dispensation was granted M. L. Read, H. P.; M. C. Baker, K.; John D. Pryor, Scribe; W. C. Robinson, C. H.; A. Howland, P. S.; W. G. Graham, R. A. C.; J. W. Johnston, M. 3rd V.; P. Hill, M. 1st V.; A. A. Newman, member. On October 19th a charter was issued to them under the name Winfield Chapter, R. A. M., No. 31; and on the 29th of the same month, the Chapter was instituted by J. C. Bennett, of Emporia. This branch of Masonry here is in good working order and in a healthy condition, financially.
Winfield Courier, August 17, 1876.
Dr. Graham is putting up an office next south of Bliss’ store.
Winfield Courier, August 24, 1876.
The new building being erected just south of Bliss & Co.’s store is to be occupied by Drs. Graham and Hare. It will be completed this week.
Winfield Courier, September 7, 1876.
City Council Proceedings.
WINFIELD, KAN., Sept. 4, 1876.
City Council met in regular session at the Clerk’s office, Sept. 4th, 1876.
Present: D. A. Millington, Mayor; H. Brotherton, C. A. Bliss, and M. G. Troup, Councilmen; B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.
Minutes of previous meeting read and approved.
Bills of George Grey, one for 40 cents and one for 50 cents, total 90 cents, for removing nuisances from the city, were read, and on motion, approved and ordered paid.
Bill of C. A. Bliss & Co., for well rope, 90 cents; bill of Walter Denning, for services as city marshal, $25.00; bill of B. F. Baldwin, for services as city clerk, $20.00; and bill of J. W. Curns, Police Judge, fee bill, in case of City of Winfield vs. Joseph Likowski, for $9.45, were all read, approved and ordered paid.
Bill of R. A. Burns, $4.00, for care of one Hudson, a pauper, was read and, on motion, the council recommended that the county commissioners pay the same.
The councils committee on fire department submitted the following report:
To the Mayor and City Council, Winfield, Kansas.
Gentlemen:
Your committee on fire department beg leave to submit the following recommendations:
1st. That the City Council take immediate steps to procure, for the use of the city, one “Little Giant” chemical engine, two dozen rubber buckets, one two-wheel truck for ladders, and the necessary equipage for a hook and ladder company.
2nd. That a convenient and safe place be secured, in which to keep the engine and other apparatus belonging to the fire department.
3rd. That a fire company be organized which shall become familiar with the management of the engine, and in case of a fire shall have entire control of all the machinery of the department and shall use the same as the officers of said company shall direct.
4th. It shall be the duty of the city marshal to see that the equipments for fighting fire be kept safe in their proper place and ready for use at any time. Respectfully submitted,
A. B. LEMMON, C. A. BLISS, Committee.
The report being read, on motion, was received by the council.
On motion of M. G. Troup, the fire committee were instructed to purchase one “Little Giant” chemical engine, No. 3, also one dozen rubber buckets for the use of the city.
On motion, the committee were also instructed to ascertain the cost of a truck, with hooks, axes, ladders, and all necessary equipage, to be gotten up and purchased here at home; were also instructed to find a suitable room, and probable cost of a room, where an engine and equipage can be kept safe, and to report on each at the next meeting of the council.
On motion, the council instructed the city attorney to prepare an ordinance providing for the organizing of a fire company in the city, and present the same to the council at its next regular meeting.
On motion of H. Brotherton, Council adjourned. B. F. BALDWIN, City Clerk.
Winfield Courier, September 21, 1876.
Dried Apples.
12 pounds for $1.00, at C. A. Bliss & Co.’s.
Winfield, September 21, 1876.
Dr. A. Howland, W. G. Graham, M. D. Dr. W. C. Hare,
GRAHAM, HOWLAND & HARE,
SURGEON DENTISTS,
Have removed to their new office first door south of C. A. Bliss & Co.’s Store, on Main street, Winfield, Kansas.
Teeth filled with all the approved materials, also the latest approved materials for plate work. All work warranted.
Excerpts...
Winfield Courier, October 5, 1876.
City Council Proceedings.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, Oct. 3, 1876.
City Council met in regular session at the Clerk’s office, Oct. 3rd, 1876.
Present: M. G. Troup, chairman of the council; A. B. Lemmon, H. Brotherton, C. A. Bliss, and T. B. Myers, councilmen; B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.
Minutes of previous meeting read and approved.
Committee on fire department reported they could secure a room for the safe-keeping of an engine, and that, in their opinion, a truck and equipage could be built at home for less money than could be bought of A. F. Spawn & Co., of New York. Reports were received, and on motion of H. Brotherton, the committee were instructed to have a truck built and furnish the same with axes, poles, and necessary equipage.
A motion was made by Councilman Bliss that $30 be paid out of the city treasury to the Chicago Journal of Commerce for one cut of courthouse and for the advertising of the city of Winfield in said paper; vote being taken, stood as follows: Ayes, C. A. Bliss, M. G. Troup, and H. Brotherton. Nays, A. B. Lemmon and T. B. Myers. The motion being carried, the city clerk was instructed to credit the treasury with the same.
Winfield Courier, October 26, 1876.
C. A. Bliss is repairing his mill dam, and is getting it in good shape again. The old reliable Stone mill will be running under full pressure in a few days.
Winfield Courier, October 26, 1876.
The old reliable Stone mill of C. A. Bliss & Co. is in running order again, and is now ready to do custom work after the old fashion. The dam has been repaired, and instead of everything being quiet, all is rushing on the—Walnut.
Excerpts...
Winfield Courier, November 9, 1876.
City Council Proceedings.
WINFIELD, KAN., Nov. 7, 1876.
City Council met at Clerk’s office, Nov. 6, 1876.
Present: D. A. Millington, Mayor; A. B. Lemmon, C. A. Bliss, M. G. Troup, H. Brotherton, and T. B. Myers, Councilmen; B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.
On motion the council appointed T. B. Myers, J. P. Short, and R. B. Pratt a committee to test the new fire engine and to report to the council the best manner to organize and conduct a fire company in the city of Winfield.
On motion the fire committee were instructed to procure a place for the safekeeping of the fire department.
On motion the City Clerk was instructed to draw a warrant on the Treasurer for $20.58 freight paid on the fire engine.
Excerpts...
Winfield Courier, November 30, 1876.
$10,000 WORTH OF PROPERTY will be distributed upon the sale of 10,000 Tickets at $1.00 each.
We, the undersigned, having considered the within proposition, and being well acquainted with the Trustees and Managers thereof, would cheerfully recommend it to the patronage of the public, believing that the management thereof will be impartial, faithful, and honest. November 14th, 1876.
A. H. MYTON, Merchant, Winfield.
C. A. BLISS, Merchant, Winfield.
R. E. BROOKING, Mechanic, Winfield.
J. D. COCHRAN, Farmer, Winfield.
B. F. BALDWIN, Merchant, Winfield.
T. E. GILLELAND, Merchant, Winfield.
J. E. LYNN, Merchant, Winfield.
CHAS. C. BLACK, Capitalist, Winfield.
Winfield Courier, December 21, 1876.
With his usual “git up and git” enterprise, Bliss has obtained a cut of his stone mill, which we present to our readers this week over his advertisement. The “cut” is good but don’t do justice to the mill, bridge, or surrounding river scenery. They all have to be seen to be appreciated.
Winfield Courier, December 21, 1876.
How’s This for a Mill?
[PICTURE BELOW CAPTION]
BLISS & CO.’S MILL, WINFIELD, COWLEY COUNTY, KANSAS.
Does General Custom Work.
Grinds Wheat, Corn, or Buckwheat. Flour always on hand for sale at low rates. Large orders from abroad solicited.
Winfield Courier, December 21, 1876.
BLISS, EARNEST & CO.,
PROPRIETORS
Mammoth Dry Goods and Grocery House,
WINFIELD, KANSAS.
Winfield Courier, December 21, 1876.
And now comes C. A. Bliss & Co., proprietors of the Winfield City Mills, saying that the old reliable Stone Mill will turn out more pounds and better flour from a bushel of wheat than any mill in Southern Kansas. J. Ex Saint is not only a “jolly miller,” but also an honest, competent one and the City Mill is “whooping things up” day and night under his supervision.
Excerpts...
Winfield Courier, December 21, 1876.
City Council Proceedings.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, Dec. 4, 1876.
City Council met at Clerk’s office, Dec. 4, 1876.
Present: D. A. Millington, Mayor; A. B. Lemmon, C. A. Bliss, H. Brotherton, Councilmen; J. E. Allen, City Attorney; and B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.
Bill of James Kirk, $37.00, for ladder trucks for the City, and repairing ladder, 50 cents, total $37.50, was read, approved, and ordered paid.
On motion the council adjourned to meet Dec. 6th at 6 o’clock, p.m.
B. F. BALDWIN, City Clerk.
The City Council met in adjourned session.
Present: D. A. Millington, Mayor; Lemmon, Bliss, Brotherton, and Myers, Councilmen; J. E. Allen, City Attorney; and B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.
The committee appointed to report on place of organization of fire department made their report, which was read by the clerk, and on motion the report was received, placed on file, and the committee discharged.
The Mayor, with the consent of the Council, appointed T. B. Myers to procure names preparatory to organizing a fire company and H. S. Silvers to procure names for the organization of a Hook and Ladder Company to report at the next adjourned meeting of the Council.
Ordinance No. 61 was read and passed by sections. Vote on final passage was, ayes: Lemmon, Troup, Bliss, Brotherton, and Myers. Nays: none.
Ordinance No. 61 was duly approved by the Mayor. In accordance with ordinance No. 61, the Mayor with the consent and recommendation of the Council, appointed R. L. Walker as Chief of the fire department of the city of Winfield, T. B. Myers, Engineer, and H. S. Silvers as Captain, of said fire department.
On motion the Council adjourned. B. F. BALDWIN, City Clerk.
Winfield Courier, December 28, 1876.
That is not an Indian blanket that C. A. Bliss is wearing, but a great big, double and twisted all wool scarf, made and presented to him by his niece, Mrs. Bosley, late of Iowa.
Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877.
WANTED. From one thousand to two thousand bushels of wheat at Bliss & Co.’s mill, Winfield.
Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877.
Rev. Rigby has invented and constructed a coal oil lamp that will make him a fortune. The patent is about to be issued. A lamp of his manufacture can be seen at Bliss & Earnest’s store that is an imperfect model of the one to be patented. But to a novice that one seems perfect.
P. P. Bliss, cousin of C. A. Bliss...
Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877.
The late P. P. Bliss, the victim of the Ashtabula horror, was a cousin of our townsman, C. A. Bliss. The wife of the sweet singer died with him. Their two children were left in New York and were not lost in the disaster as reported at first in the papers.
Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877.
The collection taken at the Union Sabbath School last Sunday for the benefit of the children of P. P. Bliss, amounted to $2.91.
Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.
Bliss’ mill runs night and day this week.
Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.
Wanted.
300 bushels of onions, 400 bushels of beans, 200 bushels of potatoes, and 300 pounds of lard, at Bliss, Earnest & Co.’s.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 31, 1877.
The late P. P. Bliss, the song writer, was a cousin of C. A. Bliss, of Winfield. Press.
Winfield Courier, February 1, 1877.
A new paint shop is being fitted up one door north of Bliss’ store.
Excerpts from a series of editorials concerning a meeting at Winfield Courthouse in which it appears that the will of the majority was thwarted...
[COMMUNICATION FROM “A STRANGER.]
COMMUNICATED.
Winfield Courier, February 22, 1877. Editorial Page.
EDITOR COURIER: Sojourning in your pretty little town for a few days, I was induced to attend a meeting of the taxpayers held at the Courthouse on Saturday last, looking to the modification of a recent law that had been passed evidently in the interest of some railroad corporations whose interest the law makers desired to protect, requiring a two-thirds majority in order to vote bonds to any railroad organization that sought to bring a railroad into a county. On organizing the meeting it soon became evident that there was a violent faction, arrayed principally on the east side of the room, whose object was to defeat the purpose for which the meeting was called.
HAUL YOUR WHEAT TO WICHITA TO OBTAIN MONEY TO
PAY INTEREST UPON YOUR MORTGAGES.
Winfield Courier, February 22, 1877. Editorial Page.
The object of the meeting of Winfield Township taxpayers, which assembled last Saturday at the Courthouse, was thwarted by the opponents of a railroad. A large number of men were present and voted to defeat the object of the meeting who were not taxpayers; a large number of men who did not belong in the township were present and did the same thing; the meeting was not allowed to vote upon the resolution offered; false statements were made to mislead men who wanted to adopt the resolution asking the legislature to change the law.
Since the action of the meeting held two weeks ago last Tuesday and prior to last Saturday’s meeting, at least one hundred taxpayers of Winfield Township had told us that they wanted the law changed and desired an opportunity to so express themselves. In response to this desire the railroad committee issued the call for a meeting. About two hundred people assembled to that call. As soon as the call was issued, certain individuals, referred to elsewhere in these columns, set themselves very busily to work to prevent the passage of the resolution to be offered. They could not do it by fair means, and so unfair ones were adopted.
WHO ARE DISAPPOINTED.
Winfield Courier, February 22, 1877. Editorial Page.
The taxpayers and farmers of Winfield Township are grievously disappointed at the action of Saturday’s meeting. They are no more so than the same class of men all over the county. It is a common cause. That our readers may see that our conclusions are justified, we give the names of the following heaviest taxpayers in town, who were in favor of a change of the law, and who have so expressed themselves: C. A. Bliss, C. C. Black, Dr. W. R. Davis, Col. J. M. Alexander, J. C. Fuller, J. B. Lynn, Dr. W. Q. Mansfield, B. F. Baldwin, D. A. Millington, Rev. J. E. Platter, J. P. Short, S. H. Myton, E. C. Manning, R. Hudson, W. L. Mullen, Wm. Rodgers, Max Shoeb, Ira Moore, J. P. McMillen, J. M. Bair, J. S. Hunt.
Besides these gentlemen there is a large class of smaller taxpayers in town of the same mind. Outside of the city limits four-fifths of the farmers are in favor of a change in the law.
Excerpts...
Winfield Courier, March 15, 1877.
City Council Proceedings.
City Council met at City Clerk’s office, March 5th, 1877.
Present: D. A. Millington, Mayor; M. G. Troup, H. Brotherton, T. B. Myers, and C. A. Bliss, councilmen; J. E. Allen, City Attorney; B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.
The following bills were read, allowed, and ordered paid: Bliss, Earnest & Co., merchandise for city, $4.50; Geo. W. Crane, 1,000 city receipts and 1,000 city warrants, bound, $16.20; B. F. Baldwin, city clerk and merchandise, $32.90; W. Denning, city marshal, $50.00; R. B. Pratt, use of pound, $4.00; J. E. Allen, city attorney, $37.50.
Winfield Courier, March 22, 1877.
Mrs. Goddard has removed her dressmaking establishment to the room one door north of C. A. Bliss & Co.’s store.
Excerpts...
Winfield Courier, March 22, 1877.
City Council Proceedings.
City Council met at City Clerk’s office, March 19th, 1877.
Present: M. G. Troup, President of the Council; H. Brotherton, T. B. Myers, and C. A. Bliss, councilmen; J. E. Allen, City Attorney; B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.
Ordinance No. 62, in relation to the place of holding the annual city election to be holden on April 2nd, was read and passed by sections. Vote on final passage was ayes: Bliss, Brotherton, Myers, and Troup. Nays, none.
The chairman, with the consent and approval of the Council, appointed Councilmen C. A. Bliss, H. Brotherton, and T. B. Myers as judges of said election, and J. M. Reed and O. S. Record as clerks of said election.
Winfield Courier, April 12, 1877.
Dick Walker has two bruises on his forehead and the skin pulled off his left cheek. He was standing on the pile of rocks at the bridge at Bliss’ mill watching some boys fishing and fell.
Excerpts...
Winfield Courier, April 12, 1877.
City council met at the city clerk’s office, April 4th, 1877.
PRESENT: D. A. Millington, Mayor; M. G. Troup, H. Brotherton, T. B. Myers, and C. A. Bliss, councilmen; J. E. Allen, City Attorney, B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.
The following bills were read, approved, and ordered paid.
Judges of City election—C. A. Bliss, $2.00; T. B. Myers, $2.00; H. Brotherton, $2.00.
Excerpt...
[COWLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PROCEEDINGS.]
Winfield Courier, April 19, 1877.
Board of County Commissioners met in regular session. All the Board present with James McDermott, County Attorney, and M. G. Troup, County Clerk. Among other proceedings had, sundry claims were presented and passed upon as follows:
C. A. Bliss & Co., pauper bill: $3.05
Winfield Courier, May 10, 1877. Editorial Page.
A few days ago a body was discovered at Euclid, on the shore of Lake Erie, which, upon examination, proved to be that of P. P. Bliss, who perished at Ashtabula. It had been carried fifty miles from the scene of the disaster on a cake of ice. Saline Herald.
Winfield Courier, May 17, 1877.
Monday morning the high water attempted to make a break around Bliss’ water dam, but ready hands and hard labor kept it in check and now it rushes on in “the even tenor of its etc.”
Winfield Courier, June 14, 1877.
A new force pump, with seventy-five feet of hose, has been put in the public well opposite Bliss & Co.’s store.
Winfield Courier, June 14, 1877.
We announce with pleasure that Dr. W. A. Gilleland has located permanently in Winfield, and as a physician of judgment and skill, we would refer to the cases of the son of Jesse Isenagle, and J. L. Foster, the last of which has baffled medical skill for the last two years. These two cases, with others, is a better recommendation than we could otherwise give. See his card in another column. Success, Doctor.
CARD: DR. W. A. GILLELAND, Physician and Surgeon.
Has located permanently in Winfield, in the office one door north of C. A. Bliss & Co.’s store, where he may be found at all hours, when not professionally absent. Will visit city and country on call. Charges reasonable.
Winfield Courier, June 21, 1877.
MILLINERY,
FANCY GOODS AND DRESS MAKING,
BY MRS. M. M. GODDARD.
The latest Styles of all Ladies’ Fancy Goods kept constantly on hand. Work done promptly and to suit the taste of Patrons.
Call and see the Spring Styles—one door North of C. A. Bliss & Co.’s store. WINFIELD, KANSAS.
Winfield Courier, July 19, 1877.
Flour for cash can be had at Bliss, Earnest & Co.’s, at retail for wholesale rates. We mean business. XXXX Flour $3.50, XXX Flour $3.00, XX Flour, $2.25.
Spencer Bliss returns to Winfield...
Winfield Courier, August 2, 1877.
DIED. A mournful occurrence befell Spencer Bliss and wife last week. They were on their way back to Winfield from New York State, accompanied by their children, twins, Bertie and Birdie. One sickened and died at Burlington, Iowa. The afflicted parents brought the little corpse with them homeward. At Wichita the other child sickened and died. Thus the afflicted parents brought back to their home the corpses of those who promised to fill it with sunshine. The children were aged 14 months. Every parent will sympathize with the mourners.
Winfield Courier, August 9, 1877.
Spencer Bliss is still confined to the house by sickness.
Winfield Courier, August 16, 1877.
The high water has made havoc with the dam at Bliss’ mill.
Winfield Courier, August 23, 1877.
The highest price in cash paid at the mill of C. A. Bliss & Co. for good milling wheat. Do not sell to anyone else until you see them. Their mill is now running on full time.
Winfield Courier, September 6, 1877.
Mr. B. Gray, late of Bloomington, Illinois, has arrived and will remain, during this month, in Winfield with his photographic instruments and tent. He has pitched his tent next to Bliss, Earnest & Co.’s store, where parties desiring first class work should call at once.
Winfield Courier, September 20, 1877.
Bliss, Earnest & Co. have new goods on the way.
Winfield Courier, September 20, 1877.
Still time for first class photos. Gray will remain in Winfield another month—perhaps permanently. Gallery by Bliss’ store.
Winfield Courier, September 20, 1877.
Mrs. Mansfield and son, Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Bliss, Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Black, Mr. C. S. Thomas, W. D. Roberts, Wm. Hudson, and T. M. McGuire are attending the Kansas City exposition.
Winfield Courier, September 20, 1877.
C. A. Bliss & Co. have sent us from the Winfield City Mills a bag of flour marked “Our best, from the cream of the wheat.” There are no X’s on the bag, for it would take too many to express the superior quality of this flour. Our wife has tried it, has tried a great deal of other flour, is familiar with the best St. Louis Brands, and says that Bliss’ “Our best,” is equal to the best she has ever tried.
Winfield Courier, October 4, 1877.
W. B. Graham, M. D. C. H. Strong, M. D.
DRS. GRAHAM & STRONG,
HOMOEOPATHIC
PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS,
Office 1 door South of Bliss & Co.’s store.
WINFIELD, KANSAS.
Winfield Courier, October 4, 1877.
MRS. E. E. OLDS,
Dealer in MILLINERY, FANCY GOODS,
DRESS MAKING & HAIR WORK.
WINFIELD, KANSAS.
Main Street, 2 doors north of Bliss, Earnest & Co.’s store.
Winfield Courier, October 11, 1877.
Orders for fine Photographs, are coming fast at Gray’s gallery. Call early, examine styles and prices. Next to Bliss’ store.
Winfield Courier, October 18, 1877.
BIRTH. E. Spencer Bliss comes to the front again, but is only half as proud as he was the other time. It is a boy this time, and Spencer is happy.
Winfield Courier, October 25, 1877.
Mr. E. S. Bliss is making additions to his residence, and building a barn.
Big change: Albert S. and E. Spencer Bliss become Bliss & Co. [partners]...
Winfield Courier, October 25, 1877.
E. Spencer Bliss, and his brother, Albert Bliss, have bought out the interests of Mrs. Rigby and Mr. Earnest in the general store of Bliss, Earnest & Co., and the new firm will be all Bliss, under the firm name of Bliss & Co.
A new wrinkle and mention of another Bliss...E. H. Bliss...
Winfield Courier, November 1, 1877.
The new firm of Bliss & Co. consists of C. A. Bliss, E. S. Bliss, and E. H. Bliss. It is in the merchandise business only. C. A. Bliss alone is the proprietor of the flouring mill.
Winfield Courier, November 1, 1877.
Dissolution Notice.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, Oct. 19, 1877.
The firm of Bliss, Earnest & Co. has, this day, dissolved partnership. All debts due the firm to be paid to C. A. Bliss, and all debts of the firm to be paid by C. A. Bliss.
C. A. BLISS,
J. A. EARNEST.
Excerpts...
Winfield Courier, November 8, 1877.
PUBLISHED EVERY THURSDAY BY MILLINGTON & LEMMON.
[From the K. C. Journal of Commerce.]
SOUTHERN KANSAS.
The principal mill is that of C. A. Bliss & Co., who also have one of the most extensive stores in town. Mr. Bliss is a Kansan of twenty-one years’ residence.
Winfield Courier, November 29, 1877.
The highest price in cash paid at the mill of C. A. Bliss & Co. for good milling wheat. Do not sell to anyone else until you see them. Their mill is now running on full time.
Winfield Courier, December 13, 1877.
Our Best, only found at Bliss & Co.’s.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 9, 1878.
$2.50 MADE!
Do you see this Offer of Bliss & Co.,
Winfield, Kansas?
For a cash sale of $10.00 we will present the purchaser with a $2.50 Hat, or a pair of genuine Heavy Buck Gloves, or to any lady who will make a cash purchase to the amount of $5.00 at our store, we will present a pair of two-button Kid Gloves, or 10 yards of best print. For Fifteen Days Only!
BLISS & CO., WINFIELD, KANSAS.
Winfield Courier, January 10, 1878.
C. A. Bliss’ mill has ground about 75,000 bu. of wheat and 35,000 bushels of corn during the past year.
Winfield Courier, January 10, 1878.
Bliss & Co. have been rolling out the goods in large quantities. Their store is one of the most popular places in town, where customers are safe to find low prices, polite attention, and almost every kind of goods wanted.
[ADS/NOTICES.]
Winfield Courier, January 31, 1878.
C HERE.
C Bliss & Co.’s offer.
C the C’s in Bliss & Co.’s offer
C what an offer Bliss & Co. makes to be
C in this column.
C FOR FIFTEEN DAYS ONLY.
C Any one who will at any one time purchase goods at our store to the amount of $10 cash can have as a premium a choice of a $2.50 hat or a pair of genuine Heavy Buck Gloves.
C Any lady who will buy at any one time goods to the amount of $5 cash can have her choice of a pair of two-button-kid gloves, or 10 yards of best print.
C BLISS & CO.
Winfield Courier, February 21, 1878.
C. A. Bliss is putting a stone sidewalk in front of his store.
Winfield Courier, April 18, 1878.
Cowley County Fair.
A public meeting will be held at the courthouse in Winfield on the 11th day of May, 1878, at 2 o’clock p.m., for the purpose of organizing an agricultural society, and to take into consideration the propriety of holding a Fair during the coming fall. All are invited to attend, and it is hoped that all interests appropriately connected with the enterprise will be represented.
J. E. Platter, B. B. Vandeventer, J. B. Lynn, T. B. Bryan, C. A. Bliss, E. P. Kinne, H. D. Gans, E. E. Bacon, Winfield; J. B. Holmes, W. White, W. J. Funk, Rock; S. M. Fall, R. F. Burden, Windsor; N. J. Larkin, A. Kelly, Richland; Charles A. McClung, J. S. Wooley, Vernon; Dr. Holland, G. Teeter, Beaver; W. B. Norman, Adam Walck, Maple; Dr. A. S. Capper, Ninnescah; Ira How, Liberty; Wm. J. Hodges, C. G. Handy, Tisdale; J. B. Callison, Spring Creek; D. W. Wiley, Cedar; E. Shriver, Sheridan; Jonas Messenger, Omnia; J. A. Bryan, Dexter; R. Stratton, Harvey; S. B. Adams, Creswell; J. M. Sample, D. P. Marshall, Bolton; G. W. Herbert, Silverdale; D. B. McCollum, S. Watt, Pleasant Valley.
Winfield Courier, April 18, 1878.
C. A. BLISS’ MILL, WINFIELD, KANSAS.
Does Merchant and Exchange Work.
Flour always on hand for sale at low rates. Large orders from abroad solicited.
Winfield Courier, April 18, 1878.
BLISS & CO., Proprietors.
Mammoth Dry Goods and Grocery House,
WINFIELD, KANSAS.
Excerpt...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 25, 1878.
[Special Correspondence Kansas City Times.]
C. A. Bliss & Co. have a fine stock of dry goods, clothing, and groceries. Mr. Bliss is proprietor of one of the Winfield flouring mills.
Winfield Courier, April 25, 1878.
Cowley County Fair.
A public meeting will be held at the courthouse in Winfield on the 11th day of May, 1878, at 2 o’clock p.m., for the purpose of organizing an agricultural society, and to take into consideration the propriety of holding a Fair during the coming fall. All are invited to attend, and it is hoped with the enterprise will be represented.
J. E. Platter, B. B. Vandeventer, J. B. Lynn, T. R. Bryan, C. A. Bliss, E. P. Kinne, H. D. Gans, E. E. Bacon, Winfield; J. B. Holmes, W. White, W. J. Funk, Rock; S. M. Fell, R. F. Burden, Windsor; N. J. Larkin, A. Kelly, Richland; Charles A. McClung, J. S. Wooley, Vernon; Dr. Holland, G. Teeter, Beaver; W. B. Norman, Adam Walck, Maple; Dr. A. S. Capper, Ninnescah; Ira How, Liberty; Wm. J. Hodges, C. G. Handy, Tisdale; J. B. Callison, Spring Creek; D. W. Wiley, Cedar; E. Shriver, Sheridan; Jonas Messenger, Omnia; J. A. Bryan, Dexter; R. Stratton, Harvey; S. B. Adams, Creswell; J. M. Sample, D. P. Marshall, Bolton; G. W. Herbert, Silverdale; D. B. McCollum, S. Watt, Pleasant Valley.
Winfield Courier, May 2, 1878.
Lipscomb caught the other day below Bliss’ mill, on a trout hook, a catfish weighing 50½ pounds. He was an old settler and came up before the dam at Arkansas City was built.
Winfield Courier, May 2, 1878.
Sheep’s Clothing to be found at Bliss & Co.’s.
Winfield Courier, May 9, 1878.
Winfield City Mills.
C. A. Bliss’ mill is running night and day and turning out a grade of flour equal, if not superior, to any made in Southern Kansas. The business of the mill for the last 30 days is:
Sold to Winfield Merchants 48,775 lbs. all grades.
Sold to Wichita Merchants 61,000 lbs. 4 X.
Sold to Wellington Merchants 26,000 lbs. all grades.
Sold to Caldwell Merchants 5,500 lbs. all grades.
Sold to Douglass Merchants 4,000 lbs. 4 X.
Sold to Ft. Scott Merchants 4,000 lbs. 4 X.
Sold to other points 2,700 lbs. all grades.
Sold at retail and exchanged at mill: 150,000 lbs. all grades.
TOTAL: 300,875 lbs. all grades.
The Daily Winfield Courier, Saturday Morning, May 11, 1878.
[From the Oxford Independent.]
A number of people from our neighboring city of Winfield attended services at Oxford, last Sunday, among whom we noticed the familiar faces of Capt. McDermott, Mr. C. A. Bliss, and Rev. Hickok and their ladies, with several others, whose names are not now remembered.
Who is E. H. Bliss...????
[FORTY YOUNG VISITORS TAKE SUPPER/CENTRAL AVENUE HOTEL.]
Arkansas City Traveler, June 12, 1878.
Forty Young Visitors.
The liveliest and jolliest crowd of young folks that we have seen for some time drove into this place last Friday evening and took supper at the Central Avenue Hotel. There were twenty couples of fair women and brave men, all in the best of spirits, and as chuck full of fun as they could be. The party had held a picnic several miles out from Winfield, and concluded the day by making a drive to this place. We were called on by several—something like forty—and extended what hospitalities we had on hand, afterwards escorting the parties through the streets to prevent them from being lost on the many avenues. If time had permitted, Captain Walton would have tendered them an excursion down to the island, but the hour was too late.
It was a sight worth seeing to see the fair young ladies, as charming as angels, their faces ruddy with the glow of blooming youth. We have seen the Southern blondes, the Baltimore princesses, the Green Mountain girls, and the pride of the West; but these Cowley County damsels excel in beauty, affability, exquisiteness, and all those things that make woman the noblest work of God. Among the party were:
Misses Kate Millington, Jessie Millington, Minnie H. Finney, Nora Coldwell, Mattie Coldwell, Frances E. Wallace, Emma Saint, Carrie Olds, Jennie Hans, Tennie H. Finney, Sarah E. Aldrich, Kate E. Holloway, Lizzie Kinne, May A. Hudson, E. Green, D. Emerson.
Messrs. Suss, J. N. Harter, George W. Robinson, W. C. Root, M. B. Wallis, William Hudson, W. J. Wilson, Burt Crapster, C. C. Harris, W. C. Robinson, M. Gillelen, J. N. Holloway, E. H. Bliss, C. Emerson, O. M. Seward, A. D. Speed, and of course, Frank Baldwin and Ed. Clisbee. There were others whom we have at this writing forgotten. We hope to see them all again on a similar errand, only let us know in time so that we can receive you into our arms and good graces—the gentlemen, we mean, for the ladies may object.
Winfield Courier, June 13, 1878.
We are glad to learn that Albert Bliss is recovering from his vaccination, and is able to use his arm, though in a roundabout fashion. It is a mistake about his finding a whip. He “didn’t see any.”
Excerpt...
Winfield Courier, June 13, 1878.
THE GREAT STORM.
The water in Timber Creek is slowly subsiding; but in the Walnut it is still rising. At Bliss’s mill it is up to within 16 inches of the bridge and as high as ever known before. The rise at this point is already 28 feet. Bliss had a large quantity of flour in sacks in his mill, and the hands set to work moving it into the upper story; but the rise was so rapid that about 10,000 pounds of flour was caught on the main floor, and is of course a loss.
Winfield Courier, June 27, 1878.
C. A. Bliss, with his wife, got caught at Oxford on the morning of the great storm. Abandoning team and wife, he somehow got home in the course of the day covered with mud and looking like Henry Clay Dean. He recovered his wife the next day, who arrived as bright as new. His team may yet be recovered.
Excerpts...
Winfield Courier, June 27, 1878.
Council Proceedings.
WINFIELD, June 17, 1878.
Council met in council chamber. Mayor and all councilmen present.
Petition of C. A. Bliss et. al. for sidewalk was referred back to petitioners to procure more names before petition would be granted.
The following bills were referred to the Finance Committee:
Bliss & Co., mdse. for pest house for Brooks: $2.70
Winfield Courier, July 4, 1878.
Mrs. I. N. Ripley and Mrs. Robert Hingham and a young brother, of Burlington, Iowa, are visiting their sister, Mrs. E. S. Bliss, in this city.
Winfield Courier, July 4, 1878.
A Threatened Famine.
C. A. Bliss, G. S. Manser, A. B. Lemmon, E. P. Kinne, J. C. Fuller, M. L. Read, T. R. Bryan, W. M. Allison, J. W. Curns, C. C. Black, D. A. Millington, E. S. Bliss, E. S. Torrance, A. E. Baird, J. B. Lynn, M. G. Troup, M. L. Robinson, J. C. McMullen, E. C. Manning, and probably many others, all with their wives, will make a raid upon Arkansas City, the steam boats, and Newman’s dam on the Fourth. They will seize all the provisions they can find in the city, capture both the “Aunt Sally” and the—the—well, Amos’ steamship, will rip out Newman’s dam, and steam up the Walnut to Winfield, driving a large herd of catfish. Bliss and Harter & Harris will load the steamers with flour at their mills. The party will start at about 9 o’clock a.m.
Excerpt...
Winfield Courier, July 4, 1878.
Council Proceedings.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, July 1, 1878.
Council met in council chamber. J. B. Lynn, mayor, absent; all councilmen but H. Jochems present.
Action was taken on the following bills. [Showing Allowed Only.]
Bliss & Co., mdse. for Brooks: $1.45
Winfield Courier, July 11, 1878.
That Trip on the Aunt Sally.”
We “let off” our surplus patriotism on the Fourth by going to Arkansas City and taking a ride on the “Aunt Sally” beneath the classic shades of the “raging Walnut.” The said “Aunt Sally” is not exactly like the Sound steamers that ply between Fall River and New York. We did not see the elegant staterooms, dining-hall, furniture, and such; but she paddled along just as well as though arrayed in gay plumage. The passengers stood up on deck and sweltered in the heat; taking two or three small showers for variety; then the whistle made most unearthly screams and the band played patriotic airs. The boat was manned by Channell, Sleeth, Swarts, Farrar, Mowry, and many others of the old sailors of Arkansas City. Many Winfield ladies and gentlemen were on board with us, exhibiting more enthusiasm, we thought, than did our “seaport” friends. When we returned to the landing, Bonsall was on hand with his camera to take a picture of the boat and its passengers, but we shall never believe he got a good picture until he furnishes us with a copy. When that infernal whistle shrieked, it was with difficulty that we prevented our unsophisticated Winfielders from following the example of the Indians down the river by jumping off and wading ashore. Troup jumped about 18 feet, Harris 14, Baird 12, Bliss 10, McMullen & Lemmon 3, Hudson 2. The rest of them were on the other side of the boat and we were not able to record their feats of ground and lofty tumbling.
Excerpts...
Winfield Courier, July 18, 1878.
The Normal Institute.
The Normal Institute opened with the following teachers in attendance.
Professor John B. Holbrook, conductor.
Professor George W. Robinson, instructor.
Superintendent R. C. Story, instructor.
From Winfield: Margie K. Wallis, Lewis Brown, Pella Bradish, Nannie McGee, Mattie E. Walters, Ella Hunt, Henrietta King, Alice Pyburn, Lusetta Pyburn, Any Robertson, C. C. Critz, Maggie Stansbury, T. J. Floyd, Sarah E. Davis, Sarah E. Aldrich, Ray Nawman, Mary A. Bryant, Ioa Roberts, Mattie E. Minnihan, John Bower, R. A. O’Neill, Lizzie T. Wallis, Sarah Hodges, Alice Bullock, Ella Freeland, Mina C. Johnson, W. Trevett, J. D. Hunt, G. B. Richmond, Nellie M. Aldrich, Hattie F. Finch, Celina Bliss, Samuel Davis, Ida Carey, Ella Stewart, Allie Klingman, Fannie Pontious, A. B. Taylor, M. D. Snow.
Excerpt...
Winfield Courier, July 18, 1878.
Council Proceedings.
WINFIELD, July 15, 1878.
Council met in council chamber. J. B. Lynn, mayor, and all councilmen present except C. M. Wood.
Petition of E. S. Bliss et al., for sidewalk on Tenth Avenue, presented and laid over till next meeting.
Winfield Courier, July 18, 1878.
Valley Pride Soap.
Now is the time for the people of the Valley to patronize home manufacture by going to Messrs. Sparr Bros. for their Valley Pride Soap.
J. A. Earnest also handles the Valley Pride Soap.
Messrs. Walker Bros. have continually on hand the Valley Pride Soap manufactured at Wichita. It is the boss. Try it.
The enterprising firm of Messrs. Bliss & Co., now handle a home made soap. It is the Valley Pride.
Winfield Courier, August 8, 1878.
The “Cantata of the Seasons,” under the management of Mr. and Mrs. Kessler, was repeated at the M. E. Church on Wednesday evening of last week with the same eclat which greeted its first appearance. Mrs. Kessler performed exquisitely on the piano, assisted by Mrs. Earnest and Prof. Farringer. The Roberts Bros. furnished string band music of the highest order, while the performance of the vocalists, Mesdames Kelly, Holloway, Buckman, Swain, Earnest; Misses Coldwell, Dever, Stewart, Bryant, Bliss; and Messrs. Roberts, Buckman, Holloway, Holloway, Bliss, Payson, Chamberlain, Harris, Richmond, Root, Evans, and Berkey were very fine indeed. The Cantata company will soon commence to rehearse “Queen Esther” with a view to inaugurate Manning’s Hall, when completed, by the presentation of that beautiful cantata.
Excerpt...
Winfield Courier, August 8, 1878.
Council Proceedings.
WINFIELD, August 5, 1878.
Council met in council chamber in regular session: J. B. Lynn, mayor, and all councilmen present.
Petition of E. S. Bliss et al., for sidewalk, granted and ordinance in relation to same passed.
Winfield Courier, August 15, 1878.
Bliss & Co. are making pressed brick at their brick yard across the river north of the Stone Mill. They are putting up a kiln of 200,000 bricks. These bricks are expected to be much superior to the ordinary moulded brick, being moulded under a pressure of 500 pounds, which closes the pores, making them much smoother and of an even shape and regular size. This is an enterprise which will be of much value to our people, not only as furnishing superior brick but as furnishing occupation to laborers. The first kiln will be ready for delivery in about a week.
[Note: Lists below by Courier compared to Traveler has discrepancies. MAW]
Excerpts...
Winfield Courier, August 15, 1878.
Teachers’ Examination.
Winfield: Lewis Brown, Ella Hunt, Henrietta King, Alice Pyburn, Pella Bradish, Nannie McGee, Amy Robertson, C. C. Critz, Maggie Stansbury, T. J. Floyd, Sarah E. Davis, Sarah E. Aldrich, Ray Nawman, Mary A. Bryant, Ioa Roberts, Mattie E. Minnihan, John Bower, R. A. O’Neill, Alice Bullock, Ella Freeland, W. Trevett, J. D. Hunt, G. B. Richmond, Hattie F. Finch, Celina Bliss, Samuel Davis, Ida Carey, Allie Klingman, Fannie Pontious, A. B. Taylor, Warren Miller, Hattie McKinlay, Mrs. P. B. Seibert, Mrs. S. E. Litton, G. C. Whitelock, L. McKinlay, ’Squire Humble.
There were 44 second grade and 34 first grade certificates issued, eight applicants failing to reach the required standard.
Excerpt...
Arkansas City Traveler, August 21, 1878.
Teachers’ Examination.
The following persons attended the examination held at Winfield, August 2nd and 3rd.
WINFIELD. Misses Mattie Minnihan, Ray E. Nawman, Henrietta King, Allie Klingman, Alice Pyburn, Maggie Stansbury, Ioa Roberts, Sara E. Davis, Sarah E. Aldrich, Mary A. Bryant, Nannie McGee, Amy Robertson, Hattie McKinlay, Ida Carey, Ella Fruland, Celina Bliss, Pella Bradish, Fannie Pontious, Ella Hunt, Mrs. Alice Bullock, P. B. Siebert, S. E. Sitton, Mr. R. A. O’Neill, G. B. Richmond, S. E. Davis, C. C. Critz, P. A. Martin, W. Trevett, J. D. Hunt, T. J. Floyd, L. C. Brown, G. C. Whitelock, L. McKinlay, Squire Humble, A. B. Taylor, G. W. Miller.
Winfield Courier, August 22, 1878.
Trial List.
The following is a list of cases that will stand for trial at the August A. D. 1878 term of the District Court of Cowley County, and have been placed on the Trial Docket in the following order.
CIVIL DOCKET. FOURTH DAY.
C. A. Bliss et al vs. W. C. Bradfield. [James McDermott.]
Winfield Courier, August 29, 1878.
Bliss & Co. are said to have lost 15,000 moulded brick by dissolution either from perspiration of the workmen or late rains.
Winfield Courier, August 29, 1878.
E. S. Bliss has been rusticating in the country for a few days.
Winfield Courier, August 29, 1878.
District Court.
Case dismissed: Bliss vs. Bradfield.
Winfield Courier, September 5, 1878.
R. F. Burden and C. A. Bliss have gone to Eureka to meet Gen. Schofield and the railroad magnates. No better men could have been sent from here.
Excerpts...
Arkansas City Traveler, September 11, 1878.
Railroad Prospects.
[From the Telegram.]
The railroad prospects for Cowley County are brighter somewhat. The A., T. & S. F. folks stand ready to submit a proposition to build into the county, while the Kansas City, Burlington & Santa Fe—better known as the Schofield road—are also ready to do something for us. We read a letter a few days since from one of the managers of the road, written to Mr. Kinne, in which he is informed that the officers will be down here soon to submit a proposition. They have already let the contract to build their road to Eureka in Greenwood County—the work to be completed as soon as possible—and are anxious to push on down in this direction.
Since the above was written we have been placed in possession of the following letter from the K. C., Burlington & S. F. road. Mr. R. F. Burden, of Lazette, and C. A. Bliss, of this city, were sent to Eureka by our citizens to meet the gentlemen, and they are expected here tomorrow or next day.
K. C., BURLINGTON & S. F. CO.,
BURLINGTON, KANSAS.
A. H. GREEN, ESQ.:
DEAR SIR: I arrived home last night, and with others received your letter of the 25th, to which I find Mr. Hueston, our Superintendent, had already replied. With several friends, mens of means, and who are interested in the railroad and its further extension, I expect to start south next Tuesday or Wednesday. We shall go first to Eureka, and I shall try to induce my friends to go on to Winfield, and perhaps to Arkansas Valley. We desire to extend our road at once. Your town has always been a point with us, and if your people desire our road, and will give us promptly the aid we need, I expect to be able to make you a definite proposition. Meet us if you can at Eureka, say on next Wednesday, and I would like to meet your people at Winfield, say Thursday or Friday next, when we can have a plain, practical talk on the matter of our road. I go to Kansas City today, and in haste remain, very respectfully, WM. H. SCHOFIELD,
PRESIDENT, K. C., B. & S. F. R. R.
August 31, 1878.
Winfield Courier, September 12, 1878.
E. S. Bliss returned from the East last Thursday. He attended the camp meeting at Bismarck Grove and the Lawrence fair. About 10,000 persons were in daily attendance.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 18, 1878.
Mr. Bliss, E. P. Kinne, Mr. Payson, and Saml. Jarvis, all of Winfield, were in town yesterday.
Winfield Courier, September 26, 1878.
Bliss & Co. for Flannels.
Winfield Courier, October 10, 1878. Back Page.
EDUCATIONAL.
BY R. C. STORY.
TEACHERS’ DIRECTORY.
District No. 1, Winfield: Geo. W. Robinson, Emma Saint, Sarah Aldrich, Sarah Hodges, Mary Bryant, Allie Klingman, Ioa Roberts. District No. 48, Winfield: Alice Aldrich. District No. 43, Winfield: Mattie Minnihan. District No. 13, Winfield, Mina Johnson. District No. 9, Winfield, Celina Bliss. District No. 106, Winfield, Mrs. Alice Bullock. District No. 41, Winfield, H. G. Blount. District No. 12, Winfield, John Bower. District No. 77, Winfield, R. A. O’Neill. District No. 21, Winfield, A. B. Taylor. District No. 2, Arkansas City: C. H. Sylvester and Mrs. L. M. Theaker. District No. 20, Floral, G. B. Richmond. District No. 45, Tisdale, E. A. Miller. District No. 47, Tisdale, S. A. Smith. District No. 20, Moscow, R. B. Hunter. District No. 26, Little Dutch, T. J. Floyd. District No. 52, New Salem, Ella Davis. District No. 39, New Salem, Sarah Bovee. District No. 14, Lazette, Mary A. Tucker. District No. 15, Lazette, H. T. Albert. District No. 95, Lazette, Emma Burden. District No. 5, Dexter, H. Trevett. District No. 7, Dexter, R. C. Maurer. District No. 84, Cedar Vale, H. P. Attwater.
Winfield Courier, October 17, 1878.
The Winfield Mills of C. A. Bliss are turning out large quantities of the best flour ever made in the West. They get the best wheat, have been one of the best mills and best millers that can be found anywhere.
Winfield Courier, October 24, 1878.
Bliss’ Winfield Mills and new kiln of pressed brick are the great attraction at present.
Winfield Courier, October 31, 1878.
RED-HOT BRICK AT BLISS & CO.’S.
Winfield Courier, December 5, 1878.
Bliss & Co.
This is one of the most enterprising firms of the Southwest. C. A. Bliss runs the celebrated stone flour mills, known as the Winfield Mills, and its flour is widely celebrated for both quality and quantity. The firm carries an immense stock of goods, and enjoy an enviable reputation for good wares and low prices.
Excerpts...
Winfield Courier, December 12, 1878.
MANNING’S OPERA HOUSE.
Opening Benefit.
The citizens of Winfield and vicinity purpose giving an entertainment benefit on
TUESDAY EVENING, DEC. 17, 1878
at Manning’s Opera House, to show their appreciation of the enterprise of a citizen who has erected a magnificent hall in our city.
COMMITTEE ON TABLE: MRS. A. J. THOMPSON, MRS. P. STUMP, MRS. C. A. BLISS, MRS. J. M. PEED, MRS. J. OLDS.
E. Bliss turns out to be Elbert Bliss...
[COURIER ADVERTISERS.]
Winfield Courier, January 2, 1879.
BLISS & CO., have one of the largest stocks of the city, in general merchandise. Spencer Bliss has been dispensing goods in this city many years and has made himself very popular. Elbert Bliss is a later arrival; but he is in the market, and contributing to the wide popularity of the house. C. A. Bliss is one of the earliest settlers and has always been an earnest and energetic businessman. His large stone flouring mill which, with the water power, is worth scarcely less than $25,000; his fine residence, stores, and other real estate are the fruits of his business energy and enterprise.
[BAPTIST CHURCH OFFICERS FOR 1879.]
Winfield Courier, January 23, 1879.
The Baptist Church elected the following officers for the year 1879.
James McDermott, treasurer.
Rev. Mr. Rigby, clerk.
C. A. Bliss, Lewis Stevens, James McDermott, R. C. Story, and E. S. Bliss, trustees.
Col. J. C. McMullen and John D. Pryor have been added to the board of trustees as a building committee. Plans and specifications for a new building will be submitted soon.
Winfield Courier, January 30, 1879.
C. A. BLISS.
This gentleman is one of the Winfield landmarks of 1870. His was once the only general store in the town. He brought to this place a fair capital, and plenty of energy, shrewdness, and tact. He has been foremost in many enterprises for the public good and in the building of the fine stone Baptist Church, of which we were so proud in that early day, his money and enterprise were the leading factors.
He has a good farm in the country nearby, a fine residence in the city, three or four of the best business lots on Main street, on which are good buildings, and other city property; is principal owner of one of the largest stocks of goods in this city; and last, but not least, he is the owner of the best flouring mill in Southern Kansas, if not in the state.
The Winfield Mills of C. A. Bliss have attained a wide fame, particularly for the excellent quality of their flour. The brand “OUR BEST” made at this mill is not inferior to the best St. Louis brands.
It is because of such men as Mr. Bliss that Winfield is on the high road to greatness and wealth.
Winfield Courier, January 30, 1879.
Teachers’ Directory.
Connected with Winfield. District Number
Celina Bliss 9
Winfield Courier, January 30, 1879.
BLISS & CO., GENERAL MERCHANDISE, Pioneer Store of the County. 228, Winfield, Kansas.
Winfield Courier, January 30, 1879.
C. A. Bliss, WINFIELD CITY MILLS, Does Merchant and Exchange Work.
Flour always on hand for sale at low rates.
Large orders from abroad solicited.
Winfield Courier, March 13, 1879.
Mrs. Anna Harris has succeeded Misses Olds & Curry in the Millinery business. Mrs. Harris is a first-class milliner and persons desiring goods in that line should call on her.
AD: Mrs. Anna Harris, Milliner. Having purchased the millinery stock of the firm of Misses Olds & Curry, I shall put in a New Stock of Goods, and shall keep a full line of First Class Millinery Goods and Fancy Notions. Hats and Bonnets Trimmed. Dressmaking. Remember the place: two doors north of Bliss & Co.’s. Winfield.
Winfield Courier, March 20, 1879.
St. L., K. & A. R. R.
During the past few days the attention of our people has been called directly to this proposed extension of the Missouri Pacific railroad. The first of this week Messrs. D. R. Garrison and Melville C. Dey, of St. Louis, officers of the proposed road, arrived in the city. They spent a couple of days conferring with our people and on Tuesday evening met a goodly number of our most prominent citizens at the city council room for the purpose of discussing with them the advantages of the contemplated line of road. The meeting was organized by the election of Mr. C. A. Bliss, chairman, and O. M. Seward, secretary. After considerable speech-making, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted.
Resolved, 1. That we have confidence in the stability of the St. Louis, Kansas & Arizona Railway company to building the proposed railroad into Southern and Southwestern Kansas.
Resolved, 2. That we believe that the construction of the proposed railroad would be of immense advantage to this part of the State by giving us the shortest and most direct route to an eastern market, and that when a reasonable proposition therefor is made, we shall contribute as we are able to do.
We trust that arrangements will be made to secure the construction of this important road to our town. It would forever settle the question of cheap freights.
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1879.
The Winfield Mills of C. A. Bliss turned out 40,000 pounds of flour last week. How do you like this, you fellows “out west” who live on sod corn and bacon the year round?
[WINFIELD BUSINESS.]
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1879.
The following is a list of the principal business firms of Winfield.
GENERAL STOCK.
Lynn & Gillelen.
Baird Bros.
Bliss & Co.
T. M. McGuire.
MILLS.
Winfield City Mills.
Tunnel Mills.
Winfield Courier, April 17, 1879.
C. A. Bliss is putting up a fine iron fence around his dwelling.
Winfield Courier, April 17, 1879.
C. A. Bliss is putting in a new stone dam for his water power at the Winfield Mills. He hopes this time to put in a dam that will stay. Fortner & Cady have the contract.
Excerpt...
Winfield Courier, April 24, 1879.
THE COURT HOUSE.
The persons who projected and carried out the building of the courthouse and jail were W. H. H. Maris, then Mayor; S. C. Smith, R. B. Saffold, C. A. Bliss, H. S. Silver, J. D. Cochran, S. Darrah, then councilmen; J. M. Alexander, city attorney; Frank Cox, of Richland, John D. Maurer of Dexter, and O. C. Smith, of Cresswell, county commissioners.
Excerpt...
Winfield Courier, April 24, 1879.
Bliss & Co. propose to make two millions of pressed brick this season. They have all the conveniences and are pushing the work rapidly. Mr. E. H. Jones, the foreman, is an experienced brick-maker and understands exactly how to make first-class brick of the material he is using. Bliss & Co. have on hand and arriving, 800 cords of wood to be used for this purpose.
[VISIT TO BRICK WORKS OF BLISS & CO.]
Winfield Courier, April 24, 1879.
Last Thursday we made a visit to the brick works of Bliss & Co., across the river, opposite the Winfield Mills. They have got their works to running like clock-work, and will soon be turning out pressed brick of the best quality by the hundreds of thousands. One kiln was nearly burned and will soon be in the market; in an extensive drying shed, so constructed that it can be opened to the sun or closed against the rain at five minutes’ notice, were large quantities of brick nearly ready for the kiln, and on the extensive beds were being placed the fresh pressed brick from the mill and moulds. Bliss & Co. will be able to supply brick enough this year to build a town.
Winfield Courier, May 15, 1879.
Bliss & Co. received last week a fine lot of maple sugar, “just like your mother used to make,” from friends in New York. We know it’s good, for we’ve had some.
Winfield Courier, May 22, 1879.
Bliss & Co. loaded three teams with brick for the Kaw Agency last Tuesday.
Winfield Courier, June 12, 1879.
A large number of teams are at work hauling stone for C. A. Bliss’ mill dam. Some of the rocks are so large that only one stone is hauled at a load. The completion of this dam will give them splendid water power and will make the Bliss mills second to none in the state.
Winfield Courier, July 10, 1879.
At the meeting of the commissioners on Monday some important changes were made in the boundaries of the townships of Vernon, Rock, and Pleasant Valley, and a new township called Walnut was created, composed of the eastern and northern portions of the old township of Winfield, and a slice off the southern portion of Rock. Pleasant Valley gets the south part of Winfield township, including the south bridge and the Tunnel Mills, and Vernon gets the western portion including both west bridges and Bliss’ mill. This leaves Winfield a municipality of itself. This new township of Walnut holds an election for officers on the 23rd of this month.
Winfield Courier, July 17, 1879.
Mr. Spencer Bliss has retired from the firm of Bliss & Co., on account of failing health.
He will hereafter devote his attention to stock raising.
Winfield Courier, July 24, 1879.
GO TO THE PIONEER STORE -OF- BLISS & CO. FOR GENERAL MERCHANDISE, GOODS SOLD AT LOWEST PRICES. Also proprietors of the only yard having PRESSED BRICK in Southern Kansas. 228 MAIN ST., WINFIELD.
[WALNUT TOWNSHIP AND THE BOND TAX.]
Winfield Courier, August 14, 1879.
We interviewed J. C. Roberts, the trustee of Walnut township, in relation to these matters. He admits that he was one of the workers in getting the Walnut township scheme, and that he circulated petitions by the “pale light of the moon,” but denies that his acts or those of any other men, who were active in the scheme, were the result of a desire to escape from the liability to pay their just proportion of the old Winfield township debt. They desire to pay such proportion and no more.
He says they were compelled to this action in self defense by the action the city had taken; that so long as the city was a part of Winfield township, the township board could levy the tax to pay principal and interest of the bonds and incidental expenses on all the property of the township, but when the city by the acts of her citizens obtained an organization as a city of the second class, the township board could no longer levy a tax on the personal property in the city, and the city could not levy a township tax so that the city would escape its just proportion unless the city authorities should determine to levy the tax anyhow; that the bridge at Bliss’ Mill needs a considerable expense to secure it from danger and destruction, and that the city authorities refused to assist in that matter, claiming that they had no jurisdiction and showed a disposition to saddle the whole debt upon those outside the city, as in fact they seemed to believe they had done; that lawyers advised him and his associates to that effect. He says that the men left in Winfield township had but one of two things to do: either to pay the whole bonded debt amounting to some $16,000 and interest, which the city men had voted upon the township, and the $5,721.74 of floating debt, which city men had contracted; or to put the balance of the township in a way that it could not be compelled to pay more than its just proportion.
He says they studied the matter carefully and determined upon the latter. They worked secretly because they knew they would otherwise probably be defeated.
He says he made a demand of the county commissioners that they should levy a tax on Walnut township sufficient to pay its proportion of the floating debt and the maturing bonded debt and interest; also, a small tax for incidental expenses, that he did not name; a two mill tax as we stated last week.
We shall have to admit that the foolish move of organizing the city as second class evidently placed our Walnut friends in a bad predicament and that they had a show of justification for the course they took to get out of it.
The more we learn of its effects, the more we see that the second class move plunged us into a labyrinth of difficulties. There seems to us but one way out of this part of the scrape. The commissioners must make the tax levy on the whole property within the lines of the old Winfield township. We think it their duty and the only way to save our credit and cost of suits.
Winfield Courier, August 14, 1879.
Mr. W. M. Ogden, the soap fat man, is in town and advertises in this paper for soap fat. He has a rendering vat put up just below Bliss’ mill. The grease is for Short’s soap factory at Wichita.
AD: WANTED! WANTED! The people to know that I have located in Winfield and am prepared to trade Soap for all kinds of soap-grease, such as spoiled bacon, rancid butter, or lard, dead hogs, etc. W. M. OGDEN.
Winfield Courier, August 14, 1879.
Part of the men and machinery for the construction of the railroad bridge across the Walnut below Bliss’ mill have arrived and work was commenced yesterday morning.
[THE NORMAL.]
Winfield Courier, August 14, 1879.
The Normal is now in fair running order, and the teachers are getting down to hard, solid work. Profs. Wheeler, Story, and Trimble, with their corps of assistants, are working like beavers, and there is a united feeling among teachers and pupils to make the time count. The teachers in attendance number 117, and seem as intelligent and as capable of training the young ideas as can be found anywhere.
Below we append a corrected list of those in attendance.
Lorenzo Harris, S. P. Bailey, C. W. Crank, Sarah Bovee, Lou A. Bedell, T. B. Hall, Mina C. Johnson, Mollie L. Rouzee, C. L. Swarts, Martha Thompson, Mary Buck, John L. Ward, John W. Jones, W. E. Ketcham, Squire Humble, C. C. Overman, R. B. Overman, P. S. Martin, Carrie Morris, Mattie L. West, R. S. White, Jonathan Hunt, Henrietta King, Florence Wood, Effie Randall, Jerry Adams, Ella E. Davis, Mattie E. Minnihan, Allie Wheeler, A. B. Taylor, Ray E. Newman, John Bower, Adam L. Weber, R. A. O’Neil, John C. Rowland, Jennie Davy, Rosa Frederick, Flora Ware, Mattie Mitchell, J. J. Harden, Jennie R. Lowry, Mary Cochran, Alice Bullock, Maggie Stansbury, Ella Hittle, George Wright, Cinna May Patten, Mrs. J. E. Brown, Electa Strong, Mary Tucker, Mrs. E. T. Trimble, A. Limerick, E. A. Millard, E. I. Johnson, R. B. Corson, Celina Bliss, Fannie Pontious, Ella A. Kirkpatrick, Ella Kelly, Mrs. S. Hollingsworth, Lizzie Landis, Fannie McKinlay, Mrs. L. M. Theaker, Mary S. Theaker, Alice Pyburn, L. C. Brown, T. J. Floyd, Alvin E. Hon, Nettie D. Handy, Alfred Cochran, J. P. Hosmer, Floretta Shields, Ella Akers, Ella Sandford, Lusetta Pyburn, Mrs. Southard, Allie Klingman, Amy Robertson, Annie Hunt, Sarah Hodges, H. G. Blount, Grant Stafford, Risdon Gilstrap, James Lorton, James E. Perisho, Nannie M. McGee, Ella Z. Stuart, Anna O. Wright, T. J. Rude, Nellie R. Waggin, Alice E. Dickie, Inez L. Patten, Ella Freeland, Sarah E. Davis, Mollie Davis, Mattie Walters, Nannie Andrew, Albertine Maxwell, Ella Grimes, H. C. Holcomb, Hattie Warnock, D. S. Armstrong, S. A. Smith, J. F. Hess, Tirzie B. Marshall, C. Hutchins, Arvilla Elliot, Ella Bosley, L. McKinley, James Warren, A. J. Denton, Fannie Skinner, Hattie McKinley, Estella Cronk, Jessie Sankey, Anna Bartlett, Anna L. Norton.
Excerpts...
Winfield Courier, August 21, 1879.
The editors of the New Enterprise enjoyed a pleasant visit to the beautiful and prosperous city of Winfield, last Monday. Mr. Eagin formerly lived there, but we had never before seen Winfield, and were surprised to find such a live, enterprising, and prosperous city.
While there we made the acquaintance of some of Winfield’s leading citizens: among them Hon. E. C. Manning, Hon. W. P. Hackney, Hon. J. Wade McDonald, Hon. J. M. Alexander, Gen. A. H. Green, Frank S. Jennings, attorneys, and Baird Bros., Lynn & Gillelen, Spotswood & Co., C. A. Bliss & Co., and S. H. Myton, merchants. We also made the acquaintance of the county officers who are all affable gentlemen.
Winfield Courier, August 28, 1879.
The bridge across the Walnut, at Bliss’ mill, has been “closed for repairs.” It is in rather a dilapidated condition.
Winfield Courier, September 11, 1879.
C. A. Bliss is expending thousands of dollars in putting in a dam that is a dam at the Winfield Mills. The rock he is using are ponderous and of the right shape and kind. He is laying them in the best cement and the work looks substantial and immovable. He is cutting a deeper race in the solid rock below the mill and will make a power with a full ten foot head, which will double the capacity of his mills for work. His improvements will be such as to make the Winfield Mills the pride of our city.
Winfield Courier, September 11, 1879.
Last Monday, that prince of stage men, Bangs, got out his new omnibus and treated a score of businessmen to a ride to the depot and to Bliss’ mill. It seemed to us that the march of civilization had really reached Winfield and that we were no longer to be an obscure frontier town. It takes an omnibus to make one feel that he is in communication with the rest of the world.
Winfield Courier, September 18, 1879.
Mr. Bliss is using between two and three hundred barrels of cement at his dam.
Winfield Courier, September 18, 1879.
In consequence of the low water and Bliss’ mill being stopped for repairs, flour is becoming very scarce. The principal supply comes from the Arkansas City mill.
Winfield Courier, September 18, 1879.
The gang of track-layers and the construction train came back Saturday, and have gone to work on this end of the C. S. & F. S. line. The track will be completed down to Bliss’ brick-yard this week.
Winfield Courier, September 18, 1879.
Ye local had the pleasure of a ride behind L. J. Webb’s roadsters, last Saturday evening, taking in the depot, railroad bridge, and Bliss mill in the rounds. The south pier of the railroad bridge will be finished by Wednesday, when both gangs will be put on the north pier, and will be worked night and day until it is completed. Mr. Lewis, the contractor, informed us that he intended to have the piers ready for the bridge by the 27th.
[THE GOVERNOR’S VISIT.]
Winfield Courier, October 9, 1879.
A very large crowd gathered on the fair ground last Friday to hear Gov. St. John speak. The officers of the association had announced that he would be here on Thursday, but he was taken ill on the road and telegraphed that he could not get here until Friday. He spoke from the judge’s stand, and was listened to with eager attention by the sea of faces around him. His speech was full of good points, and contained some advice in regard to small farming and machinery. In the evening he was tendered a social reception at the residence of C. A. Bliss.
Winfield Courier, October 9, 1879.
A large party of invited guests assembled at the residence of Mr. C. A. Bliss, last Friday evening, to pay their respects to Governor St. John. The party, numbering thirty-seven, were entertained right royally by the obliging hostess, and everything passed off “as merry as a marriage bell.” After partaking of a splendid supper, the party spent a couple of hours in conversation and music, when they dispersed. Gov. St. John has made many warm friends in our community during his several flying visits here, all of whom delight to do him honor.
Winfield Courier, October 30, 1879.
Bliss & Co. had another smash up Saturday. Their spirited little delivery horse got the best of the driver, and dashing around the corner of Main street and Ninth Avenue, scattered the wreck for nearly a block.
Winfield Courier, November 6, 1879.
C. A. Bliss shipped a car load of flour to Wichita last week.
Winfield Courier, December 4, 1879.
Mr. W. L. Morehouse has purchased the lot on the corner of Main street and 10th avenue from C. A. Bliss for $1200. He will very soon commence the erection of a two story brick building, 25 x 80, the first floor of which will be occupied by Messrs. Hendricks & Wilson.
[BAIRD BROS.: ANOTHER ENTERPRISE.]
Winfield Courier, December 11, 1879.
Among the many enterprises being pushed forward in our thriving city, the one just commenced by Baird Bros. deserves no small mention. They have purchased from C. A. Bliss the lot on which Dr. Graham’s office now stands, and will soon begin the erection of a mammoth dry goods building. It is to be 25 x 100, two stories, with basement. The first floor will be used as a retail department, the second floor as a wholesale department, and the basement as ware rooms. This enterprise, considering the amount of capital that will be invested in the building and stock, will be one of the largest in the Southwest and is entirely in keeping with the enterprise of the firm that is pushing it forward. The wholesale business now being done by this firm is large, and with the increased facilities which the new building will afford them, they will soon command most of the jobbing trade of our neighboring counties.
Winfield Courier, December 18, 1879.
Jap Cochran has resigned his position as foreman of Bliss’ mills. He wants to rest.
Winfield Courier, December 18, 1879.
C. A. Bliss has shipped several car loads of brick to Wellington during the past week.
Excerpt...
[NEW YEAR RECEPTIONS.]
Winfield Courier, January 1, 1880..
Mrs. C. A. Bliss, at her residence, corner of 10th and Fuller Sts., assisted by Miss Allie Bull and Miss Celina Bliss.
Winfield Courier, January 8, 1880.
The contractors on the excavation for the new building next to Bliss & Co.’s, must be men of indomitable perseverence. They stop for neither cold nor wet, but keep digging away in spite of the weather.
Winfield Courier, January 8, 1880.
The residence of C. A. Bliss was the scene of a pleasant social gathering on New Year’s evening. A large number of their friends were present, and several hours were spent in conversation, music, and in disposing of the splendid line of refreshments prepared.
Winfield Courier, January 15, 1880.
Bliss & Co., last week, sold their store building and lot to Mrs. Linticum for $1,575. The former owners hold possession until the first of May.
Winfield Courier, January 29, 1880.
Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Bliss leave for the East this week. They will be absent two or three months visiting friends.
Winfield Courier, February 5, 1880.
C. A. Bliss started for Ottawa Monday morning via the S. K. & W. road; which he took at Burden. Mrs. Bliss starts Wednesday and will meet C. A. at Topeka, from which place they will go east together.
Winfield Courier, February 12, 1880.
Last Saturday Curns & Manser sold three farms, two to gentlemen from Illinois, and one, the Charley Mann farm, to Mrs. Linticum, the lady who bought the Bliss property.
Winfield Courier, March 25, 1880.
Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Bliss returned from Chicago Saturday evening. Mrs. Bliss is in rather feeble health. Mr. Bliss has enjoyed his trip and is in good health, but has become so demoralized that he actually thinks that Winfield is not so large a place as Chicago.
Winfield Courier, April 1, 1880.
Bliss Brothers come out this week with an announcement.
ANNOUNCEMENT: BLISS BROTHERS WILL STAY WITH YOU, AND HOPE TO SEE THEIR MANY FRIENDS, TO WHOM THEY WILL MAKE A SPECIAL EFFORT TO PLEASE BY GIVING THEM A GOOD GOODS FOR THE LEAST MONEY.
Winfield Courier, April 15, 1880.
A few days ago Mr. McKinley, of Ninnescah township, narrowly escaped a collision with a train on the road leading out from town by Bliss’ mill. He had gotten out near the bluff and was on the track with his team when a construction train on the K. C. L. & S. road came backing in towards town. Mr. McKinley had time barely to jerk his horses back from the track and to jump from the wagon when the train was pushing by. The shave was a close one, and hereafter Mr. McKinley will come to town by the west bridge.
[SALE OF BLISS MILL.]
Winfield Courier, April 15, 1880.
AN IMPORTANT SALE: Last week Mr. C. A. Bliss sold his mill to Messrs. Wood, Wolf & Williams, of Ohio, for $25,000. The purchasers will make large additions to the property in new machinery, etc. The arrangements for the sale have been completed, but the money is not yet paid over.
Winfield Courier, May 6, 1880.
Steamer Necedah
Will leave her landing at Bliss’ mill, on Saturdays, at 2 and 4 o’clock p.m. on a trip up the Walnut, 5 miles and return, to accommodate any and all who may wish to take a boat ride on a live steamer. On Sundays will go out every 2 hours. Parties wishing the services of the boat on other days during the week, for picnics, etc., should leave orders on slate in cabinet shop in old ten pin alley.
Also all kinds and styles of boats neatly built to order. E. R. APPLEBY.
Winfield Courier, May 13, 1880.
BRICK! BRICK! BRICK! BRICK!
AT W. W. GREEN’S BRICK YARD NORTH OF BLISS’ MILL, ACROSS THE RIVER. 160,000 NOW ON HAND AND FOR SALE AT REASONABLE PRICES.
Winfield Courier, May 20, 1880.
The recent rain developed the fact that a part of Main street needs more grading. A large pond has formed in front of Bliss Bros.’ store, which should be drained.
Winfield Courier, May 20, 1880.
We last week visited the Bliss mills now under the new management. We found Mr. Oscar Jettinger, one of the partners, in charge, and everything running as smoothly as it did under the old administration. Mr. Jettinger is a pleasant, agreeable gentleman, and will no doubt make the Winfield City Mills, as it is now called, one of the most popular institutions in the county.
Winfield Courier, June 17, 1880.
There will be a Fourth of July celebration held in Blanchard and Greer’s grove about three and one-half miles north of Winfield, on the Walnut river, on the 3rd of July, 1880. Speaking, music, and dancing will form a portion of the entertainments of the day. Let everybody come. The steamer will run between Bliss’ mill and the grounds every two hours of the day. By Order of Committee.
June 13th, 1880.
Winfield Courier, June 24, 1880.
One of the pleasantest socials of the season was held at the residence of Mr. Bliss Tuesday evening. The grounds were illuminated with Chinese lanterns and the tables set under the trees in the open air. A large number of citizens attended, which helped to make it a success financially as well as socially. The proceeds go into the Baptist building fund.
Winfield Courier, July 8, 1880.
Miss Bliss left Friday morning for Buffalo, New York. She will meet C. A. Bliss and wife in Chicago, and they go on from there together.
Winfield Courier, July 15, 1880.
REMOVED. The New York Store can be found one door south of Bliss & Co’s. store. With no rent and less expense, we can sell cheaper than any store in Winfield.
BAIRD BROS.
Winfield Courier, July 29, 1880.
Charles Coleman testified against Ireton in a case before Justice Kelly, and got badly whipped for it. His story is that the elder Ireton attacked him at Bliss’ mill, and while he (Coleman) was only fencing against the attacks, the younger Ireton attacked him with a brick and bruised his head up frightfully. We have not heard the story of the other side.
Winfield Courier, August 5, 1880.
C. A. Bliss and wife are visiting at Watertown, New York. They will give Saratoga a trial.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, September 1, 1880. Front Page.
COURT DOCKET.
CIVIL DOCKET. FOURTH DAY.
Steven Cavanaugh vs. Chas. Bliss et al.
CIVIL DOCKET. FIFTH DAY.
H. S. Ireton vs. C. A. Bliss.
Winfield Courier, November 4, 1880.
John M. Wilson has bought out the large stock of goods of Bliss & Co., in this city and is filling up with new goods. He intends to make this establishment second to none in this city. He is one of the most energetic and honorable merchants in the state. A year ago he came from Winchester, Illinois, where he had made a splendid record, and has since completed business in Douglass for a year and made a host of friends. He will make things move in this city and will be a valuable acquisition to the business of the place.
Winfield Courier, November 4, 1880.
The firm of Bliss & Co. has sold out. The members of this firm retire from the business with the respect and kindest wishes of their wide circle of friends. C. A. Bliss came to Winfield in 1870 and became one of the few settlers at that time. In company with his brother-in-law, Mr. Tousey, he purchased of E. C. Manning the only stock of general merchandise in the city, and has ever since been one of the leading business men in the place. Mrs. Tousey, now Mrs. Rigby, continued her means in the business for some time, and they have built the best flouring mill in the county and several valuable buildings, adding materially to the grandeur of our young city. E. S. Bliss and E. H. Bliss are straight, energetic business young men without a bad habit and enjoying the respect of all, such men as these cannot sit idly down to enjoy the fruit of their successes but will undoubtedly soon again be found in active business.
Winfield Courier, November 25, 1880.
Skating is all the rage among the boys and girls, and the river above the Bliss mill is kept alive and noisy.
Winfield Courier, November 25, 1880.
Mrs. C. A. Bliss is home again at last. She arrived Saturday evening. We hope that her health is materially benefitted.
Winfield Courier, November 25, 1880.
We regret that we have to record the failure of the dry goods and grocery firm of Williams & Jettinger, who have occupied the building vacated by Lynn & Loose. They opened up about three months ago, and were apparently doing a good business until Monday morning, when the goods were turned over to Mr. E. P. Kinne on behalf of the creditors. Mr. Jettinger is also partner in the old Bliss mill. The liabilities of the firm, we understand, were very heavy. It is not yet known what effect this break will have upon the mill firm. Mr. Kinne still has charge of the stock, amounting to about ten or twelve thousand dollars, and will dispose of it to the best advantage for the creditors.
Winfield Courier, December 9, 1880.
E. H. Bliss has gone east. He will visit New York and other villages.
Winfield Courier, December 9, 1880.
As we predicted, C. A. Bliss has gone into business again. A man who has been in active business for many years cannot keep out of it. He has bought an interest in his old mill again and now he will buy wheat and sell flour. The new firm is styled Bliss & Wood.
Winfield Courier, December 16, 1880.
Elbert H. Bliss is to travel for B. C. Clark & Co., of Leavenworth, in the queensware trade.
Winfield Courier, December 16, 1880.
For the first time since its erection, the old Bliss store room is empty. It was built in 1870, and was at that time the only store in town. Bliss & Tousey purchased the Manning stock and moved it into the new building. It was at this store where, in the spring of 1871, we purchased a 50 pound sack of flour for $6.00, and frequently paid $1.00 for 3 pounds of bacon. The store did a large business during the years of 1871, 1872, and 1873, while pre-emptors were coming in by the hundreds. The post office and express and small officers were also there, and it was the depot for information of the outside world.
Winfield Courier, December 23, 1880.
On account of the drama at the opera house on the evening of the 28th, the social and supper at the residence of C. A. Bliss is postponed temporarily.
Winfield Courier, December 30, 1880.
With the earliest settlers of Winfield, came Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Millington, since which time their hospitable home has been a favorite with our society people.
At their reception last evening an unusually happy and enjoyable time was had. Mr. and Mrs. Millington, assisted by their daughters, Misses Kate and Jessie, were truly at home in the manner and method of receiving their friends, with a smile and a pleasant word for all. No wonder the hours passed so quickly by. All restraint and formality was laid aside for an evening of genuine good feeling and pleasure.
Among those present were Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Bliss, Mr. and Mrs. N. L. Rigby, Mr. and Mrs. McDonald, Mr. and Mrs. Hackney, Mr. and Mrs. Spotswood, Mr. and Mrs. Gene Baird, Mr. and Mrs. Bedilion, Mr. and Mrs. Moffitt, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. McMullen, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. H. Brown, Dr. and Mrs. Black, Mr. and Mrs. Hickok, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Pryor, Mr. and Mrs. Troup, Mr. and Mrs. Scovill, Mr. and Mrs. Lundy, Mr. and Mrs. Lemmon, Dr. and Mrs. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Short, Mr. and Mrs. Kretsinger, Mr. and Mrs. Shrieves, Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Millington, Mrs. Huston, Miss McCommon, Wirt W. Walton, and J. R. Conklin.
Refreshments were served to the satisfaction and praise of all, and not until a late hour came the “good nights” and the departure of friends for their homes, each of whom will not soon forget the pleasant evening with Mr. and Mrs. Millington. Daily Telegram.
Enter Daniel W. Bliss...
Excerpts...
[OLD MEN’S PARTY.]
Winfield Courier, December 30, 1880.
The Rev. J. A. Hyden invited to dinner on Tuesday last all the old men in the vicinity. Quite a gay party met and did full justice to the magnificent tables loaded down with turkeys, hams, cakes, pies, coffee, and the many et ceteras, got up in the best order and with the best taste.
During and after dinner the guests and host entertained each other with many pleasant stories and reminiscences of the past. Mrs. Hyden and her sons and daughters furnished charming music. Mr. Hyden made a short and very entertaining address, and the guests made short speeches of sentiment and thanks.
Daniel W. Bliss, born at Saratoga, New York, April 28, 1822; went to Wisconsin in 1854, to Iowa in 1868, and to this county in 1876.
Winfield Courier, January 6, 1881.
Col. McMullen and lady entertained a number of friends at their home last week. The elegant parlors were comfortably filled, and we, at least, passed a pleasant evening. Those present were: Mayor and Mrs. Lynn, Rev. and Mrs. N. L. Rigby, Prof. and Mrs. Hickok, Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Bliss, Mr. and Mrs. Loose, Mr. and Mrs. John Pryor, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Carruthers, Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Scovill, Mr. and Mrs. H. Brown, Mr. and Mrs. Kretsinger, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. Wallis, Mr. and Mrs. Mann, Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Green, Mr. and Mrs. Black, Mr. and Mrs. Kinne, Mrs. Buck and son, of Emporia, and Mr. Harris, of Bushnell, Illinois.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 19, 1881.
Bliss & Wood, of Winfield, proprietors of the City mills, are tired of trusting solely to water, and are putting in a 100-horsepower engine.
Winfield Courier, January 20, 1881.
We are called upon to record accident No. 3 on the old man-trap of a bridge near Bliss’ mill. Saturday night, one , after filling himself with liquor, started home. The team seemed to be imbued with the master’s spirits, and commenced running. They turned the corner of the Christie residence, spilled the man out, and rushed for the old bridge; but the bridge wasn’t there, neither was there fence or posts to check their progress.
They had gained considerable momentum and of course plunged over the abutment, and fell thirty feet to the ice below. The wagon was smashed to atoms. One horse had his leg broken, and laid on the log for twenty-four hours before anyone removed him; and the other horse got up, walked across on the ice, and went on home. If the man hadn’t been drunk, he would not have fallen out, and would probably have been killed; consequently, liquor saved his life. Another argument for the free whiskey forces.
Excerpt...
[MONITOR ITEMS.]
Winfield Courier, January 20, 1881.
Bliss & Wood at an early day hope to put in a woolen mill, and from the manner in which Cowley and surrounding counties are filling up with sheep, we do not know of a better field. The wool clip of this county alone last year was upwards of thirty thousand pounds, and this year it will be doubled.
Winfield Courier, January 20, 1881.
Bliss & Wood, proprietors of the City mills, though they have one of the best water powers in the state, have got tired of depending upon the Walnut river for their power, and have now let the contract to put in a hundred horse power engine and boilers. The engine house will be of brick, 24 x 60 feet, metal roof, and with a brick stack fifty feet high above the base. It will be so arranged that a part of the power can be carried across the river when a woolen mill is erected. The engine will be from the celebrated Bass [? Bess ? Buss ?] machine works at Fort Wayne, Indiana. The contract price for this work is six thousand dollars, and it will commence at once and be completed, if possible, by March first. Samuel Clarke, the original owner of the Southwestern machine shops, is the contractor, and left Tuesday for Fort Wayne. We are glad this gentleman secured this contract, for he is an honest man and a splendid mechanic.
Winfield Courier, January 27, 1881.
MR. AND MRS. J. C. FULLER. Socially this has been one of the gayest winters in the history of our city. Almost every week has been made pleasant by a social gathering of some sort or other. One of the most pleasant of these was the reception by Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller last Friday evening. The guests were many and the arrangements for their entertainment were complete.
Among those present were: Mr. and Mrs. Loose, Mr. and Mrs. James Harden, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. Hodges. Dr. and Mrs. VanDoren, Mr. and Mrs. McMullen, Mr. and Mrs. Eastman, Rev. and Mrs. T. F. Borcher, Mr. and Mrs. T. R. Bryan, Dr. and Mrs. Davis, Mr. and Mrs. Gene Baird, Mr. and Mrs. Short, Dr. and Mrs. Graham, Mr. and Mrs. Boyer, Mr. and Mrs. Trimble, Mr. and Mrs. Moffitt, Mr. and Mrs. Speed, Mr. and Mrs. Doane, Mr. and Mrs. Kretsinger, Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Shrieves, Mr. and Mrs. Millington, Mr. and Mrs. Spencer Bliss, Mr. and Mrs. Scovill, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Brown, Mr. and Mrs. Allen Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Carruthers, Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Black, Mr. and Mrs. S. L. Hamilton, Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Fuller, Rev. and Mrs. Hyden, Mr. and Mrs. D. L. Williams, Mrs. Mansfield, Mrs. Mullen, Miss Mary Stewart, Miss May Williams, Father Kelly, O. F. Boyle, and Charles Fuller.
[ALBERT BLISS.]
Winfield Courier, January 27, 1881.
Albert Bliss came in on the train Wednesday. He brought several trinks [? That is what they had in paper ?] and so we say he is the fellow the Telegram has been hinting at. Of so, we congratulate him.
NOTE: I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THIS ITEM AT ALL!
Excerpts...
[THE MONITOR’S LOCALS.]
Winfield Courier, January 27, 1881.
Time and again have the papers in this city called the attention of E. D. Skinner, the trustee of Vernon township, to the danger of the roads running to what was known as the Bliss bridge. At this end there is nothing to stop a team plunging down, as was the case on Saturday night last. The only reason that the trustee gives for not fencing the road is because the commissioners changed the township lines. Legal authority says that this man, Skinner, is liable for all damage that may occur while he leaves the road in such a dangerous condition. We hope this is true, and that he will be obliged to pay for the horse killed last Saturday. He would have no sympathy in this country if he would lose every dollar’s worth of property he has in the world. He will probably learn that the acceptance of an office of trust entails certain duties that are incumbent upon him to perform. We now give you notice, Mr. Skinner, unless you attend to your duties as trustee, you will find yourself involved “in a sea of trouble.”
Note: The following does not apply to George McIntire, who became a sheriff.
Last Saturday was an unusually bad day for Winfield. Many men appeared to think it was the last day that a drink of whiskey could ever be procured; and in consequence, those drank who never drank before, and those who were in the habit of drinking, drank the more. The natural result was, lots of fellows got full. One would naturally, under such circumstances, have anticipated many accidents, but there was, as far as we know, but one serious one, and that was to George McIntire, who lives on the farm of his mother-in-law near Seeley.
George got blind drunk and started home about six o’clock Saturday evening: he started his horses on a dead run and instead of taking the road south, to cross the west bridge, the team made for what was the Bliss bridge, that being their old familiar road. In making the turn McIntire was thrown out without injuring himself. The team ran madly down the blind road and plunged down from the abutment fully twenty-five feet to the ice below; one horse fell on top of the other. The horse underneath had his leg broken and laid on the ice and suffered for upwards of twenty hours before he was killed. The other horse loosened himself from the harness and went home. The wagon made a complete somersault. A man saw the team go over and he rushed uptown for Dr. Graham, taking it for granted there was a dead man down on the ice. The doctor came, the man was found, taken into the office of Bliss & Wood, and our worthy coroner reported the man dead-drunk. The horse, the nobler animal of the two, suffered and was killed, while the man still lives. The ways of Providence are indeed inscrutable and past finding out.
Winfield Courier, February 3, 1881.
“BRIDGE OR NO BRIDGE” is the prevailing topic of conversation this week. It certainly looks to us as if this was a one-sided question. That the bridge across Dutch creek is needed no one will deny. The people in North Walnut township are paying taxes on the bonds which were used to build the old Bliss bridge, the west, or brewery bridge, and the south bridge. They can make no possible use of these bridges and they are paying their money for the convenience of others. The time has now come for the balance of the township to help them by allowing the use of the funds now in the treasury to place a new bridge on the abutments which now stand there. The amount, in comparison with that used in the construction of the other three bridges, is small, and it is, in all justice and fairness, due to them that this money be appropriated to build the Dutch creek bridge. The abutments now standing there were built by private subscription; they have spent much time and money in trying to get a good bridge, while they have paid taxes far out of proportion to the amount they have received in improvements. They did not kick and squeal when asked to tax themselves to build bridges over which they would never travel; but as soon as they desire help and ask for money already in the treasury, part of which they themselves have paid, others come in and object. One of the loudest opponents of the bridge scheme wants to apply the money toward paying off the bonds now outstanding, and howls for “a reduction of taxation.” This is very good. We all want to reduce taxation, but it is hardly fair to get all we can out of a fellow, and about the time he wants something substantial in return to sit back on our dignity and tell him that we have inaugurated a system of “retrenchment and reform.” Be fair, gentlemen, and it will pay in the long run.
Winfield Courier, February 3, 1881.
Among our visitors and paying subscribers who called last week were: E. S. Bliss, W. R. Whitney, A. A. Wiley, J. W. Weimer of Richland, D. Berkey, H. Ives, A. T. Gay of Tisdale, J. A. Hood of Seeley, H. C. Castor, R. B. Overman of Dexter, Jesse Chatfield, F. M. Cooper, W. D. Furry of Arkansas City, W. J. Orr, J. E. Grove, Hugh Chance of Tisdale, H. W. Scott of Silverdale, C. Farringer, Charles Geiser, Will Bottomley of Burden, G. I. Brown, M. Stoddard, N. Brooks and M. L. Brooks of Silver Creek, T. R. Page of Burden, and Jos. Abrams of Tannehill.
Elbert Bliss [paper had Albert Bliss]. I changed...
Winfield Courier, February 3, 1881.
It is as we expected. Elbert Bliss is the victim. The lady is Miss Burr, of Angelica, New York. We extend our congratulations to the happy couple. Elbert left Monday for Leavenworth, where he goes into the employ of B. C. Clark & Co., queensware merchants.
Winfield Courier, March 3, 1881.
Mr. C. A. Bliss, of the Winfield City Mills, in Cowley County, was in town Tuesday. Mr. Bliss was soliciting orders for his flour, much of which has already been sold here. He was somewhat surprised to find that we had a mill here in Anthony that is in every way the equal of any in the southwest. Anthony Journal.
Excerpt...
[REPUBLICAN WARD MEETINGS.]
Winfield Courier, March 24, 1881.
The Republicans of the First Ward of the city met at the courthouse on Saturday evening, the 19th. Called to order by W. J. Wilson of the Ward committee: D. A. Millington was chosen chairman and S. M. Jarvis secretary. J. E. Platter was nominated for member of the school board by acclamation. A ballot was taken for councilman, resulting in E. P. Hickok 34, C. A. Bliss 12. Mr. Hickok was declared the nominee. The chairman being authorized by a vote of the meeting to appoint a ward committee of three, appointed M. G. Troup, W. J. Wilson, and R. R. Conklin such committee.
Winfield Courier, April 7, 1881.
Mrs. C. A. Bliss stated for Eureka Springs last week. She will be joined in a few weeks by Mrs. Rigby and the two will spend the summer there.
[THE SOCIAL ENTERTAINMENT OF THE SEASON.]
Winfield Courier, April 7, 1881.
On last Thursday evening was gathered in the magnificent salons of M. L. Robinson one of the largest parties which have assembled in Winfield this past season. The honors of the occasion were conducted by Mr. and Mrs. Robinson and Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Spotswood in the most graceful and pleasing manner, making each of the guests feel delighted and happy. A new departure was made in the hour for reception which we cannot too highly commend, that of substituting 7 o’clock for the late hours which usually prevail, but the habits of some were so confirmed that they could not get around until nine o’clock. The banquet was excellent beyond our power of description. Nothing was wanting to render it perfect in all its appointments. At a reasonable hour the guests retired, expressing the warmest thanks to their kind hostesses and hosts for the pleasures of the evening. The following are the names of the guests as we now remember them.
Miss Nettie McCoy, Mrs. Huston, Mrs. S. H. Myton, Mrs. Mansfield, Mrs. Eastman, Mrs. Ticer, Mr. M. G. Hodges, Mr. C. A. Bliss, Mr. W. C. Robinson, Mr. W. A. Smith, Mr. W. J. Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Loose, Mrs. Herrington, Mr. and Mrs. Van Doren, Mr. and Mrs. S. S. Linn, Mr. and Mrs. Wallis, Mr. and Mrs. Lemmon, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. Platter, Mr. and Mrs. J. Harden, Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Hackney, Mr. and Mrs. S. D. Pryor, Mr. and Mrs. Black, Mr. and Mrs. H. Brown, Mr. and Mrs. Hodges, Mr. and Mrs. Hickok, Mr. and Mrs. Conklin, Mr. and Mrs. T. R. Bryan, Mr. and Mrs. Dever, Mr. and Mrs. Bedilion, Mr. and Mrs. Holmes, Mr. and Mrs. Barclay, Mrs. W. F. Baird, Mr. and Mrs. Mann, Mr. and Mrs. Allen, Mr. and Mrs. Doane, Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Millington, Mr. and Mrs. Horning, Mr. and Mrs. Troup, Mr. and Mrs. F. Williams, Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Baird, Mr. and Mrs. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. McDonald, and Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Read.
Winfield Courier, April 21, 1881.
Mr. D. W. Bliss brought us several peach twigs from his orchard near the mill, which were literally covered with blossoms. He says that but very few of the peaches are killed, either in the bottoms or the uplands.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 18, 1881.
The ordinance of Baptism by immersion was administered yesterday, in the Walnut River, near Bliss’ mill, by Rev. J. Cairns. Three candidates were baptized. Quite a large number of persons witnessed the ceremony. Daily Telegram.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 29, 1881.
List of arrivals, at the City Hotel, from Wednesday to Saturday, of last week.
E. H. Bliss, 11-Worth. [I believe the “11-Worth” stands for “Leavenworth.” MAW]
Excerpts...
[FRANK MANNY’S LETTER: PROHIBITION IN KANSAS.]
Winfield Courier, May 5, 1881.
Prohibition in Kansas.
Below are statements of businessmen and leading citizens of this city and county.
C. A. BLISS,
of Bliss & Wood, Winfield City Mills. This mill is a large, substantial structure on the Walnut river at Winfield, built of stone. The fall of water is eight feet, and there is plenty of power except at rare seasons, when we use steam power, having a 100 horsepower engine. We can make 24,000 pounds of flour a day, doing more than we did a year ago. I think there is plenty of wheat in the county to keep the mills going until another crop is brought in. Prices are about the same as a year ago. We ship most of our flour to Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. We can ship three carloads a week besides supply our home demand, which is considerably larger than it was last year. I do not know of anyone leaving here on account of the prohibitory law, except two saloon men. I know of many who are arriving and settling here, who express themselves gratified with prohibition. These are generally substantial men of means. One whom I recently met, William P. Yates, brings great wealth and appears a very intelligent gentleman. I think we are much better off for prohibition.
Winfield Courier, May 12, 1881.
The Ireton-Bliss case, in which Mr. Ireton sues Messrs. Bliss & Wood for damages to property, caused by back water from their mill dam, has occupied the attention of the court for two days. The case was submitted to the jury Tuesday afternoon.
[THE WATER POWER: CASE OF IRETON VS. BLISS & WOOD.]
Winfield Courier, May 19, 1881.
The case of Ireton vs. Bliss was concluded on Tuesday by a verdict for the defendant. This was a case for damages claimed on account of back water occasioned by the dam of the Winfield Mills. We understand that the damage claimed was slight, and was only resisted as a matter of principle and precedent. We suppose the real case was adjudicated eight years ago when the permit was granted to put in the dam, and that all who were entitled to damages were then paid. The new dam built two years ago is of so substantial a nature, so tight and complete, that it arrests a considerable volume of water which went through the old dam, and the effect is to raise the water above the dam some higher than before, but the dam itself is not higher than was contemplated by the permit. If one was allowed additional damages on this account, a dozen others would have the same right and the aggregate would be large and onerous. Suits of this kind are bad as causing a large outlay of time, and money, for attorneys’ fees on both sides, and for costs, and no one can gain anything by them. They are only making disturbance, bad blood, and expense. The Water power is a great benefit to the whole community, and it is a great advantage to the county that this site has fallen into the hands of enterprising men who are able and willing to improve it and make it the seat of great manufacturing interests. We hope to see cotton, woolen, and other factories run by this water power and deprecate these perplexing law suits as damaging to great public interests.
[BLISS & WOOD’S WINFIELD MILLS SUPERIOR LILY FLOUR.]
Winfield Courier, June 2, 1881.
A sack of Bliss & Wood’s Winfield mills superior LILY flour was left as a sample at the house of the senior editor during his absence in New Mexico; and his attention was not called to it until too late for notice last week. Our wife has been into the sack and pronounces it the best flour she ever saw. We observe that our bread and other edibles in the flour line come to the table looking whiter and nicer and tasting better than ever. In the article of superior flour, Bliss & Wood cannot be beat.
[MR. C. A. BLISS: A PLEASANT SURPRISE.]
Winfield Courier, June 2, 1881.
Monday evening Mr. C. A. Bliss was purposely invited out to tea, and, returning home at about 8:30, found his parlors filled by about fifty of his personal friends.
When he entered, the Rev. Mr. Cairns, on behalf of the guests, in an appropriate address, presented him with twelve richly-bound volumes of standard literature. Mrs. Bliss, though absent, was remembered with a magnificent illustrated volume.
Mr. Bliss responded in a feeling manner: after which the leader of the surprise was himself made the victim of a surprise, by the presentation by Captain McDermott, on behalf of friends, with a splendid volume of “The Life of Christ.”
Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Mann acted the part of host and hostess; and ice cream, strawberries, cake, etc., were served amid music and general social enjoyment.
The whole affair was a neat recognition of the Christian, social, and business character of the recipients of the mementoes, which they so justly merit.
The married couples present were Mr. and Mrs. Wright, McDermott, Story, Johnson, Hendricks, Trimble, Wilson. D. Bliss, Baird, E. H. Bliss, Gilbert, Cairns, Jarvis, Adams, Tipton, Silliman, Stevens, Tresize, and Fuller. There were also present Messrs. Borchers, Arment, Applegate, Rigby, Wood, F. Finch, and Mrs. E. S. Bliss, Mrs. H. Bliss, Mrs. Jewell, Miss S. Bliss, Miss Smith, Miss Corson, and others, whose names we failed to obtain.
Winfield Courier, June 16, 1881.
LAWN SOCIAL. At the residence of Mrs. Mann (C. A. Bliss place) will be given a lawn social on Thursday evening of this week.
[RELIEF FOR THE SUFFERERS BY THE FLORAL CYCLONE.]
Winfield Courier, June 16, 1881.
A considerable number of the citizens of Winfield met on Monday evening on the steps of the Winfield Bank to provide for raising funds for the immediate relief of the sufferers caused by the cyclone Sunday evening. Mr. Crippen called the people together by music from the band.
During the day the canvass of the city resulted in the following cash subscriptions.
Bliss & Wood $15.00
Winfield Courier, July 14, 1881.
C. A. Bliss is off to Eureka Springs. Mrs. Bliss will return with him.
Winfield Courier, August 4, 1881.
A meeting of businessmen of Winfield was held last Friday evening and again Tuesday evening at which a board of trade was formed and will be incorporated under the laws of the state. The objects are stated: For the purpose of promoting and encouraging manufactures and manufacturing interests in Cowley County. The charter will expire August 1, 1890. The board of trustees consists of J. C. Fuller, M. L. Read. W. C. Robinson, A. E. Baird, C. A. Bliss, Robt. E. Wallis, and J. S. Mann.
[BOARD OF TRADE: WINFIELD.]
Winfield Courier, August 11, 1881.
The board of trade of Winfield filed its charter yesterday. The trustees for the first year are J. C. Fuller, M. L. Read, W. C. Robinson, A. E. Baird, C. A. Bliss, Robert E. Wallis, and
J. S. Mann. Topeka Capital.
Winfield Courier, August 18, 1881.
Spencer Bliss was severely bitten by Mr. Williams’ bird dog last week. The dog was chained in Mr. Bliss’ barn and not knowing the dog was there, Spencer went in; and the brute fastened its jaws in his leg just below the knee. The wound is a dangerous one and has almost crippled Spencer.
Winfield Courier, September 8, 1881.
E. H. Bliss, salesman for B. H. Clarke & Co., spent several days in this city, visiting his wife. He left Monday and will return Saturday.
Winfield Courier, September 15, 1881.
Miss Celina Bliss will teach this fall in district 9.
Winfield Courier, September 22, 1881.
Allen B. Lemmon came down from Newton last Friday to attend to his wheat threshing. He sold his wheat to Bliss & Wood at $1.23.
Winfield Courier, September 22, 1881.
C. A. Bliss invests $1,600 in the new Baptist Church. About ten such Baptists could build a very respectable church.
[BIG WEDDING: FRED C. HUNT AND SARAH HODGES.]
Winfield Courier, October 27, 1881.
Wednesday at 12 o’clock, Mr. Fred C. Hunt and Miss Sarah Hodges were united in marriage at the residence of the bride’s father, in this city, Rev. Father Kelly officiating. The assemblage was one of the largest ever gathered to witness a marriage ceremony in this city. The bridal party left on the afternoon train for a short trip in the east. The following is a list of presents from their friends.
Silver pickle dish, Mrs. C. A. Bliss.
Winfield Courier, November 10, 1881.
The improvements Bliss & Wood have been making on their mill this summer are about completed. No finer property can be found in the state.
[BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION.]
Winfield Courier, November 17, 1881.
Monday evening a number of gentlemen met at the office of Gilbert & Fuller and organized “The Winfield Building and Loan Association.” A constitution was drawn up and charter provided for, and a large amount of stock subscribed. The capital stock of the Association is $100,000 in two series of $50,000 each, the second series to be issued when the first series is paid up. The stock is divided into five hundred shares of $100 each, and are assessed at one dollar per month each. No member can own more than ten shares. The business of the Association is managed by a board of directors, and the following persons were elected as such board for the coming year: J. E. Platter, R. E. Wallis, H. G. Fuller, J. F. McMullen, Ed. P. Greer, A. D. Hendricks, J. W. Conner, C. A. Bliss, A. B. Steinberger, J. A. McGuire, and I. W. Randall.
The Board of Directors then met and elected H. G. Fuller president, A. D. Hendricks vice-president, J. E. Platter treasurer, and J. F. McMullen secretary and attorney. The secretary was instructed to open the books of the Association for subscriptions to the capital stock. The first series only consists of five hundred shares, and these are being taken rapidly and will soon be exhausted.
The plan of this Association is one that has been in successful operation in many cities of the United States, and in Emporia, Fredonia, and many other towns in Kansas. Any persons may take from one to ten shares of stock and thereby become a member. An assessment of one dollar per month is made on each share. When sufficient amount is on hand, the Board of Directors meet and the money is put up at auction, bid on by the members, and the highest bidder takes it, giving therefor good real estate security and pledging his stock.
The profits are divided pro rata among the stockholders and each share receives its credit. Whenever the stock reaches par, or the accrued assessments and profits amount to $100 on each share, a division is made and each stockholder receives the par value of his share.
This plan offers special advantages for young men and laborers who desire to secure homes in this way. They can purchase one, two, or three shares, and pay in their monthly assessments of one, two, or three dollars. They can then secure a lot, go to the Association and bid off, say three hundred dollars, or enough to build a small house thereon, at, say 12 percent, per annum. If they hold three shares of stock and borrow three hundred dollars, they will pay each month in assessments and interest six dollars. At the end of four years, which is about the time it will take the stock to mature, they will have paid in assessments and interests $288. A division is made, they will receive from the Association their mortgage, and their home will be clear: thus having built a house and paid for it in four years at the rate of $6.00 per month. The ordinary rent for a house costing $300 is seven dollars per month. In four years a man would pay out in rent $336 and have no more at the end than he started with. With this plan he would pay out $288 in four years and own the house in the end.
The benefits of such an association as this will be apparent at a glance. You who have a boy growing up, buy a share of this stock for him and make him earn the assessment. Most any little boy can earn a dollar a month by carrying in wood or blacking your boots, or doing odd chores. Let him have his little book, walk up to the secretary’s office each month, and pay his dollar. At the end of our years his share will be worth $100 and he will hardly know where it comes from. It will be a lesson on economy worth far more than years of precept. We hope that the popularity with which this scheme is meeting here will cause other towns to organize associations. It cannot help but be of practical benefit to Winfield and to the individual member of the association in helping to build up homes in our midst, and creating a profitable investment for small sums that would otherwise be wasted.
Excerpts...
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
Mr. T. H. B. Ross took in Winfield last Friday in the interest of our school district. He says there has been many changes there, but few of the old “boys” are left, and Winfield does not appear now as it did in 1870-74. Caldwell Commercial.
Well, that’s a fact; there have been a good many changes in and around Winfield since those days. The old log store has been reduced to ashes, and some of the boys who used to gather there evenings to play “California Jack” and speculate on the future price of corner lots in Winfield, now take their wives and children to the theater in the fine Opera House that has arisen on the site of the old store. Max Shoeb’s blacksmith shop has given place to Read’s bank; the Walnut Valley House, as a hotel, has passed away. Likewise, the firms of Manning & Baker, U. B. Warren & Co., Alexander & Saffold, Bliss & Middaugh, Hitchcock & Boyle, Maris & Hunt, Myton & Brotherton, and Pickering & Benning. S. H. Myton is about the only one that is left. Tisdale’s hack, which came in whenever the river would permit, has given way to our two railroads; Tom Wright’s ferry, south of town, has been replaced by a handsome iron bridge, and Bartlow’s mill and its crew have disappeared.
Winfield Courier, November 24, 1881.
E. H. Bliss spent Sunday with his family, and left on the Monday train for the east.
Mrs. Mina Bliss...
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
A new lodge called the National Union, has been organized in Winfield, with the following officers: F. Barclay, ex-president, A. Howland, president, C. H. Bahntge, vice-president, Mrs. Mina Bliss, speaker, G. N. Searcy, Chaplain, Jacob Nixon, secretary, W. G. Graham, financial secretary, E. S. Bliss, usher, Mrs. E. S. Howland, sergeant-at-arms, A. H. Graham, door-keeper. There were twenty odd charter members. The objects of the society are similar to those of the Knights of Honor, and the members carry a life insurance of from $1,000 to $5,000.
Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.
CHARTER FILED.
The following charter was filed yesterday in the office of the secretary of State: “Winfield Building and Loan Association,” capital stock $200,000. Board of Directors for the first year: J. E. Platter, R. E. Wallis, H. G. Fuller, J. F. McMullen, E. P. Greer, A. D. Hendricks, J. W. Connor, A. B. Steinberger, C. A. Bliss, J. A. McGuire, and I. W. Randall.
Commonwealth.
[ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO READ...BLISS & WOOD MILL ITEM.]
Cowley County Courant, December 8, 1881.
The other day we went down to the City Mill to find out the meaning of that large new building which has been erected just south of the mill. We found Messrs. Bliss & Wood up to their eyes in business superintending the dozen or more men who were at work in the mill, and on the new elevator now nearing completion. So quietly has the work gone on at the mill that this will be the first intimation to many of our citizens that Winfield has a new elevator with a capacity of handling and storing 25,000 bushels of grain. The elevator stands on the track of the Santa Fe, which runs out to the mill, and a few rods south of the mill, with which it will be connected by a tumbling rod, and can be run by either water or steam. A drive extends along the south side from which the wagons are unloaded, and the grain, after being weighed or cleaned can be spouted directly into the cars or the mill. A corn sheller and cleaner will be put in, which will be of great convenience to the shippers. The elevator with the engine, boilers, and other improvements recently added to the mill, represent an expenditure of twelve or fifteen thousand dollars, and the outfit will give employment to ten or twelve men including the proprietors.
These men and their families increase our population by at least fifty persons, and it is needless to say how much such industries aid in building up a town. Winfield needs a woolen and other factories, and if the money that has gone (In many cases, hopelessly gone) into holes in the ground in mining and other wildest speculations, it would in most cases have paid the investors better in the long run, besides building up the town in which most of it was made.
Growlers have accused C. A. Bliss of making a good deal of money here, but we have observed that he always turns around and puts it back into some substantial improvement that not only helps to build up the town, but increases its taxable property, all of which is worthy of imitation.
Cowley County Courant, December 15, 1881.
T. W. Tuttle, a young man from Wisconsin, and a cousin of Mrs. C. A. Bliss, is stopping in the city and has secured a position in the County Clerk’s office.
Cowley County Courant, December 29, 1881.
At a regular meeting the evening of the 20th, the Winfield Council No. 2, National Union, the following officers were elected: A. Howland, president; Frank Barclay, ex president; H. E. Noble, vice-president; Mrs. Mina Bliss, speaker; Jacob Nixon, secretary; J. E. _owey [?], treasurer; W. G. Graham, financial secretary; Mrs. Fanny Barclay, chaplain; E. S. Bliss, usher; E. I. Howland, sergeant-at-arms; G. W. Searcy, doorkeeper.
Cowley County Courant, January 5, 1882.
Fish commissioner D. H. Long, at the request of Senator Hackney, has forwarded to the care of James Foster, of Vernon Township, eighty young carp, which arrived here today in fine condition. James Foster and N. C. Clark will take forty of the fish and will stock some natural ponds that are on the farms.
C. A. Bliss will place twenty of the number in the Walnut River near the mill, and Frank Manny will place the remaining twenty in Dutch Creek.
Messrs. Foster and Clark have made a wise move. In one year these fish will be eighteen inches long, and if they are successful in the propagation of the fish, it will not be long before they will be able to keep their table supplied with fresh fish of a choice variety.
Winfield Courier, January 12, 1882.
The business meeting of the Baptist Church was held Saturday evening. The church is in a most healthy condition. The membership is 192 and thirty new members have been admitted during the year. The following officers were elected for the next year.
Clerk: J. C. Rowland.
Treasurer: James McDermott.
Trustees: C. A. Bliss, A. P. Johnson, J. B. Mann, B. F. Wood, and A. B. Arment.
Organist: Miss Celina Bliss.
Chorister: H. E. Silliman.
Officers of the Sunday School.
Superintendent: James McDermott.
Assistant Superintendent: B. F. Wood.
Secretary: J. C. Rowland.
Treasurer: J. S. Mann.
Organist: Miss Lola Silliman.
Chorister: George Cairns.
Their elegant new church building is fast nearing completion and will be ready for occupancy in a few weeks.
Winfield Courier, January 12, 1882.
HARD ON THE D. B.’S.
The Businessmen Talk, Eat, and Prepare to Harvest Unpaid Bills.
Last Saturday evening a large number of the businessmen of Winfield met at the Brettun House and organized an association that will be of more practical benefit to businessmen and the trading public generally then anything that has yet been proposed. The matter has been talked of for some time, but recent events brought it to a focus, of which the “Merchants” and Business Men’s Protective Association” is the outcome. The following gentlemen were present and assisted in the organization.
A. H. Doane, R. E. Wallis, J. A. McGuire, Will Hudson, A. E. Baird, W. J. Hodges, H. Brotherton, J. M. Dever, J. P. Baden, J. L. Hodges, R. E. Sydall, Lou Harter, Ed. P. Greer, J. B. Lynn, A. B. Steinberger, C. A. Bliss, D. L. Kretsinger, A. T. Spotswood, S. W. Hughes, J. S. Mann, W. B. Pixley, W. R. McDonald, A. D. Hendricks, Col. Wm. Whiting, J. G. Shrieves, J. W. Batchelder, J. L. Horning, T. R. Timme, J. L. Rinker, J. P. Short, B. F. Wood, J. A. Cooper.
A committee consisting of the officers and a committee of eight or ten members were appointed to draft constitution and by-laws to be presented at the next meeting to be held at A. H. Doane & Co.’s office Thursday evening. The object of the organization is for mutual protection against the class of men who obtain credit at one place as long as possible, then change to another, and so on around, and for heading off dead-beats of every kind. A list of all those who are in arrears at the different stores will be made out by each merchant and filed with the secretary, who will furnish each member with a complete list of all who obtain credit and the amount. Then, when a person desires to buy goods on time, the merchant can go to his list, find out how many other firms in town he owes, and how long the account has been running. If he finds that the person desiring credit owes every other merchant in town, he can safely make up his mind that he is a D. B. On the other hand, if he finds that the person asking for credit has paid his bill and is reckoned good by the other merchants in establishing his credit, he will find no trouble in getting all the advances he desires. It will weed out the dishonest fellows and protect those who pay their debts and show a disposition to deal honestly.
The above, as near as we can state it, is the object of the association. Here alone, good, honest, straightforward men all over the county have failed to get credit because there was no way to establish their standing while others who were no good have run annual bills all over town and never make an effort to pay. This will stop all that business and place them in a very unenviable light until their bills are paid.
After the adjournment of the meeting all repaired to the dining room of the Brettun and ate oysters and celery, drank coffee and cream, told vigorous stories of dead-beats and bill-jumpers, and treated each other to little bits of business experience that furnished points for future action. The supper was nicely served and thirty-nine sat down to the long table and took two or more dishes of “Oysters-loony style,” with fruit and lighter refreshments thrown in. One of the most unfortunate features of the supper was that there were no toasts. Nothing is so delightful after a nice supper as to sit back in your chair and note the writhings of the poor mortal who has been selected to tell about “The great American eagle, who laves his bill in the Atlantic and dips his tail in the Pacific,” and to see him squirm when he finds that he has forgotten the piece and got the proud bird’s tail in the wrong pond. We were very anxious to see this duty performed and had about concluded to call out J. L. Horning or A. T. Spotswood, with W. J. Hodges and R. E. Wallis as possible substitutes, when the thought struck us that it might prove a boomerang and our desire for toasts immediately expired.
Among the ladies who graced the occasion were Mrs. W. R. McDonald, Mrs. J. L. Rinker, Mrs. J. B. Lynn, Miss Sadie French, Mrs. W. J. Hodges, Mrs. S. W. Hughes, Mrs. J. A. Cooper, and Mrs. W. B. Pixley.
[TEACHERS DIRECTORY: 1881-1882.]
Winfield Courier, January 12, 1882.
Celina Bliss, District 9: $40.00 monthly salary.
Excerpts...
[TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION: CENTRAL DIVISION.]
Winfield Courier, January 19, 1882.
EDITORS COURIER: Please announce that the Teachers’ Association of the Central Division will meet in Winfield school building, Saturday, January 28th, at 10 o’clock a.m.
The following programme indicates the teachers of the Central Division, and the work assigned them for the next meeting.
3. Public Spelling. E. P. Hickock, A. H. Stuber, and Celina Bliss.
Winfield Courier, January 19, 1882.
Spencer Bliss started Wednesday for Iowa on a business trip, and will be absent about a month.
Winfield Courier, February 9, 1882.
Central Division Association of Teachers.
The Central Division Association of teachers met in the high school building in Winfield, on Saturday, January 28. President T. J. Rude was promptly at his post of honor. The Secretary being absent, M. H. Markcum was appointed secretary pro tem. The inclemency of the weather prevented quite a number of the fair portion of the members of the Association from attending. However, a sufficient number of the stalwarts assembled to constitute a quorum, and make an interesting time. The subjects that were particularly and thoroughly discussed were as follows:
Spelling classes, which was championed by Miss Celina Bliss.
Use of globes found a strong advocate in the personage of Wm. White.
How to study English literature was elucidated by M. H. Markcum.
Miss Etta Johnson handled the subject of moral training, while our worthy president ably defended phonic spelling.
Winfield Courier, February 16, 1882.
A horse came tearing around the East ward schoolhouse Monday afternoon with a young lady clinging to the side saddle and yelling for help. She was thrown off near Mr. Bliss’ residence, but sustained no serious injuries.
Winfield Courier, March 2, 1882.
Sheriff Shenneman has purchased three acres of ground just above Bliss & Wood’s mill on this side of the river. He will build a barn and feed his cattle and fine stock there.
Cowley County Courant, March 2, 1882.
Mrs. Millspaugh, wife of the Mr. Millspaugh who died here about a year ago, is in the city stopping at the residence of Mrs. C. A. Bliss. She will return with the remains of her husband.
Excerpts...
Cowley County Courant, March 2, 1882.
We call the attention of our citizens to the communication from Mr. Thorpe in this issue, and we are glad to see them investigating the matter. The prospect of such a manufactory is decidedly pleasant to us, and we would like to see the matter given full attention. We don’t think there is any danger of Winfield becoming a “way station,” but we would not lose an opportunity to build up this city or advance her interests. Winfield is flourishing now, and we want it to continue in so doing and we think all our businessmen are with us in that desire.
EDITOR COURANT: I find that there are some people who feel rather dubious as to the success of the enterprise which I suggested in the COURANT the other day. To these people I would kindly offer this explanation of the “modus operandi” of such an enterprise. All of the eastern manufactories of a like nature have to buy their leather, paying four profits for it, namely, the manufacturers, commissioners, wholesalers, and retailers. Now in my suggestion I propose manufacturing my own leather, and thereby combining all of the aforesaid profits with the profits derived from the manufacture of boots and shoes.
The following are some of the well known citizens who fully endorse my proposition and who also agree to take shares in the corporation. EDWARD F. THORPE.
One of the citizens who endorsed Thorpe’s proposition: C. A. Bliss.
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Winfield Courier, March 9, 1882.
Library Association.
Directors: Mrs. H. B. Mansfield, Mrs. J. B. Schofield, Mrs. J. A. Earnest, Mrs. J. G. Shrieves, Mrs. W. H. Shearer, Mrs. G. W. Miller, Mrs. Elbert Bliss, Mrs. James A. Bullen, and Mrs. J. Swain.
Cowley County Courant, March 16, 1882.
At a late meeting of the Library Association, the following officers were elected for the year ending January 31, 1883: President, Mrs. M. J. Wood; Vice President, Mrs. T. B. Myers; Secretary, Mrs. A. H. Doane; Treasurer, Mrs. W. L. Mullen; Directors, Mrs. H. H. Mansfield, Mrs. Elbert Bliss, Mrs. James A. Bullen, Mrs. J. Swain, Mrs. J. B. Schofield, Mrs. J. A. Earnest, Mrs. W. H. Shearer, Mrs. J. G. Shreeves, and Mrs. G. W. Miller.
Papers never consistent on names. Above are examples...
Courier: Mrs. H. B. Mansfield. Courant: Mrs. H. H. Mansfield.
Courier: Mrs. J. G. Shrieves. Courant: Mrs. J. G. Shreeves.
Cowley County Courant, March 23, 1882.
Bliss & Wood have telephonic connection, and the convenience will undoubtedly be great.
Winfield Courier, March 23, 1882.
Miss Celina Bliss has finished her school in district 9, but the patrons want her to go on with the work.
Winfield Courier, March 23, 1882.
Mrs. Bliss is gradually sinking. She is constantly attended by Mrs. Rigby.
Winfield Courier, April 6, 1882.
Joe Conklin is busy tearing away the Bliss storeroom, one of the oldest landmarks of the city. It will give place to a handsome new building.
Winfield Courier, April 6, 1882.
Winfield is to have another new business building this spring. J. E. Conklin will erect a brick storeroom eighty feet deep on the site of the old Bliss storeroom, next to Baird’s. The building, when finished, will be occupied by Hendricks & Wilson’s hardware store.
Winfield Courier, April 6, 1882.
Miss Celina Bliss will teach a spring school in district 9.
Winfield Courier, April 13, 1882.
Spencer Bliss started Monday for a trip through Iowa in the interest of the Winfield City Mills.
Cowley County Courant, April 13, 1882.
While in Arkansas City yesterday C. A. Bliss took a look through the Ayres mill on the canal. He pronounces it to be a good one.
Winfield Courier, April 27, 1882.
Mrs. E. H. Bliss left Friday for Leavenworth, where she will meet her husband and accompany him on his travels till he gets around home again.
Winfield Courier, April 27, 1882.
Mrs. Hill, living just across the river west of Bliss’ Mill, was gored by a mad cow last week and her arm fractured. The cow also took after Dr. Davis and came near catching him. She was finally killed, and since three other cows and two hogs have shown decided symptoms of hydrophobia. Look out for mad dogs.
Cowley County Courant, May 4, 1882.
Mrs. Harry Hamblin, of Burlington, Kansas, an aunt of Mrs. C. A. Bliss, is here visiting for a few days. She has a number of friends in Winfield, having been here before.
Winfield Courier, May 18, 1882.
A Big Picnic.
The A. O. U. W. Society of Winfield are making arrangements for a grand basket picnic in Riverside Park, May 25th. Twenty-five neighboring lodges have been invited, special trains will be run, and a general good time indulged in. The following committees have been appointed.
Devotional exercises: Revs. Platter and Cairns.
Reception: J. S. Mann, W. R. Davis, J. F. McMullen, C. A. Bliss.
On grounds: Wm. Hodges, A. B. Snow, B. F. McFadden, John Burroughs, S. G. Gary, Wm. Caton, T. J. Harris, D. Dix.
On music: W. C. Carruthers, B. F. Wood, G. S. Manser, Chas. Green.
On Finance: B. M. Legg, A. D. Hendricks, J. N. Harter, H. S. Silver.
On invitations: E. T. Trimble, W. J. Hodges, G. F. Corwin.
On Printing: A. B. Sykes.
The committees are hard at work perfecting arrangements, and intend making this a memorable event in the history of their Society.
Excerpts...
Cowley County Courant, May 25, 1882.
PIONEER’S REUNION.
The pioneer settlers of Vernon township, in Cowley County, Kansas, will hold a picnic meeting at Riverside Park, in Vernon township, near Winfield, on Wednesday, May 31st, 1882, at 10 o’clock A.M., for the purpose of organizing an association for mutual friendship and to commemorate the incidents and hardships encountered in the early settlement of this township. The following is the program of exercises.
7th. Essay on the Early Settlement of Vernon Township, by Mrs. John Werden, Mrs. C. A. McClung, and Mrs. Mina Bliss, who are among the earliest settlers.
Excerpts...
Cowley County Courant, June 1, 1882.
Gazing upon the vast congregation that filed out of that noble pile at the close of the service, our mind wandered back to the handful of communicants who assembled to hear the Rev. Winfield Scott preach the first sermon, which gave our beautiful little city a name.
The Baptist congregation was organized in the fall of 1870, with six or eight charter members, and Alvin W. Tousey as pastor. The meetings were held anywhere, wherever an empty shanty could be found, but often in the then new store of Bliss & Tousey, until the year 1872, when the stone building which stands on the old Lagonda block and now used for a boarding house, was erected and occupied.
The report of the Building Committee accompanied with the key, was handed to the pastor, Rev. James Cairns, who turned the same over to the trustees. The report shows that the house cost in round numbers, $13,000, which had all been paid, and a balance of $43.17 still remained to the credit of the committee. Is there another church in the state that can make such a showing? No call for money, no frantic appeal for promises to pay in the future; none but the collection for ordinary expenses taken up.
The choir was composed of Mrs. J. S. Mann, Mrs. H. E. Silliman, Mrs. W. D. Roberts, Misses Zulu Farringer, and Josie Bard, and Messrs. H. E. Silliman, Richard Bowles, E. H. Bliss, Forrest Noble, and John Roberts, with Ed. Farringer as organist.
Winfield Courier, June 8, 1882.
School Festival and Concert.
There will be held at the Excelsior schoolhouse in District No. 9, two and a half miles south of Winfield, on Friday evening, June 9th. It being the closing day of school, a concert and festival conducted by Miss Celina Bliss, the teacher. Every pains will be taken to make the affair a pleasant and enjoyable success, and friends from the city and other districts are invited to be present to encourage and enjoy.
Winfield Courier, June 8, 1882.
Winfield Cemetery Association.
The Annual meeting of the Winfield Cemetery Association was held in Winfield on Saturday evening, June 3rd. From the report read it appears that the Association is now for the first time out of debt and in a flourishing condition, so that all receipts hereafter will be employed in beautifying the grounds. There are about $200.00 due the association for lots sold, some of them four or five years ago, and not yet paid for. A resolution was passed to the effect that such of these lots as are not paid for in the next ninety days will be forfeited, and the bodies buried therein will be moved to the paupers’ grounds.
The following named persons were elected a Board of Directors for the ensuing year.
R. E. Wallis, W. G. Graham, H. S. Silver, H. Brotherton, C. A. Bliss, A. P. Johnson,
J. H. Land, T. R. Bryan, and H. D. Gans. T. R. Bryan was elected President, H. Brotherton, Treasurer, and W. G. Graham, Secretary.
Next item contains poetry by P. P. Bliss, cousin of C. A. Bliss, who perished at Ashtabula...
Winfield Courier, June 8, 1882.
HOLD THE FORT.
In the terrible onslaught of the rebels on the fort at Altoona Pass, when the fate of the days battle depended upon the success of the intrepid Gen. Corse in holding the fort, Gen. Sherman dispatched to Corse: “Hold Altoona,”: to which the latter waived back the answer: “We are badly cut up but can whip hell out of them yet.” It was then that Hackney got his scar and other brave men fell.
P. P. Bliss, the sweet singer and poet so dear to the Sabbath School scholar, seized up on this heroic defense and the above dispatches and revised them as follows:
“Hold the fort for I’m coming.
Jesus signals still.
Wave the answer back to Heaven,
By thy grace we will.”
And that song will be sung so long as devoted heroism meets a response in the hearts of the young.
Winfield Courier, June 15, 1882.
Miss Celina Bliss, of Winfield, closed her summer term of school at Excelsior, about three miles south of here, last Friday, and in the evening the teacher and pupils gave a concert and ice cream social in honor of the occasion, and also to raise money to finish paying for a handsome organ which the Sunday school in that district has recently purchased. A number of Miss Bliss’ friends in this city went out to share the enjoyment of the evening and have a good time generally. There was a very large crowd present, so large indeed that the ice cream was exhausted before near all had been supplied; but the scarcity of cream was entirely made up by the excellent concert, which was highly appreciated by all in attendance, and was very entertaining. Miss Bliss has taught four terms in this district, and the people are so well pleased with her labors that it will be with great reluctance that she is ever given up.
Winfield Courier, June 15, 1882.
School Concert and Festival.
EDS. COURIER: On last Friday evening I had the pleasure of attending an ice cream festival at the Excelsior schoolhouse three miles south of Winfield. The citizens of that district had purchased a very fine organ for the use of the public school, and also for the Sunday school which meets there, and the proceeds of the entertainment were to go toward liquidating a balance due on said organ. Everything passed off very pleasantly, and the occasion seemed to be enjoyed by all present. To a stranger spending a few days in the neighborhood such a gathering, and so well conducted, is a very high recommendation, as it is a good index to the social, as well as the intellectual qualities, of the people.
We were treated to some excellent music, both vocal and instrumental, with Miss Bliss, the teacher of the school, as organist, and Mr. Jacob Miller and Geo. Nawman, violinists. The singing was excellent, but the writer being a stranger and not being able to obtain all of the names, will mention none lest injustice may be done.
I am informed the proceeds amounted to over thirty dollars, which will place the society out of debt. I did not learn the name of the party who furnished the ice cream, but would simply say he understands his business, and others contemplating a festival would do well to give him a call. VISITOR.
Winfield Courier, June 22, 1882.
Drowned.
DIED. We are pained to record another case of drowning—that saddest ordeal to which parents are subjected. The victim this time is Charley Austin, a fourteen year old son of painter Austin. The boy had gone to the river near Bliss’ mill to bathe. Being a poor swimmer, and the water high, he soon got beyond his depth and sank before help could reach him. To Mr. and Mrs. Austin it was a heavy blow, coming suddenly. This is the saddest feature of these cases. To see one snatched from the full enjoyment of health to a watery grave, carries terrors ten-fold more severe than when one is permitted to hover about the bed-side of a loved one, and minister to their wants until the angel of death takes them gently away.
Cowley County Courant, June 22, 1882.
DIED. Charley, a fourteen year old boy of C. D. Austin’s, the painter, was drowned in the Walnut between Bliss & Wood’s mill and the railroad bridge about half past three Tuesday, while in bathing. As is the daily custom of perhaps a hundred Winfield boys, Charley and Sam Aldridge, who carries THE DAILY COURANT, went in swimming just across from the mill, and the two swam over to the south side floating down with the current, perhaps a hundred yards. When about forty feet from shore, Charley called to Sam to come and take him out. Sam hurried to him, and was pulled under the water; then drifting into a tree top, Sam caught hold of the brush, took a stick from a drift and held it out, and Charley took hold of it, but he soon began to sink again and as he went down let go of the stick and Sam was left hanging to the tree top. Charley came up once or twice after that but he had been carried so far down the stream that Sam could not get to him. The sad news was at once telephoned uptown from the mill, and the father and brother of the poor boy notified of their loss, and in less than half an hour the streets were deserted, and nearly everyone was on the banks of the river looking upon the black, muddy waters beneath which the dead boy’s body was still undiscovered. Boats, rakes, and nets were brought into use, and up to this writing dozens of men are searching for the lost boy. The horror stricken father and older brother are standing there, comforted only by the sympathy of hundreds of anxious friends. The mother of the boy, poor soul, we understand is in the country, and has not yet learned of the sad intelligence which is awaiting her. Words fail to express the sorrow we feel for her.
LATER: We learn by telephone that the body has been found. Frank Finch discovered the body about thirty feet below where it was seen sinking the last time.
Death of Julia M. [Mrs. C. A. Bliss]...
Winfield Courier, June 29, 1882.
DIED. In Winfield, Kansas, Monday, June 26, 1882, after two years and a half of severe, but patient suffering, Julia M., wife of Mr. C. A. Bliss.
Mrs. Bliss was born June 3, 1887, in northern Illinois, near Beloit, Wisconsin, where her parents removed while she was but a child. She remained in Beloit until after her marriage with Mr. Bliss, Feb. 7, 1855. In the spring of the following year, 1856, Mr. and Mrs. Bliss were both converted and baptized into the fellowship of the Beloit Baptist Church. The following August they moved to Topeka, Kansas, where they remained for ten years, when they moved to Columbus and remained two years. In 1870 they came to Winfield. They have been very closely identified with the early history of Kansas, and earnest advocates of all its moral and material progress. In Topeka, Columbus, and Winfield, they were constituent members of the Baptist Churches formed in these cities.
It may be well said of Mrs. Bliss that “she did what she could” in the home circle, in the church, and in the community. Her deep devotion and piety made her heed the Savior’s injunction to remember the poor, the needy, and the afflicted. How often while she was able was she seen with a loving heart and full hand ministering to their wants.
The whole community sympathize with the bereaved husband, daughter, and his sister, Mrs. Rigby, who has been so closely identified with her so many years. Another sister and two brothers are also left to mourn her loss. . . . J. C.
Cowley County Courant, June 29, 1882.
DIED. Died in Winfield, June 26th, 1882, Mrs. C. A. Bliss, aged 45 years, 23 days. Mrs. Bliss was born in northern Illinois near Beloit. This is where her family moved in her early life, and where she grew up to womanhood. Here Mr. Bliss and she were married Feb. 7th, 1855. In the spring of 1856, they were both converted and baptized by Rev. T. Holmes into the Baptist church. The following August they moved to Topeka, Kansas, where they became constituent members of the Topeka Baptist church, and shared in all the struggles of the early history of Kansas. They then went to Columbus, Kansas. There they resided for two years, and came to Winfield in 1870. In both the last places they were constituent members of the Baptist church. Sister Bliss was a deeply devoted woman in all the relations of life. To her church she was full of zeal and good work, both spiritually, and in relation to the material house. Eternity alone will reveal how much power she yielded behind the throne. Her pastor felt the power of her prayers and highly appreciated them. . . .
Cowley County Courant, June 29, 1882.
In another column will be found the announcement, with appropriate remarks by her pastor, of the death of Mrs. C. A. Bliss. And while, ordinarily, such notice would be sufficient, yet we cannot let the matter pass without contributing our tribute of respect, however slight it may be. We have been, as the world goes, intimately acquainted with Mrs. Bliss since the year 1870. She was one of the few that are altogether too rare, a woman that everyone loved. Kind, affectionate, and always considerate of others, she speedily found her way into the heart and affections of all who were in any manner worthy of such excellence. The history of Winfield or Cowley County could not be written without her name, and indeed that of her sorrowing sister, Mrs. Rigby. And it is only to be regretted that someone entirely capable of so doing, cannot be found to do justice to so noble a pair of pioneers. We are fast passing away. And those of us who erstwhile were young and bid fair for a long life are graying for the tomb. Mrs. C. A. Bliss will live in the memory of many of us when indeed she has been forgotten by those who knew her not. This writer is doubly tied to her dear memory. Always the same, always herself, always the true loving Christian, whether neighbor or friend. Some day we will meet the dear departed in heaven.
Winfield Courier, June 29, 1882.
Resolutions.
Officers and Comrades of Cowley Legion No. 16, S. K. A. O. U. W.:
We, your committee appointed for the purpose, respectfully submit the following:
WHEREAS, We have heard of the death (after a long and painful illness) of Mrs. Julia Bliss, beloved wife of Comrade C. A. Bliss, and, although we recognize that the dissolution has long been expected, and therefore does not fall with the overwhelming force of a sudden bereavement, we yet concede, in the loss of a wife and counselor an irreparable privation; and, while we extend to our brother our consolation, we trust that his grief may be tempered by the peace and rest which has followed a long and wearied waiting.
Resolved, That we extend to Comrade Bliss our fraternal sympathies and condolence, in token whereof Cowley Legion No. 16, S. K. A. O. U. W., will attend the funeral in a body.
J. F. McMULLEN, J. WADE McDONALD, C. C. GREEN, COMMITTEE.
Assembly Rooms, Winfield, June 27, 1882.
Winfield Courier, July 27, 1882.
C. A. Bliss left for Chicago Tuesday and will be absent a couple of weeks on business and pleasure combined.
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Winfield Courier, August 10, 1882.
66th Representative Convention: N. M. Chaffey, chairman; W. B. Weimer, secretary.
Delegates—
Walnut: J. L. King, E. S. Bliss, W. W. Limbocker, N. M. Chaffey, G. W. Prater.
Excerpts...
Winfield Courier, August 10, 1882.
IT IS SETTLED.
We Are to Have a Creamery, the First and the Best in the State.
The Stock Made up and the Work to Begin at Once. The Town is “Waking Up.”
Last Saturday the final subscription to the Creamery stock was made and the enterprise became an assured fact. We fully believe that it will prove one of the best investments made in the county and furnish a valuable market for the dairy products of Cowley.
Mr. M. W. Babb, the originator of the enterprise, came here about a year ago and, after visiting various creameries throughout Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri, came home with the necessary papers and information and went to work, aided by a few of our public-spirited citizens; among whom Mr. J. P. Baden was first and foremost, with the success before mentioned. The following is a list of the stockholders.
Bliss & Wood, 2 shares, $100.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 16, 1882.
On Sunday morning last at 4 o’clock, Bliss’ mill was almost entirely destroyed by fire. When first discovered the fire was well underway in several places; the safe had been rifled, and it is supposed the mill had been set on fire. The loss will reach about $45,000.
Winfield Courier, August 17, 1882.
C. A. Bliss returned home Monday. The first news of the burning of his mill he got in the columns of the Daily Capital, on the train near Newton. The sight of the ruins as he crossed the railroad bridge must have been very painful to him, after having spent the best years of his life building up the business. However, Mr. Bliss has the nerve to pull through it, and commence over again.
Excerpts...
Winfield Courier, August 17, 1882.
HUNGRY FLAMES!
One of the Leading Industries of Our Town and County Destroyed by Fire.
The Winfield City Mills a Mass of Ruins.
The mill was a magnificent piece of property and was grinding at the rate of seven hundred bushels of grain per day, and of the very finest quality known to the trade. They found a ready market for all they could do. The mill itself is a complete loss. Part of the walls are still standing, but are cracked and ruined by the heat and will have to come down. The boilers are safe and it is thought that the engine is not seriously disabled. The dam is not damaged. The elevator is safe and the franchise as good as ever. The mill was insured for $10,000, the damages are fully thirty thousand dollars.
The loss is great, not only for Messrs. Bliss & Wood but for the community at large. The demand for wheat by Bliss & Wood has tended to keep the price at its best.
Winfield Courier, August 17, 1882.
THE CREAMERY LOCATED.
Work Was Commenced Wednesday Morning and It Will Be Running in Ninety Days.
Keep the Ball Rolling.
Tuesday morning the Board of Directors of the Creamery Association met for the purpose of visiting and personally selecting a site for the Creamery. There were present four of the directors: Messrs. Read, Babb, Horning, and Platter. Two sites were proposed: one on the river just above Bliss’ Mill; and the other near the Santa Fe depot on the ground where the railroad windmill stands. The latter proposition included the refusal for a year of grounds adjacent for hog lots at a stipulated price. After visiting the grounds and thoroughly investigating the matter, the directors decided in favor of the last named location—that near the Santa Fe depot, and work was begun at once.
[KANSAS NEWS.]
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, August 23, 1882. Front Page.
The large flouring-mills of Bliss & Wood, at Winfield, were destroyed by fire, the loss being $50,000.
Winfield Courier, August 24, 1882.
Messrs. Bliss & Wood have made arrangements by which they will be enabled to immediately rebuild their mill on a larger and better scale than before. This time the mill will be entirely on the roller system, such as is used exclusively in the far-famed Minnesota mills. The old walls are now being pulled down, and a large force of men are at work. They expect to have the mill running again by January 1st.
[COWLEY COUNTY TEACHERS.]
Winfield Courier, September 14, 1882.
Winfield City, Miss Celina Bliss, grade 2.
Winfield Courier, September 14, 1882.
Teacher Items.
At the examination of teachers in August, 78 certificates were issued, making 107 now in force in the county. Of these 19 are first grade, 49 are second grade, and 27 are third grade. As there will be about 140 schools needing teachers this fall and winter, the supply is below the demand.
Miss Celina Bliss will teach in 115, Pleasant Valley.
Winfield Courier, September 14, 1882.
The work on Bliss and Wood’s mill is progressing finely. The walls of the mill have been torn down and in their place new ones on a larger plan. The firm have secured as superintendent of the stone work the services of the veteran builder, Mr. J. W. Connor, which insures its speedy completion.
[Note: Am only giving some excerpts re W. H. Colgate with respect to the fire which destroyed the Bliss & Wood Mill. I have a separate file on Colgate. MAW]
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Winfield Courier, September 14, 1882.
W. H. Colgate Arrested and Confesses to Burning Bliss & Wood’s Mill.
He Does it for “Spite” and to Cover up Peculations.
Our city was thrown into a fever of excitement Friday by the report that W. H. Colgate had made a confession of burning Bliss & Wood’s Mill. The report proved to be true, and Colgate is now in jail in default of $5,000 bail. The arrest was made Saturday morning by Sheriff Shenneman on a warrant sworn out by J. J. Merrick.
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[COMMUNICATION FROM “MARK” - CONSTANT CHIMES]
Arkansas City Traveler, October 4, 1882.
A week ago Monday, Miss Bliss, of Winfield, corralled a score of youths in Dist. 115 for the purpose of teaching them the whys and wherefores of a multiplicity of things. Miss Celina is a teacher of excellent repute, and under her supervision the cause of education in this district will be accelerated with an impetus characteristic of the lady.
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[PLEASANT VALLEY CORRESPONDENT: “HORATIUS.”]
Winfield Courier, October 12, 1882.
School in district 115 has been in session two weeks. Miss Celina Bliss presides as teacher. She is energetic and efficient.
Winfield Courier, November 9, 1882.
Little Folks’ Party.
A large number of little folks gathered together at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. S. D. Pryor Monday afternoon to celebrate with little Mamie her third birthday. The crowd was the jolliest and liveliest we have seen and each of the little folks seemed to take in the full measure of enjoyment. A splendid repast was set for them which they attacked with a relish. Little Mamie received a large number of elegant presents from her young friends. The following is a list of the presents and of those present: 1 silver set knife, fork, and spoon; 2 Majolica plates; 2 gold sash pins; 1 gold ring; 1 child’s decorated china wash stand set; 1 child’s dinner castor; 1 hand painted mug; 1 porte-monnaie; 5 China cups and saucers; 2 China mugs; 1 glass mug; 1 doll’s parlor suite; 1 autograph album; 1 photograph album; 1 wood tea set combination table and cupboard; 1 Brittania tea set; 2 child’s glass sets; sugar bowl; butter dish, etc.; 3 dolls; 2 doll’s canopy top phaetons; 1 doll and carriage; 2 picture books; 1 flat iron and stand; 1 bell cart and span of goats; 1 bouquet; 1 basket of flowers; 1 satin puff box; 1 panorama egg; 6 elegant birthday cards; 1 little brown jug; 1 necklace of pearl beads; 1 shell box; 1 photograph with frame; 2 China match safes; 2 bottles perfumery; 1 card receiver (Kalo Meda); 2 handkerchiefs (embroidered); 1 collar; 1 tooth-pick holder.
Present: Misses Birdie Wright, Edna Glass, Blanche Bliss, Blanche Troup, Stella Buckman, Mamie Black, Frankie Black, Mary Spotswood, Maggie Pryor, Edna Pryor, Muriel Covert, Annie McDonald, Clara Austin, Pearl E. Snyder, Maggie Johnson, Emma Johnson, Bernice Bullen, Beryl Johnston, Nina Nelson, Nona Nelson, Lube Myton, Josie Myton, Ethel Carruthers, Mary Brotherton, Bell Brotherton, Nina Harter, May Harter, Maud Miller, Gertie Lynn, Effie Lynn, Edna Short, Alma Miller, Mollie Trezise, Lillie Trezise, Fannie Bryan, Flossie Bullen, Ollie Newcomb, Edna Fitch, Maud Cooper, Daisy Clark.
Masters Eddie Greer, Eddie Thorp, Ralph Brown, Roy Robinson, Bertie Silliman, Vere Hollenbeck, Charles F. Green, Charlie Sydal, Henrion McDonald, Dolphi Green, Clare Bullen, Bruce Carruthers, Edgar Powers, Charlie Lynn, Paul Bedilion, Codie Waite, Zack Miller, Willie Trezise, Carl Farringer, Walter Baird, and Willis Young.
Winfield Courier, November 9, 1882.
The fourth and last story is now being put on Bliss & Wood’s magnificent new mill, which occupies the site of the old one. It is of sawed stone and built in the most substantial manner. The machinery will be much better than before. The proprietors hope to have it running by January 1st, and if things go on at the rate they are at present, they will succeed.
Winfield Courier, November 23, 1882.
Employment for all Winter. Forty carpenters and foremen wanted at Bliss & Wood’s Mill. Highest wages paid. BLISS & WOOD.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 6, 1882.
Colgate, who was tried for setting fire to Bliss & Wood’s mill, a short time since, was acquitted of the charge, and is now at large. The verdict was a surprise all around, and we hear great dissatisfaction expressed thereat.
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Winfield Courier, December 14, 1882.
Teachers’ Association.
The next meeting of the Winfield Division of Teachers’ Association will be held at the Excelsior schoolhouse, three miles south of Winfield, Friday evening, Dec. 15, at 7 o’clock p.m. Program for the evening as follows:
Saturday’s program, assigned as follows:
1. Methods of teaching beginners in reading: [a] Alphabetic, [b] Word, [c] Phonic, [d] Sentence, to Miss C. Bliss and J. H. Crotsley.
Winfield Courier, December 28, 1882.
The Winfield Division of the Teachers’ Association will hold their next meeting at Mr. McKinley’s schoolhouse, five miles west of Winfield, Friday evening, Jan. 12th, at 7 o’clock p.m. Program for the evening as follows.
Address of Welcome by Mrs. McKinley.
Response by Miss C. Bliss.
Morals and manners—Miss C. Bliss and Mr. Tremor.
Winfield Courier, January 4, 1883.
The officers elect of Cowley Legion No. 10, A. K. of A. O. U. W., are as follows:
S. C., Col. Whiting; V. C., E. F. Blair; Lt. C., E. C. Goodrich; C., E. T. Trimble; Rec., J. F. McMullen; R. T., D. G. Silver; F., C. A. Bliss; S. W., C. C. Green; M., Wm. Minerick.
Winfield Courier, January 25, 1883.
Recap of Claims Submitted in report of Commissioners Proceedings given by J. S. Hunt, County Clerk of Cowley County.
Talesman: E. S. Bliss.
Witness at Colgate Trial: E. S. Bliss.
Winfield Courier, January 25, 1883.
Elbert Bliss made Winfield last week and stayed over Sunday with his family.
[PROHIBITION.]
Winfield Courier, February 1, 1883.
WINFIELD DON’T WANT SALOONS.
On looking over carefully the list of signatures on the petition to Hackney, we find a considerable number of names of persons who live in the country, and many more whom nobody knows. We find only 101 names, less than half of those on the petition, who are known as citizens of Winfield. Less than half of these probably understood what they were signing, and are in favor of saloons. It is presumable that the originators got all the names of prominent Winfield men they could by any kind of representations; and, considering all these things, the petition is not so very formidable after all. But it is enough to give our city a bad name, and give a severe stab to the cause of prohibition. The Kansas City Journal’s Topeka correspondence says that the names of all the prominent men and business firms of Winfield are found on that petition, except one bank and one hardware store. We notice that the following Winfield firms and names are conspicuously absent from the petition.
COURIER Office, Winfield Bank, S. H. Myton, W. E. McDonald & Co., W. C. Root & Co., Hughes & Cooper, J. W. Johnston, J. S. Hunt, A. B. Arment, D. F. Best, F. M. Friend, C. E. Steuven, N. M. Powers, H. D. Gans, T. R. Bryan, C. Farringer, McGuire Bros., A. H. Green, T. J. Harris, Wm. Newton, Jacob Nixon, Curns & Manser, T. B. Myers, L. B. Stone, Frank Jennings, Henry E. Asp, G. H. Buckman, H. H. Siverd, Frank Finch, J. Wade McDonald, T. H. Soward, Ed Bedilion, J. M. Dever, Bliss & Wood, W. P. Hackney, P. H. Albright & Co., R. C. Story, Youngheim Bros., E. S. Torrance, Mr. Tomlin, Brown & Son, H. Brotherton, E. T. Trimble, W. A. Lee, A. B. Robinson, A T & S F R R STATION, Holmes’ Packing House, K C L & S R R Station, C. Trump, Dr. W. G. Graham.
Besides all the clergymen of the city and more than four hundred other businessmen and voters of the city, it does not show up big when we remember that but a very small proportion of the 650 voters in the city signed the petition.
Winfield Courier, February 8, 1883.
MARRIED. Married at the residence of C. A. Bliss, January 31st, 1883, by Rev. J. Cairns, Mr. Thos. W. Forter and Miss Lizzie M. Allen.
Winfield Courier, February 8, 1883.
Brick. For good brick go to Green’s brickyard, near Bliss & Wood’s mill.
Winfield Courier, February 15, 1883.
SKIPPED OUT!
Colgate Again Arrested While Trying to Get Away.
For some time past Bliss & Wood have been perfecting the papers upon which to again try Colgate. He seemed to have got wind of it and before daylight Monday morning appeared at New Salem station six miles east of town, where he was observed to get on the train. He seemed tired and heated, and his actions were such that a man at once came down and reported the circumstance. The papers were got up, charging him with arson and grand larceny, and the officers at Ottawa were telegraphed to arrest him, which they did. The case is a continuation of the one on which he was tried before, and a grave doubt exists in the minds of several of our lawyers as to whether it can be made to stick or not.
Bliss & Wood are acting as the agents of the insurance company in bringing the prosecutions.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 21, 1883.
W. H. Colgate, who was tried and acquitted a short time ago, charged with burning Bliss & Wood’s Mill at Winfield, has been again arrested. He is charged this time with embezzlement and destroying the books of the firm. He was captured at Ottawa, leaving the country.
Winfield Courier, February 22, 1883.
Bliss & Wood paid ninety cents a bushel for several loads of wheat today. They are compelled to have it.
[BLISS MILL AGAIN OPERATIONAL.]
Winfield Courier, February 22, 1883.
A GREAT JUBILEE!
The Winfield Mill Grinds Again.
Bliss & Wood Make Their Best Bow to the Public Again, and Cry for Wheat.
A great concourse of people filled the Winfield Mill of Bliss & Wood last Tuesday to see the splendid new machinery put in motion. The streets and sidewalks were lined for several hours with visitors going to and coming from the mill, including ladies as well as men, all exhibiting the highest gratification and enthusiasm over the grand success of the rebuilding of the mill, and the boom it is bound to give the business of this city and wheat raising in this county. Bliss & Wood were the lions of the day and the recipients of the warmest congratulations for their pluck, energy, and perseverance in rising above the crushing loss of their valuable mill by fire, rebuilding it on a much grander scale, filling it with all the best known machinery with all the latest and best improvements, changing the old process to the new, and making it the most complete and excellent flouring mill in the state of Kansas. The mill has seventeen sets of double rollers. This is the largest number in any mill in the state, the next largest being the one at Topeka, which has thirteen sets. The mill is five stories high. The first, or basement story, is a perfect net-work of shafting, machinery, and elevator ends. On the second floor are rollers, seventeen double sets, and the flour packing apparatus. The wheat is all received in an elevator of 30,000 bushels capacity. Here it is thoroughly cleaned and sent over through a tube to wheat bins in the mill of 1500 bushels’ capacity. The wheat is first taken through a coarse set of rolls where it is just merely cracked. It is then put through a “scalper” and a part of the husk taken off. It then goes to a roll and is broken a little finer than in the first, and again “scalped.” This process is repeated five times. The wheat then looks like fine sand. During this process the soft germ of the wheat grains have been removed. It is then put through rolls of the very hardest steel and polished to perfection. In these the wheat is crushed to a pulp. It is next taken through the patent bolts and beaters, re-crushed and re-bolted, purified, and submitted to several processes, when it finally comes out the most beautiful soft-white and flaky flour—such as makes a house-wife’s eyes glisten to look at. The third and fourth floors are filled with bolters and furnished with patent dust-catching machines. The fifth floor contains the “scalpers.” Running from the second to the fourth floors are six large bins for storing flour, bran, shorts, and wheat. The flour-bins are located just over the packers, and a car-load of flour can be sacked and sent off in a very short space of time. The water-power at most seasons of the year is amply sufficient to run the machinery. When it fails, the proprietors have but to turn on their one hundred horse-power engine, and thus the mill can be run to the greatest advantage at all times. It is so arranged that both water and steam power can be used if necessary. The mill is the most complete in capacity and arrangement of any similar institution of the West, and is a matter of pride to every citizen. Below we give a few figures.
ESTIMATED VALUE OF THE PROPERTY.
Mill building, engine room, and dam complete: $25,000.
Machinery: $30,000.
Elevator with capacity of 35,000 bushels: $12,000.
Thirty acres of land including tenement houses, mill site, water privilege, etc.: $33,000.
TOTAL: $100,000.
CAPACITY OF THE MILL.
Bushels of Wheat. Daily 1,500 Yearly 450,000
Barrels of best patent flour Daily 150 Yearly 45,000
Barrels of Bakers’ flour Daily 135 Yearly 40,500
Barrels of “Cowley Co. Grit” flour Daily 15 Yearly 4,500
196 lb. Packages of shorts Daily 25 Yearly 7,500
196 lb. Packages of bran Daily 75 Yearly 22,500
Total barrels of products Daily 400 Yearly 120,000
Total value of products Daily $1,500 Yearly $450,000
By the above estimate of values of products, it will be noticed that it makes the wheat worth one dollar per bushel after it is manufactured. Such an institution in our midst, demanding nearly half a million bushels of wheat per year, will make the briskest competition in the wheat market and raise the prices paid to the farmers of the county very materially. It will be remembered that during the last two or more years that the old mill was running, which demanded much less grain, the competition of Bliss & Wood kept the prices of wheat up nearly or quite to Kansas City prices much of the time, to the great disgust of the other wheat buyers. The extraordinary demand which such a mill will create in the hands of Bliss & Wood may well be expected to put into the pockets of our farmers from five to ten cents per bushel more for their wheat than they could get without it, which to a farmer raising 2,000 bushels of wheat is from $100 to $200 extra profit.
When the mill was burned, it was bewailed by all, both on Messrs. Bliss & Wood’s account and because it was a great public calamity—a cutting off of one of our greatest home markets, and an institution that handled more money than any other five in the county. Its restoration was a matter of vital importance to this community, and it was so recognized by all. Thus it was that one of our public spirited institutions, the Winfield Bank, stepped to the front and gave Bliss & Wood such assistance as was needed to replace the ruined and blackened walls with the magnificent structure, now a matter of pride and congratulation to every citizen.
Winfield Courier, February 22, 1883.
The roof of Bliss & Wood’s mill was covered with people Tuesday. It affords the grandest view of the country—better than the mound. It is a panorama that no citizen should fail to see.
Winfield Courier, March 1, 1883. Editorial Page.
Skipped item re Bliss & Wood: price of wheat going up and price of flour going down.
Winfield Courier, March 1, 1883.
The Markets. Wheat brings today (Wednesday) 92½ cents per bushel. This is a remarkable price and is within one and one-half cent of Kansas City prices. The quotation for Kansas City as noticed in our telegraphic report, in this column, is ninety-four cents. Bliss & Wood buy most of it. Corn brings 35 cents and hogs $6.00 per hundred. Butter is fifteen cents per pound and eggs fifteen cents per dozen. Potatoes bring $1.
Winfield Courier, March 1, 1883.
Spencer Bliss left for Iowa Monday in the interests of the Winfield City Mills. He expects to put Winfield flour in the kitchens of four states before he returns.
Winfield Courier, March 1, 1883.
Mr. Hiram A. Odell, a young attorney of Minneapolis, Minnesota, spent Monday and Tuesday in the city on legal business. He was much pleased with the appearance of our city, and was specially loud in his praises of Bliss & Wood’s mill.
Winfield Courier, March 15, 1883.
The Markets. Wheat brings today (Wednesday) 95 cents for best, and corn 36 cents. Hogs bring $6.00 to $6.25 per hundred pounds. Eggs bring 10 cents per dozen and butter 15 cents per pound. Potatoes are worth $1.00; apples $1.40; and onions $1.00.
Winfield Courier, March 15, 1883.
Mr. Mentch sold twelve hundred bushels of wheat to Bliss & Wood Monday for $1.00 per bushel.
[BLISS & WOOD FLOUR MILL.]
Winfield Courier, March 15, 1883.
About Milling.
EDS. DEMOCRAT. Sir: Looking over the COURIER of the 22nd inst., I find the new mill of Bliss & Wood to have been started with flattering results. It is truly a beautiful structure, one that the citizens of Winfield may justly be proud of, and I may here add that to appreciate the magnificence of its furniture is but to see and behold that vast amount of machinery in motion and examine the result.
Having been interested in the flour business for some time past, I take great pleasure in looking over the advantages of one system over another. In looking over the figures given of the capacity of the mill, I find that they will use 1,500 bushels of wheat daily and also the manufactured products.
1st. We find that the mill make 50 percent best Patent, 45 percent Bakers flour, and five percent low grade, as they stated “Cowley County Grit.” This shows a very small percent low grade and a very large percent Patent. Also 25 packages of ships or shorts; and 75 packages of bran containing 196 lbs. each. Now, Mr. Editor, I have always been led to believe that there was considerable water in wheat, and in summing up the amount of pounds of stuff produced from 1,500 bushels of wheat by Bliss & Wood, I find an evaporation and waste to amount to 11,600 lbs. daily, which amount equals 193½ bushels of wheat. Copying the capacity of the mill, I find the figures as follows.
CAPACITY OF THE MILL.
Bushels of wheat: 1,503 daily; 450,000 yearly.
Bris. Best Patent flour: 110 daily; 45,000 yearly.
Bris. Bakers’ flour: 125 daily; 40,500 yearly.
Barrels of “Cowley County Grit” flour: 15 daily; 4,500 yearly.
196 lbs. Packages shorts: 25 daily; 7,500 yearly.
196 lbs. Packages of bran: 75 daily; 22,500 yearly.
Total barrels of Products: 403 daily; 120,000 yearly.
Total value of Products: $1,500 daily; $450,000 yearly.
By the above estimate of products we find 400 packages of flour, bran, and ships, each containing 196 lbs., which makes 78,400 lbs. manufactured from 90,000 lbs. Of raw material, having for evaporation, waste, etc., 11,600 lbs. Of stuff daily, and yearly, figuring 300 working days, 3,480,000 lbs., or 58,000 bushels yearly, going where? It is readily seen that to make a barrel of flour, 196 lbs. (all grades) that it requires 300 lbs. of wheat, by estimate given.
Now, Mr. Editor, will some of your readers initiate me into the mysterious disappearance of this 193½ bushels of wheat? If it requires that amount of wheat to produce the amount of flour given in the figures by Bliss & Wood, I will not kick if I receive 35 lbs. of flour in exchange from the mills on the canal. A FARMER.
We clip the above from last week’s Arkansas City Democrat. There is a pretty big question in the above figures which “Farmer” has so nicely handled. We have questioned Messrs. Bliss & Wood on the matter, and find that there is an absolute disappearance of 190 bushels of wheat each day’s 1,500 bushels ground. About two pounds in each bushel is water, another two pounds is sand and dirt, and about three pounds is shriveled and cracked grains which must be removed before grinding. Thus it will be seen that the mill will lose nearly two hundred bushels of wheat a day, when the daily consumption is fifteen hundred bushels.
Winfield Courier, March 22, 1883.
Spencer Bliss returned from his Iowa trip last week. His success in the flour market was far beyond their expectations. The Winfield Roller Mills flour will be sold in over half the towns of that state.
Winfield Courier, April 12, 1883.
The grain market has been very slow during the past few days—possibly owing to the farmers being too busy to bring grain to market. Bliss & Wood ran out of wheat entirely and were compelled to shut down until they could ship in some grain. They received three car loads today (Wednesday) for which they paid 95 cents laid down at their elevators. On Tuesday they paid $1.00 per bushel for several loads; today they are paying 95 cents.
Winfield Courier, April 19, 1883.
Miss Della Tuttle, a niece of C. A. Bliss, is in Topeka visiting with Mrs. Rigby.
Winfield, Courier, April 19, 1883.
Mr. C. A. Bliss has sold his residence opposite the Court House to Elbert Bliss for $4,500.
Winfield Courier, May 3, 1883.
The contract for building the Water-works has been let to Russell & Alexander and the workmen will be put on next week. The water will be taken direct from the river above Bliss & Wood’s Mill.
Winfield Courier, May 3, 1883.
Bliss & Wood’s warehouse, near the railroad switch, went down Tuesday with a hundred and eighty thousand pounds of flour. About two tons were a dead loss. The braces under the floor gave way.
Winfield Courier, May 17, 1883.
Mr. Goodrich, who lives in the Allison house near the M. E. Church, was thrown from Bliss & Wood’s delivery wagon last Saturday evening and was seriously injured. He was just stepping into the wagon when the horses started, suddenly throwing him off his balance, when he fell heavily, striking with full weight on his hip on a rough stone. We believe no bones were broken, but he was terribly bruised and the nerves appear to be paralyzed.
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Winfield Courier, May 24, 1883.
J. F. Drake to Emporia Republican.
WINFIELD, May 10. The State Editorial Association, now in session in this place, and whose deliberations are noted in another place, could not have chosen a better place for its meeting. Right royally are we welcomed and right royally are we being entertained. To be sure, there is more or less of a hitch in things, caused by the trains being away off time. For instance, the entertainment last evening had to wait till midnight for its music, but it was good when it appeared.
Its two railroads—the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe and Kansas City & Southern—give it good shipping facilities. Three elevators handle the grain that is brought in. There are two flouring mills, both doing a good business, and we have had the pleasure of looking through hurriedly and gathered the following description of the Winfield Roller Mills, operated by Messrs. Bliss & Wood, who have been in the milling business about fourteen years. On the 18th of last August their old mill was burned, and believing that the best was none too good for their trade, they immediately started to rebuild on the most approved plans, and today no better mill or flour can be found in Kansas. The following brief description will give some idea of the work it is capable of doing. The building is of stone 40 x 60 feet, and five stories high. It has a double operating power—water and steam—and is so constructed that it can be run by either. The steam is of 125 horsepower. An elevator of 50,000 bushels capacity is within about a hundred feet and connected with iron tubes, the cleaning all being done in the elevator. Of the mill proper the basement is occupied by the shafting, pulleys, gear, elevator boats, etc. The first floor is used for the reduction of wheat to flour, there being thirty-four sets of rolls, 18 corrugated for wheat and 16 for middlings. Gray’s noiseless rollers and the packers, three for flour and one for bran, are also on this floor. The bolts and purifiers start in the second floor and run through the third, fourth, and fifth. To take care of and finish the work commenced on the first floor, are ten No. 2 Smith’s purifiers, twenty-six ordinary bolting reels, and four centrifugal reels. All the machinery above the first floor is run by a twenty-inch belt traveling from that floor to the top at the rate of 2,000 feet a minute. The mill has a capacity of 500 barrels per day and employs about twenty-three men. Their side-track privileges admit of loading four cars at a time, and many of these cars find their way east as far as Illinois.
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[MILLINGTON SURPRISED.]
Winfield Courier, May 24, 1883.
A COMPLETE SURPRISE.
Sixty-five ladies and gentlemen of the best citizens of Winfield joined in a plot last Wednesday, May 16th, to surprise D. A. Millington, editor of the Winfield COURIER, and his wife at their residence, on the thirty-fifth anniversary of their marriage, and were completely successful. It was raining quite briskly all the evening with no prospect of a “let-up.” Between 8 and 9 o’clock we were quietly looking over our late exchanges; our wife was busy in household affairs in a gray dress in which she felt some delicacy about receiving company, when we found our house suddenly taken possession of by J. C. Fuller and lady, J. Wade McDonald, Mrs. J. E. Platter, C. A. Bliss, Dr. C. C. Green and lady, J. P. Short, Geo. Rembaugh and lady, A. T. Spotswood, Miss Jennie Hane, E. S. Torrance, Mrs. John Lowry, Mrs. I. L. Millington, E. P. Hickok and lady, and others. The greater portion of the party lived more distant and were still waiting for the rain to slack up.
Winfield Courier, May 24, 1883.
A man by the name of J. S. Johnson came down the Walnut Saturday from twenty miles above on a rude bark constructed for the occasion. He started at 7 in the morning and sailed into harbor near Bliss & Wood’s mill at 6 in the evening. He must have had considerable romance and bravery in his nature to undertake such a voyage with the river higher than it has been for several years. The trip was taken for the novelty of the thing.
Winfield Courier, June 28, 1883.
Spencer Bliss returned from a business trip through Iowa and Nebraska Saturday, after being detained several days by high water. He says the corn crop in those states will be almost a total failure, owing to the rains and a very poor stand. Many farmers are plowing up what they have and trying a new crop by planting over. Kansas is the favored state again this year.
Winfield Courier, July 5, 1883.
Messrs. Gale, Burden, and Sleeth, the commissioners appointed to condemn the water privilege for the Water Company, met Thursday and made the awards. Bliss & Wood were allowed twenty dollars as their share of the damage, the Tunnel Mill ten dollars. None of the mills were present to put forward their claims and it is understood will contest in the courts the right of the Water Company to take what they have before legally acquired.
[REPORT: J. S. HUNT, COUNTY CLERK.]
Winfield Courier, July 12, 1883.
Witness Fee: E. S. Bliss, $36.00.
Witness Fee: C. A. Bliss: $.50.
Winfield Courier, August 9, 1883.
Spencer Bliss returned from a trip to Iowa and Nebraska in the interests of the Winfield Mills.
Winfield Courier, September 6, 1883.
In consequence of low water, Bliss & Wood’s Mill has been running by steam for the past week. They are turning out a sack of flour a minute, for every minute of the twenty-four hours, and are still eleven cars behind their orders.
Winfield Courier, September 20, 1883.
Wanted. 25 men at once at Bliss & Wood’s Mill.
Winfield Courier, September 20, 1883.
Mrs. Furlong and her daughter, Miss Hattie, of Wichita, have been spending some time in our city with Mrs. Spencer Bliss.
[MARRIED: C. A. BLISS.]
Winfield Courier, September 27, 1883.
MARRIED. A Jewell has gone to Bliss. It occurred at Topeka on last Thursday, and the transformation was caused by the joining together of Mr. C. A. Bliss and Mrs. M. L. Jewell, in the matrimonial bond, by Rev. N. L. Rigby. This was a little surprising to the many friends of the bride and groom, but the surprise was not sufficient to interfere with congratulations. The groom is one of our early residents and most prominent businessmen, while the bride has resided in our city for the last four years, and has taken an active part in the musical and social circles; therefore, they start on their new voyage with the well wishes of a large number of friends. The groom has certainly secured a rare Jewell, and there is no doubt that the bride has chosen the royal road to Bliss. Our wish is that the Jewell may prove a blessing, the possession of which will bring much happiness, and that the Bliss of the new domestic firm may ever be unalloyed. Mr. and Mrs. Bliss will go to housekeeping in a few days.
[DISTRICT COURT.]
Arkansas City Traveler, October 3, 1883.
CIVIL DOCKET. FOURTH DAY.
Bliss & Wood vs. William H. Colgate.
[FAIR.]
Winfield Courier, October 4, 1883.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Best two sacks of flour, Bliss & Wood, city, 1st premium; Bliss & Wood, city, 2nd; Bliss & Wood, city, 3rd; Bliss & Wood, city, 4th.
Winfield Courier, November 22, 1883.
Bliss & Wood are daily purchasers of from fifteen hundred to two thousand bushels of wheat.
Winfield Courier, November 22, 1883.
The Bliss & Wood mill is making and shipping four hundred barrels of flour every twenty-four hours. It takes a large part of the wheat marketed here.
Winfield Courier, November 22, 1883.
Spencer Bliss is the Winfield representative on the merchants and shippers excursion to Memphis, given by the Fort Scott & Gulf railroad company.
[OLD SOLDIERS: ROLL OF HONOR.]
Winfield Courier, November 22, 1883.
We publish below the roll of old soldiers in this county drawing pensions from the government for injuries sustained on account of service, with monthly rate of allowance. It shows that there are one hundred and forty-six soldiers in the county drawing pensions, and that the government pays to them monthly the aggregate sum of $1,509.66-3/4. This is a record that no county but ours can show. It is certainly one that “Cares for him who has born the brunt of battle and for his widows and orphans.”
LIST OF PENSIONERS, COWLEY COUNTY.
Bliss, Daniel W., Winfield, injury to abdomen, $6.00, June 1882.
Winfield Courier, November 29, 1883.
Give Us Another Mill.
One of the greatest needs of this country at present is another first-class flouring mill. The Bliss & Wood mill is now a daily consumer of fifteen hundred bushels of wheat. It is running full capacity, is making three hundred and fifty to four hundred barrels of flour per day, and finds a ready market greater than its product. It is making money for the proprietors and is the best investment in the county. For the man or men who will take hold of the old Tunnel Mill, there is a fortune in sight. Every citizen in Winfield is interested in seeing it done, and if properly approached, will take a hand in helping to do it. As the old mill stands, it is simply an old rookery, and of little value to the owners or the public. Its water power is the only valuable thing about it. If someone with the requisite amount of energy and forty to fifty thousand dollars in capital or backing will take hold of it, put a four hundred barrel roller mill on the site of the old building, he will reap an abundant harvest on his investment. Then the two mills could use all the wheat that legitimately belongs to this market, and farmers who hold their grain until after the shipping season would be assured of good prices. In short, another four hundred barrel roller mill would make this the best wheat market in Southern Kansas. There is no uncertainty in the investment. It is a gold mile without the perils of prospecting. Will not someone take hold of the matter at once?
Winfield Courier, November 29, 1883.
Grain Prices.
For some weeks farmers have been complaining that they could get from five to seven cents more per bushel for wheat at Arkansas City than here. Last week a grain buyer from here went down and investigated the matter. He found from the record of actual sales that such was not the case. On Wednesday morning one of the leading farmers of Beaver drove on the street with a load of wheat. Bliss & Wood at once put a bid of seventy-five cents a bushel on it. He said that wouldn’t do, as he had sold a load of the same wheat in Arkansas City Saturday at 80 cents. Messrs. Bliss & Wood happened to have a complete record of the load he sold in Arkansas City Saturday, and turning to it found he had received just 75 cents per bushel. They then told him there was a hundred dollars on deposit in the bank subject to his check the moment he could prove that he had received over 75 cents for a load of wheat in Arkansas City Saturday, and he wilted. This is a bad game for any farmer to attempt to play.
As a matter of fact, Arkansas City buyers did pay ten and as high as fifteen cents above market price, but this was only a local fight among buyers and was soon brought down to a legitimate basis. The fights occur here frequently and almost every day from one to five or six loads are run way up, but these things do not make a grain market. It is based on what the wheat is worth that day in Chicago. The Winfield market can’t be beaten.
Winfield Courier, December 13, 1883.
The Bliss & Wood Mill ran out of wheat Tuesday and shut down to make some repairs on their machinery.
Winfield Courier, December 20, 1883.
Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller entertained a large number of friends at their elegant home Friday evening. It was a pleasant company and the hospitality was highly enjoyed. Among those present were Mayor & Mrs. Emerson, Mr. & Mrs. Bahntge, Mr. & Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Mr. & Mrs. Spotswood, Mr. & Mrs. Hickok, Mr. & Mrs. C. A. Bliss, Mr. & Mrs. E. S. Bliss, Mr. & Mrs. Mann, Mr. & Mrs. W. S. Wilson, Mr. & Mrs. Millington, Mr. & Mrs. Silliman, Mr. & Mrs. Ordway, Mr. & Mrs. Tomlin, Mr. & Mrs. Col. Whiting, Mr. & Mrs. Geo. W. Miller, Mr. & Mrs. Greer, Mr. & Mrs. Allen, Mr. & Mrs. J. C. McMullen, Mr. & Mrs. Dr. Green, Mr. & Mrs. Brown, Mr. & Mrs. H. G. Fuller, Mr. & Mrs. S. D. Pryor, Mr. & Mrs. Branham. Also, Mr. Elbert Bliss, Mrs. Albro, Mrs. Doane, Mrs. Foose, Mrs. Perkins, Mrs. Ripley, of Burlington, Iowa, Mrs. Judge Buck of Emporia. These evening gatherings are becoming quite a feature in our social life, and nowhere are they more heartily enjoyed than at Mr. Fuller’s.
C. A. Bliss was the gentleman referred to...printing entire article.
[W. E. PENN WRITES FROM TEXAS.]
Winfield Courier, January 3, 1884.
For the COURIER:
From Texas.
Now that I am at home and the smoke of the battlefield has cleared away, and I have had my Christmas dinner, I take a calm and unprejudiced view of Winfield and the people. I should take Winfield to be as healthful as any of the Western towns or cities, and more so than many of them. I did not discover any local cause for sickness. Judging from the six weeks I was there, and what I heard from some of the citizens, I should say that you have a delightful climate, except the hot winds in the summer and now and then a blizzard in the winter.
Judging from what I saw on the streets on Saturdays especially, I take it the county round about the town is being settled up with good, substantial, frugal citizens. I did not see but two men under the influence of Mr. Winslow’s maddening tonic. One man, not a woman, I thought, had recently kissed Mr. Winslow, or his breath was a little perfumed with the tonic. It certainly is bad enough to kiss a nice, decent man, or to permit yourself to be kissed by one, but to kiss old Winslow is infinitely worse than to kiss a pig pen. I did not hear but three oaths. Two of them were uttered by grown men, and the other by a little girl about four or five years old. If she is not checked pretty soon, it will prove her eternal ruin. One dark night one of your good citizens, but I don’t think he belonged to any church, made a little mistake. Stepping up behind me not far from the Post Office, he said: “Say, I’ve got a bottle of old rye; let us go in and take a little.” At this moment the light from a lantern flashed upon the scene, and I said, “You are mistaken in your man, sir,” which he had now discovered, whereupon he put up a job of running that was really amusing to look upon. How far he ran and when and where took up, I cannot say.
Have never been among a people I learned to like better than the people of Winfield after I had been there about three weeks. I can truthfully say that I never had such a time to get a meeting started. The Baptists seemed ice-clad and the sinners iron-clad. But how changed the scene when we got acquainted. All the while I could not blame the people because there are so many frauds of every kind, preachers and evangelists, as well as others traveling over the country, that people are bound to protect themselves from their often well laid plans. Judging from an insulting note I received while in Winfield, some people had an idea that I was after money, and I take this occasion to say that money was never mentioned by the Pastor, Bro. Cairns, or myself during the correspondence relative to my going to Winfield, and I certainly never mentioned it myself while in the town, while there nearly six weeks. One brother handed me three dollars and a country brother sent me five dollars, and the night I left Bro. Bliss handed me $10 and said that something more, he thought, would be made up, and I learn that something more has been done, but how much I do not know. The members of the church and congregation contributed $25 to aid in building a house of worship in my town, and Miss Lucy Cairns raised $16, and Miss Sola Farringer $5, and Pleasant Cookson, V. R. Bartlett, J. S. Mann, Rev. E. P. Hickok and Mrs. S. R. Hickok contributed $5 each. Miss Edith Stone, Charlie Dever, E. T. Rogers, B. K. Stalcup, Miss Nettie Case, Josiah E. Wilson, and John W. Soward agreed to raise, or pay $5 each by the first of March for the same purpose, making in all for the church $106.
If my life and health is spared, I hope to visit Winfield some more, for I think it a good place, with a number of the best people I ever knew. I know that my Baptist brethren have had a pretty hard struggle in building their very handsome house of worship, but as soon as they get a good breath they must add at least four rooms to their parsonage.
I have told my people here that Winfield has four of the handsomest church buildings I have ever seen outside of a large city. The capital invested in drinking saloons here is worth five times as much as all the church buildings put together. I am trying to have one nice church building here, which will inspire others to do the same. W. E. PENN.
Winfield Courier, January 3, 1884.
The Baptist Church held its annual business meeting on Monday evening. The reports of the various affairs and societies, including the Sunday school, show that the year has been a prosperous one in most respects. There were 102 persons baptized during the year and quite a number received by letter, the total membership at present being 301. The following officers were elected for the next year: Church clerk, A. P. Johnson; church treasurer, C. A. Bliss; trustees, B. F. Wood, C. A. Bliss, L. B. Stone, H. E. Silliman, and John Tyner. Officers of the Sunday school: superintendent, John M. Prince; assistant superintendent, B. N. Wood; secretary, James McDermott; treasurer, John Tyner.
Winfield Courier, January 10, 1884.
Teachers of Cowley County.
We present below a list of the teachers of Cowley, their post office addresses, and the amount they are receiving per month for their services. This list will be valuable to teachers, school officers, and the public generally. It is taken from the records, through the courtesy of Supt. Limerick.
WINFIELD.
District Teacher Amount
115 Celina Bliss 45.00
[CONSTANT CORRESPONDENT: “MARK.”]
Winfield Courier, January 17, 1884.
School at Victor, District 115, has not been in session for two weeks. Their teacher, Miss Celina Bliss, has been recreating and celebrating the holidays, but is expected to put in an appearance Monday next.
Winfield Courier, January 17, 1884.
Winfield Mills.
O. E. Sanford, proprietor of the Red Rock Grocery store, corner of 3rd and Neosho streets, has shipped in and sold to the people of Burlington since last May nine carloads of the celebrated Winfield flour, and he has another carload on the road. Every family in this locality knows just what the Winfield flour, of the roller mill process, is, and are satisfied that there is none better manufactured. Mr. Sanford is sole agent for this flour for Burlington.
Burlington Independent.
Mr. Sanford is not the only man who knows of the superiority of the Bliss & Wood flour, but fewer know what a vast amount of it the Winfield Mills manufacture and send all over the country. A mill that uses up 1500 bushels of the choicest wheat every day in making the very best flour known, is an institution of inestimable value in such a county as this.
Winfield Courier, January 24, 1884.
A Correction.
In my communication to the COURIER some days ago, I stated that Mr. C. A. Bliss handed me one hundred dollars the night I left Winfield and I am just now in receipt of a note calling my attention to the fact that this money was contributed by a number of my friends in Winfield. This I understood at the time, for it was made up there that night, as I understood. I supposed this was generally understood and therefore did not think it necessary to explain, and in addition to this I understood that Mr. Bliss was the church treasurer and received the money from him in his official capacity, and not as an individual contribution.
W. E. PENN.
Winfield Courier, January 31, 1884. [Court Notes.]
Bliss & Wood brought action against the Water Company to have it restrained from taking water from their Mill pond. The demurrer was argued at last before the court last week, by McDermott & Johnson for plaintiff and Wade McDonald for defendant. On Monday the Court rendered judgment in favor of the plaintiffs. The Case will go to the Supreme Court.
Winfield Courier, February 7, 1884.
We publish on the first page this week the full text of Judge Torrance’s decision in the injunction case of Bliss & Wood against the Water Company. Every citizen should read it.
THE WATER WORKS DECISION.
Winfield Courier, February 7, 1884.
Following is the full text of the decision of Judge Torrance in the water works case, in which Bliss & Wood are plaintiffs, and the Winfield Water Company is defendant.
STATEMENT OF CASE.
The decision of this case arises upon a general demurrer interposed by the plaintiffs to the defendant’s answer. The petition in the case, in substance, alleges that the plaintiffs are owners of a mill pond on the Walnut River, in this county, and of lands adjacent thereto, upon which they have constructed a valuable flouring and grist mill, which they are operating by means of the water power furnished by said mill pond; that the defendant is a private corporation created under the laws of this State, and that it has constructed and is operating a system of water works in the city of Winfield, for the purpose of supplying said city with water, and for that purpose is diverting large quantities of water from the plaintiffs’ said mill pond. The petition prays for a perpetual injunction. By way of defense to the cause of action stated in plaintiffs’ petition, the defendant in its answer, alleges that it is a private corporation, duly incorporated under the laws of this State, for the purpose of constructing and maintaining, adjacent to and within the city of Winfield, a system of water works for the purpose of supplying said city with water; that said city of Winfield is a city of the second class, duly incorporated as such under the laws of this State; that the Mayor and Councilmen of said city duly passed an ordinance granting to Frank Barclay, J. L. Horning, J. Wade McDonald, W. C. Robinson, J. B. Lynn, W. P. Hackney, and M. L. Robinson, and their assigns, the privilege of constructing, operating, and maintaining, for the period of ninety-nine years, a system of water works within the corporate limits of said city, for the purpose of supplying its inhabitants with water, and for the better protection of said city against disaster from fires. This ordinance invests the grantees named therein with full power, for the period of ninety-nine years, to lay pipes in the streets, alleys, and other public places within said city, and to extend such pipes, and to erect hydrants, fountains, conduits, or such other useful and ornamental structures as may be necessary for the successful operation of such works. The ordinance further provides that at the expiration of certain specified periods, after the completion of the works, the city shall have the right to purchase the works from the grantees named in the ordinance, or their assigns, upon terms and conditions expressed in the ordinance. The ordinance in terms provides that it shall constitute a contract between the city and the grantees named therein, and their assigns, and shall be binding on all parties upon the acceptance of its provisions by the grantees named therein, or their assigns. In section 14 of the ordinance, the city expressly agrees as a part of the franchise and contract embraced in the ordinance, that it will, upon the request in writing of the grantees named therein, or their assigns, proceed without delay to exercise its right of eminent domain in the condemnation of any lots, parcels, or pieces of ground, or of water or any water privilege, that may be necessary to the proper and convenient construction and maintenance of the system of water works provided for in the ordinance, provided the said grantees, or their assigns, shall pay all costs and expenses incident to such condemnation proceedings, including the cost of all property so condemned. This section also provides that the right to the free and exclusive use and enjoyment of all property so condemned shall vest and remain in said grantees, and their assigns, so long as the franchise and contract provided for in the ordinance shall remain in force and effect. The answer of the defendant further alleges that, after the passage, and due publication of said ordinance, the grantees therein named duly assigned to the defendant corporation all the right, title, and interest granted to and vested in them, under the provisions of said ordinance; that afterwards the defendant notified said city of the fact of such assignment, and that as such assignee it accepted the franchise and contract granted by and embodied in said ordinance, and that the city of Winfield thereupon assented to such assignment, and accepted the defendant in the place and stead of the original grantees named in the ordinance; that afterwards, and in pursuance of section 14 of said ordinance, the City Council of said city proceeded to condemn, and did condemn in its own name, the right to forever divert from the said mill pond of the plaintiffs, sufficient quantities of water to operate and maintain a system of water works, and to supply the inhabitants of the city of Winfield with water therefrom. These condemnation proceedings were had under the provisions of an act of the Legislature of the State entitled, “An act authorizing cities to construct water works,” approved February 27th, 1872, and a subsequent act of the Legislature, amendatory thereof, approved March 8, 1883, and the proceedings seem upon their face to be regular and valid. The answer further alleges that the defendant corporation afterwards constructed the system of water works provided for in said ordinance, and that it is now operating the same, and is diverting from the plaintiffs’ mill pond, by virtue of such condemnation proceedings, only such quantities of water as are necessary for the operation of its works in the supplying of the city of Winfield with water.
OPINION OF THE COURT.
The power of eminent domain, or the right of the public to appropriate private property to public uses, is one of the attributes of political sovereignty. This power remains dormant, and is unavailable even to the State itself, until legislative action is had, pointing out the occasions, the modes, and conditions under which it may be exercised. The Legislature may at once by direct legislative enactment, appropriate property; or it may delegate such authority to some public or private agency to be exercised by it upon the occasions, and in the mode and under the conditions specified in the act conferring the right. But no person nor corporation, either public or private, however pressing may be the public necessity therefor, is competent to employ the power of eminent domain unless such power has been expressly vested in said person or corporation by an act of the Legislature; and then only in the mode and under the conditions and for the uses expressed in the act. This legislative delegation of the right of eminent domain partakes of the nature of a personal appointment or trust, and the authority thus conferred cannot be delegated to another, or in any manner transferred or assigned, by the person or corporation clothed with the power by the act of the legislature. It seems to me that the principles of law thus far stated are clearly supported by the text writers upon the subject, and by the adjudged cases. The question now arises whether a city of the second class, empowered to exercise this right by the act of the legislature above referred to, for the purpose of supplying its inhabitants with water, has the power to contract with a private corporation, organized under the laws of this state for the purpose of supplying such city with water, to condemn the necessary lands and water privileges to enable such private corporation to construct and operate its waterworks, and in pursuance of such contract lawfully condemn the lands or water privileges of third persons for the benefit of such private corporation. It seems to me that this is a correct statement of the question of law raised by the demurrer to the defendant’s answer. It is true the city of Winfield may in one sense be benefitted by the use of the water proposed to be furnished by the defendant corporation. It is also true that when a private corporation is duly empowered by the legislature to take private property for the construction of works of public utility, the fact that it has a pecuniary interest in the construction of such works does not preclude it from being regarded as a proper agency in respect to the public good which is sought to be promoted. Under our statutes, however, a private water corporation has no authority delegated to it by the legislature to exercise the right of eminent domain. So it seems to me that the contract of the city of Winfield to secure the necessary condemnation proceedings was primarily, and in the just sense of the term, for the benefit of the defendant corporation. The ordinance itself provides that the exclusive use and enjoyment of the property condemned by the city shall vest and remain in the grantees therein named, and their assigns. The act of our legislature under which the condemnation proceedings were had in this case is entitled, “An act authorizing cities to construct waterworks.” This act grants to cities of the second class full power and authority, on behalf of such cities, to contract for and procure the construction of waterworks for the purpose of supplying the inhabitants of such cities with water for domestic use, the extinguishment of fires, and for manufacturing and other purposes. It provides that the city council shall have power and authority to condemn and appropriate, in the name and for the use of the city, any such lands or water privileges, located in or out of the corporate limits thereof, as may be necessary for the construction and operation of such waterworks. It further provides that when the council shall determine to condemn any land or water privilege for the purpose aforesaid, it shall cause a petition to be presented in the name of the city to the judge of the district court of the county in which said city is situated, setting forth the necessity of the appropriation of lands or water privileges for the erection and operation of waterworks, and requesting the appointment of three commissioners to lay off and condemn such lands or water privileges as may be necessary for such purpose, and to make an appraisement and assessment of damages. The act provides that the subsequent proceedings shall be governed by the provisions of the statute relative to the condemnation of lands by railroad corporations (with but one exception), so far as the same are applicable. It also provides that upon the completion of the condemnation proceedings the city shall be vested with the right to perpetually use the property condemned for the purpose of such water works. The act also empowers the council to issue the bonds of the city to defray the cost of such water works, after the question of their issue has been determined in the affirmative by a majority of the electors of such city. The act further empowers and makes it the duty of the council to fix the rate of water rents to be paid by consumers, and to ordain such rules and regulations, with appropriate penalties for the violation of the same, as the council may deem proper for the regulation and protection of such water works, and, lastly, the act authorizes the council to appoint such engineers and other officers to superintend and operate such water works, both during and after the construction of the same, as may be necessary, and to do all acts and things for the erection, operation, alteration, and repair of such water works as may from time to time, in the judgment of the council, be necessary. It is evident, both from the title and body of this act, that it was the intention of the legislature to empower cities of the second class to construct water works for their own benefit and at their own expense, and to have the exclusive control and management of the same. And to this end the act authorizes the city council to exercise the right of eminent domain in the condemnation and appropriation of such lands and water privileges as may be necessary for that purpose, in the name and for the perpetual use of the city in the maintenance and operation of such water works. The only warrant which the city has is to be found in this act; and the only authority conferred by the act is the appropriation of property for the benefit of the city alone. When the property of an individual is sought to be divested against his will by authority of law, courts should not permit the authority conferred to be extended by intendment beyond the fair import of the language used, and should require a strict compliance with the provisions of the law by which the authority is delegated. If the legislature had intended that the power of eminent domain should be invoked in aid of water works to be constructed by private water corporations, it would have delegated the right to exercise such power to such corporations themselves, or to some other agency empowered to act on their behalf. The fact that the legislature has omitted to do so is satisfactory evidence to my mind that it did not intend to delegate the power in such cases. I have had but little time to examine the law bearing upon the point involved in this demurrer, and I would be very loth to thus hastily decide this case if I thought there was any probability that my decision would finally determine the rights of the parties. I thought it proper however, as the matter to be determined was of some general interest to the citizens of this city, to reduce the reasons for my decision to writing. In my present view of the law I am of the opinion the demurrer should be sustained, and it is so ordered.
E. S. TORRANCE, Judge.
Excerpts...
Winfield Courier, February 7, 1884.
Teachers’ Association.
The Central Division of the Cowley County Teachers Association will meet Feb. 23, 1884, at the High School building, Winfield. Following is the program.
“General Review.” Leota Gary, Celina Bliss, Claude Rinker, Emma Gridley.
Winfield Courier, February 7, 1884.
Mr. E. S. Bliss met T. A. Wilkinson on his western trip. He is managing a wholesale commission house at Fort Worth, Texas.
Winfield Courier, February 7, 1884.
Mr. E. S. Bliss has just returned from his second trip through New Mexico in the interest of The Winfield Roller Mills. He put Winfield Roller Flour in almost every railroad town in New Mexico. He met several Winfield people, among whom he mentions Mr. A. J. Rex, at Raton; J. E. Saint and W. M. Allison, at Albuquerque; and H. C. Robinson, at El Paso. All are in good health and prospering. Mr. Robinson seemed very much pleased to see anyone from Winfield and sends regards to his many friends here. He is in government service in the Custom House.
Winfield Courier, February 14, 1884.
Bliss & Wood’s mill shipped seven cars of flour last Wednesday in one bulk: three days of the week before they shipped four cars a day.
Winfield Courier, February 21, 1884.
The markets are steady with wheat 90 cents, corn 34 cents, hogs $6.50 per cwt., and hay $4.50 per ton, chickens, alive 6 cents, dressed 8 cents, turkeys alive 9 cents, dressed 11 cents, potatoes 75 cents, butter 20 cents, and eggs 15 cents. It will be observed by comparison with our telegraphic report from Kansas City that we are 4¼ cents higher on wheat. Bliss and Wood bought a lot from a gentleman east of Arkansas City at that price Monday.
Later: A telegram just received as we go to press announces a drop of 4 cents in the Chicago wheat market.
Excerpt...
Winfield Courier, February 21, 1884.
At about eleven o’clock on last Sunday morning, Mr. R. B. Wood, father of Mr. B. F. Wood, of the milling firm of Bliss & Wood, committed suicide by hanging, at his residence.
Winfield Courier, March 6, 1884.
AD. WINFIELD ROLLER MILLS. ACTUAL CAPACITY, 600 BARRELS.
NEW SUPERINTENDENT, WHO HAS NO SUPERIOR IN THE STATE.
Flour already improved and more improvements to be made and everything on a boom.
BLISS & WOOD, PROPRIETORS.
Winfield Courier, March 20, 1884.
Mrs. F. C. Halyard has disposed of her property in Geuda Springs and bought lots in east Winfield, of Miss Celina Bliss, on which she will immediately erect a residence.
Winfield Courier, March 20, 1884.
How We Boom!
From the books of H. G. Fuller & Co., we copy the following sales of city and county property made by the firm between the 6th and 18th of this month. It is a wonderful record in real estate movement.
WINFIELD CITY PROPERTY.
Celina A. Bliss to Fannie C. Halyard, 1 acre: $200.00.
[ANOTHER RAILROAD FOR WINFIELD.]
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1884.
Cowley County will have Competing Lines.
A meeting of citizens of Winfield was held at the Brettun House last Monday evening to hear concerning movements which have recently been taken toward the construction of a railroad direct to Winfield from the direction of Kansas City.
W. H. Smith was chosen chairman and Ed. P. Greer, Secretary.
Henry E. Asp, being called upon for a recital of what has been done, stated that since any report has been made to the citizens, James Hill, the manager of the Missouri, Winfield & South Western railroad company, has visited St. Louis, Chicago, and other cities east conferring with capitalists and railroad builders to induce them to take hold of the organization he represented and build us a road. He finally got Messrs. Geo. W. Hoffman, James N. Young, and L. D. Latham, of Chicago, and M. M. Towle and C. N. Towle of Hammond, Indiana, so far interested in the project that they sent Mr. L. D. Latham to look over the route, examine the situation, and report. Mr. Latham came about March 1st, at the time that our narrow gauge excitement was strongest, which was an element of discouragement to him, but such other facts and reasons were placed before him that he was prepared to make a favorable report. Mr. Hill returned with him and secured a meeting of the above named gentlemen at St. Louis, where they could confer with the authorities of the railroads running west from that city. Mr. Hill and Mr. Asp met them in St. Louis about the 11th of this month and the result of the arrangements made there was that Messrs. L. D. Latham, M. M. Towle, and J. N. Young were authorized to visit the route again, get further information, and make such arrangements as in their judgment was best for themselves and their friends.
These gentlemen arrived at Newton last Friday, where they met with Mr. Hill, who took them down to Arkansas City. That evening Mr. Asp went down and consulted with them. They came to Winfield Saturday, but after consulting with but a very few of our citizens, they returned to Arkansas City that evening, saying that they would be back Monday and then be ready to announce their decision. On Monday they returned and stated their decision that they could not use the old M. W. & S. W. charter because it did not cover the ground from Coffey County to Kansas City direct and was insufficient for their purposes in other respects, beside, if they built the road, they must have the full control.
They therefore decided to make a new organization and file a charter to suit themselves at once and proceed to build the road immediately if they can get such aid from the counties and townships along the line as will warrant them in proceeding. They locate by their charter the general office of the company at Winfield and Kansas City, Kansas. They will first try for aid between Winfield and Eureka over the route surveyed by the M. W. & S. W., if permitted by that company, and will pay for any part of the work done that they can make available. If they fail of getting sufficient aid by that line, they will next submit propositions up the Little Walnut to Rosalia. As soon as they are assured of the aid, they will put that portion of the road from their connection with the Ft. Scott & Wichita road to Winfield under contract and will complete it this season. They expect to bring their iron and ties on the Frisco road, which is now under the control of the Gould interest. They will build from that road to Winfield first. If they fail on both of these routes to get the aid, they will try another.
Messrs. Towle are the men who originated the scheme of carrying dressed beef in refrigerator cars, have overcome all obstacles, have their slaughter houses at Hammond, Indiana, twenty miles out of Chicago, where they have built quite a city and are slaughtering about a thousand beeves a day and shipping the dressed beef to New York. They have the idea that a slaughter house on the south line of Sumner County, with direct and cheap rates to Kansas City and New York, would have greater advantages over Chicago as a packing point than Chicago has over New York. They are worth half a million. Mr. Hoffman is the heavy capitalist of the concern and is worth several million. Mr. Latham is a railroad builder in which he has had much experience and success. He can command plenty of money. The same may be said of Mr. Young, who is an experienced broker and dealer in railroad stocks and bonds. There is no doubt of their ability to build the road. They expect to offer propositions for voting aid by our people in a very few days and to push the matter as rapidly as possible.
The meeting passed a resolution to the effect that we want them to build the road and will do anything reasonable in aid thereof.
A committee consisting of D. L. Kretsinger, J. C. Fuller, M. L. Robinson, H. E. Asp, and C. A. Bliss was appointed to confer with them, get their terms, and report at a meeting to be called by themselves, and directed the secretary of the meeting to inform the company of these proceedings.
Adjourned.
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1884.
Shipping Wheat in from Missouri.
Last week Bliss & Wood purchased in Kansas City thirteen carloads of wheat and shipped it to their mill at this place, laying it down here for a fraction less than they are paying on the street. Winfield seems to be at present a better wheat market than Kansas City, and in fact it has been all season through.
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1884.
The litigation between Bliss & Wood and the Winfield Water Co. over the water privilege has ended in a compromise, the water company paying ten thousand dollars for a water franchise of ninety-nine years.
WINFIELD’S MILLING BUSINESS.
What the Winfield Roller Mills are Doing for Winfield and Cowley County.
Winfield Courier, April 3, 1884.
DESCRIPTION AND RESULTS.
Among the institutions which are doing much for the material interests of Winfield and Cowley County, the Roller Mill of Bliss & Wood is the most important. It deals exclusively in our most important product, a large part of which is here manufactured into flour and shipped thousands of miles directly to consumers. During the past year the mill has made every bushel of wheat raised in this county worth from five to ten cents more on the bushel than it would have been if depending solely on a shipping market. Aside from this it has employed a large number of persons who with their families, go toward swelling our population.
A year and a half ago the old mill of Bliss & Wood was burned. It carried but little insurance and its loss left the proprietors nearly bankrupt. But the importance of the institution to Winfield was recognized by the Winfield Bank, which at once lent its assistance in a financial way, and Messrs. Bliss & Wood commenced the erection of a new mill on the old site. Encouraged by the friendly feeling and assistance, and seeing in the future agricultural development of the county the fullest promise for such an institution, they concluded to make it first class in every respect and fixed the capacity at six hundred barrels. The building was accomplished under many difficulties and vexations, but it finally started up, since which time it has prospered, gone on extending its territory and improving the quality of its product, until today it controls the markets of Western Colorado, New Mexico, and a large part of Southern Kansas.
The mill is five stories high, built of magnesia limestone with sawed-stone front. It is located on the Walnut River and, in addition to a splendid water power, has a steam attachment of one hundred and twenty horsepower. The building was designed by Mr. Jos. S. Maus. It is a beautiful structure and complete in every way. Attached to the mill proper is the engine house, boiler, and coal rooms. About a hundred feet distant is the mill elevator, capacity 35,000 bushels, and furnished throughout with the most approved and complete cleaning machinery in the state.
It is the inner arrangement of the mill which makes it rank as the best institution of the kind in this or any other state. In fitting it up the question of expense was the last consideration. Every appliance known to the milling trade calculated to improve the quality and quantity of the product was included in the furnishings. The plans were drawn and furnished by W. F. Gunn, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, who is probably the best millwright in the United States. He also worked out what millers call “The System,” or the intricate maze of elevators, conductors, etc., which take the wheat from the elevator, conduct it through all the break rolls, “scalpers,” bolts, and purifiers, until it is finally turned out into a flour sack as “O. B.,” “Superb,” “Homo,” or “Grit,” the famous brands which have become household words all over Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. The finished plans were turned over to Mr. Jos. S. Maus, and under whose charge every timber was framed and every piece of machinery placed and connected. This was by far the most important part of the work and the skill and mechanical ability displayed by Mr. Maus, verified by the successful working of the mill for nearly two years, shows him to be the “boss” mill-wright of the west.
The first floor, partly a basement, is a maze of gearing and shafting for transmitting the power to the machinery above. It also contains the “elevator boots” and conveyors. The second floor contains thirty-four pair of “Gray’s Patent noiseless Rolls,” the appliances which have so recently knocked the old-fashioned mill stones into the junk-shop. It also contains three flour and one bran packer. The third floor contains eight silk reels, five No. 2 Smith purifiers with approved dust-catchers, and five large bins for flour, bran, etc., which run up through the third story to the fifth. They are capable of storing three days’ product of the mill. On the fourth floor is a second invoice of eight silk reels, and five No. 2 Smith purifiers with dust-catchers. On the fifth story is located all the elevator heads, five scalping reels, five No. 2 Martin Centrifical reels, one grading reel, and a machine for sweeping the little remaining flour off of the bran before it is turned over to the festive town cow. After seeing this machine our fears of foundering the cow on bran from this mill were speedily dissipated. We tried to follow a grain of wheat through all its intricate wandering before it came through as flour, but gave it up in despair. As far as we could learn it goes through about twenty miles of elevators, is mashed, pounded, scraped, hulled, dusted, and “scalped” a dozen times, then unmercifully sent back and compelled to go through the process again if Joe Maus has the least suspicion of its containing an atom of anything but pure, snow-white flour. In quality the product of the Winfield Roller Mill can never be surpassed. With a sack of “O. B.” and ten grains of common sense, any woman can be supremely happy.
The amount of business done by this mill is simply astonishing. Its full capacity is six hundred barrels a day, to produce which it takes two thousand nine hundred bushels of wheat every twenty-four hours. The firm has kindly permitted us to copy from their books the following facts and figures relative to the business done last year.
Bushels of wheat used: 294,415.40.
Amount paid for same: $241,420.80.
Average price paid: 82 cents per bushel.
Mill product shipped to foreign points: 671 cars.
Mill product used by local consumers: 8,000 sacks.
Screenings sold: 28 cars.
The mill employs an average of thirty-two men and paid out for salaries during the year $19,846. The total mill business for the year was over a half a million dollars. The mill is in charge of Mr. Jos. S. Maus, as head miller. As he designed, erected, and set it to running, he understands running it to perfection. The figures of the Mill’s business show that they consumed during the year more than half of the total wheat crop of the county. During the year to come they will use three quarters of the total product and pay Kansas City prices for it. Thus can every farmer and every businessman see the benefits of the institution. It is worth more to us than anything we have except our railroads—and if we didn’t have them, we wouldn’t have it. Messrs. Bliss & Wood have come out from under a heavy load. They risked all they had left in the world to build up this business and are entitled to the gratifying returns they are receiving on it.
That the men who handle this immense business know how to do it, is evidenced by the systematic working of the business departments. C. A. Bliss, the head of the firm, is one of our keenest, shrewdest businessmen. He exercises a general supervision over the affairs of the mill, in all its details. Mr. B. F. Wood, the junior member, handles the grain buying. He has had twelve years’ experience with grain and is perhaps the best judge of wheat in the west. He knows at “first sight” just what a lot of wheat will do in milling. To his judgment and care in the selection of stock, much of the success of the business is due. No mill can make good flour from unsuitable wheat, and Mr. Wood never allows a bushel to go into his elevator until he is satisfied that it will show the right kind of a product. The commercial business is in the hands of Mr. E. S. Bliss. His headquarters are “in the field,” and his energy has placed the firm’s product in every hamlet on the Santa Fe railroad from Emporia to Old Mexico. He has built up a most valuable market, the demands of which are only limited by the production of the mill. Messrs. Bliss & Wood assure us that their substantial aid and encouragement in rebuilding their mill, all came from the Winfield Bank.
[THERE WAS A PICTURE OF MILL AND A SECOND BUILDING IN THIS ISSUE.]
[WINFIELD LACKS BRIDGE.]
Winfield Courier, April 10, 1884.
A BRIDGE! A BRIDGE!
My Kingdom for a Bridge!!!
The principal grounds mentioned by the Railroad Commissioners for recommending a station between Winfield and Oxford, two stations only ten miles apart, was the lack of bridge facilities to get in to either of those towns. It is about time that the businessmen and citizens of Winfield took active steps to have the bridge at Bliss’ mill reconstructed on a much larger and more substantial plan. Winfield has lost enough business on account of the absence of that bridge. The profits already lost on that account would be sufficient to build more than one such bridge, perhaps half a dozen.
Excerpts...
[WINFIELD BOOMS.]
Winfield Courier, April 10, 1884.
Three Hundred New Homes Going Up and More Contracted For.
The beautiful grounds of Capt. John Lowry, Col. J. C. McMullen, J. L. Horning, M. L. Read, C. A. Bliss, J. C. Fuller, Mrs. Platter, and many others are beginning to show themselves in all the glory which “Gentle Annie” can bring to bear and are still receiving some improvements. A man will walk a long piece out of his way to see such houses and grounds. Most of these grounds are completely irrigated by our system of waterworks. Such homes are as good examples as can be found in the state of what money and energy, when united with good taste, can do. The places are pictures and will grow more beautiful each year as the trees and shrubs increase in size. Such homes educate people and show the possibilities of Kansas soil.
Winfield Courier, April 17, 1884.
Miss Celina Bliss closed her school at the “Victor,” three miles south of town, last Friday, with a big dinner and a general good time. County Supt. Limerick and other visitors were present.
Winfield Courier, April 24, 1884.
Spencer Bliss and lady went east Tuesday morning.
Winfield Courier, April 24, 1884.
C. A. Dunskin, of Chanute, Kansas, special agent of that town for the Winfield Roller Mills flour, was in town last week on business with Bliss & Wood.
[BRIDGE MEETING.]
Winfield Courier, April 24, 1884.
On last Saturday afternoon a large meeting was held in the Courthouse for the purpose of discussing the feasibility of the County purchasing the various bridges built over the Walnut and Arkansas Rivers and one over Timber Creek, all of which have been built by the Townships and by individual subscriptions; and also building some others much needed in different portions of the county. It being a fact that all the costly bridges built in the County up to the present time having been built exclusively by the townships and by individual subscriptions, the county itself never having invested a single dollar in any of them, cannot under our present laws expend a single dollar in repair on said bridges, and the burden of keeping them in repair by the townships has become a very onerous one and in consideration of the fact that several townships having control of said bridges, are desirous of selling said bridges to the county for a normal sum, say for one dollar ($1.00) apiece, and thus shift the responsibility of keeping them in repair onto the county. It was thought best by many of the leading citizens, both of the city of Winfield, and also of the several townships, to call a meeting of citizens and discuss the feasibility of the change. The meeting was organized by calling C. A. Bliss to the chair, with H. H. Martin as secretary. A motion being carried that a committee of three be appointed by the chair to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting, Col. McMullen, William Moore, and Jessie Isenagle were appointed as said committee, who after some deliberation reported the following.
WHEREAS, There are many valuable bridges already built in the county, and
WHEREAS, These bridges have been erected at great cost by the townships building the same, and
WHEREAS, These bridges are kept in repair at the expense of said townships, and the same have become burdensome to the people by whom they were built, and in justice to the taxpayers of said locations ought to be transferred to the county,
Therefore, Resolved, That the county ought to own all the bridges within its limits valued at $500 dollars and over, and further,
Resolved, That it is the sense of this meeting—1st: That the county purchase and own all bridges of the value of $500 and over, and—2nd: erect others when the same may be necessary in the county, having in view the greatest good to the greatest number of people.
The above report of the committee was received and unanimously adopted.
A motion was then made, and carried, that it is the sense of this meeting, that a special election be called to submit to the qualified electors of Cowley County, Kansas, the question of the county purchasing all the bridges of the various townships owning bridges of the value of $500 and over at a nominal sum of, say one dollar ($1.00) each, and of building some others, and if the same cannot be done at a special election, that it be submitted to a vote of the qualified electors of the county at the next general election; if it is found upon further investigation that the county has the power under the law to purchase the same.
A motion being put and carried that a committee of three be appointed to confer with the county attorney in regard to the legality of calling a special election, or of submitting to the qualified electors of the county, the question of purchasing the bridges, and also to ascertain whether the county has the power under the law to purchase said bridges, and if so, to prepare through legal advice petitions to the county commissioners to call said election. L. F. Johnson, of Beaver, W. M. Sleeth, of Creswell, and H. H. Martin, of Vernon, were appointed as said committee, with instructions, if necessary, to call another meeting after such meeting adjourned sine die. C. A. BLISS, Chairman.
H. H. MARTIN, Secretary.
[BAPTIST SEWING CIRCLE, ARKANSAS CITY, ENTERTAINS WINFIELD.]
Arkansas City Republican, April 26, 1884.
The Baptist Sewing Circle of Arkansas City, this week, issued invitations to persons at Winfield and at home, to a social gathering to be held yesterday, at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. N. T. Snyder. Many, both from Winfield and at home, responded to the invitation.
From the former were Rev. Cairns and wife; Mr. Johnson and wife; E. H. Bliss and wife; Mr. Hickock and wife; Mr. Gilbert and wife; Mr. Hunt and wife; Mr. Silliman and wife; Mrs. Collins, Mrs. Hendricks, Mrs. Mann, Mrs. Brandon, Mrs. Hall, Mrs. Wait, Mrs. Shearer, Mrs. Albright, Mrs. Herpich, Mrs. Capt. Whitings, Mrs. Will Whiting, Mrs. Nelson, Mrs. Taylor, Mrs. Dressy, Mrs. Phenix; Misses C. Bliss and Tyner.
The following were from this city: Mr. Stacy Matlack and wife; Mr. Geo. Cunningham and wife; Mr. Wyckoff and wife; Mr. Allen Ayers and wife; Mr. H. P. Standley and wife; Mr. C. W. Coombs and wife.
Mrs. Matlack, Mrs. Clevenger, Mrs. Klopf, Mrs. Landes, Mrs. C. T. Atkinson, Mrs. Loveland, Mrs. Hilliard, Mrs. T. C. Bird, Mrs. C. C. Hollister, Mrs. B. Goff, Mrs. Cypher, Mrs. H. W. Stewart, Mrs. Taylor, Miss Taylor, Miss Chapin, Miss Blaine, Miss Fitch, Miss Anna Hunt, Miss Jennie Upton, Mrs. Lent, Rev. J. O. Campbell, Rev. Wood and wife. Twelve came from Winfield, in the bus, and the remainder in carriages. They expressed themselves as very much pleased with the appearance of our city. At one o’clock, a delicious “lap-a-mince,” consisting of dessert, cake, and ice cream was served. The guests are under obligations to Mr. and Mrs. Snyder for a very enjoyable time. The receipts were about $25.00, which will be placed in the general fund for building the new Baptist Church in this city.
The editor of this paper regrets that school duties forbade his attendance, but trusts that dame fortune may yet be kind enough to grant him the acquaintance of so many clever and cultured people.
Winfield Courier, May 15, 1884.
Mr. D. W. Bliss was down from Sedgwick County this week and spent a few days with relatives.
[ACCIDENT: BLISS & WOOD’S DELIVERY WAGON.]
Winfield Courier, May 22, 1884.
Roy Sarsen, a boy about eight years old, was run over by Bliss & Wood’s delivery wagon one day last week and had a leg badly broken. A number of boys were hurriedly crossing the street, some going in front of the wagon and some behind, and Roy thought, as the wagon was going very slowly, being heavily loaded, he would dodge in under it. He wasn’t quite quick enough, fell, and before a halt could be made, the wheel passed over his leg with the above result. “Boys will be boys,” is an old saying which is being verified every day.
Winfield Courier, June 26, 1884.
Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Bliss left Tuesday for the inter-state Sunday school meeting at Ottawa. They will remain two weeks.
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1884.
Mr. and Mrs. Elbert Bliss’ little child swallowed a sewing-machine “hemmer,” last Monday. The parents were very much alarmed about it, but the child seems to be doing as well as could be expected.
Winfield Courier, July 10, 1884.
Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Bliss and Mrs. E. P. Hickok have returned from the Ottawa Sunday School Assembly. Mrs. Hickok passed the Chautauqua Normal Course and received a diploma. She takes great interest in all matters pertaining to church and Sunday School work.
[WHEAT.]
Winfield Courier, July 17, 1884.
HOLD YOUR WHEAT, FARMERS.
Cowley County raised this year 57,083 acres of wheat, and we can safely estimate, from what has already been threshed, that it will average at least twenty-five bushels per acre, making 1,427,075 bushels. This is an immense quantity, but will lack a considerable of supplying the home demand, making it absolutely unprofitable to ship any whatever out of the county, excepting in the shape of flour. The large foreign and Indian contracts which must be filled by our mills will consume a quantity of wheat about as follows.
Bliss & Wood’s mill (bushels): 600,000
Landis, Beal & Co.’s mill: 400,000
Searing & Mead’s mill: 300,000
V. M. Ayres’ mill: 300,000
Other mills in and adjacent to county: 400,000
TOTAL BUSHELS: 2,000,000
By this it will be seen that, providing all the wheat in the county remains at home, about six hundred thousand bushels must be shipped in for home consumption. By holding their wheat, our farmers will, instead of getting the shippers price, get the advance which our millers would have to pay, in freight, in importing a supply. Most of the millers of the county are preparing to run night and day in order to fill their immense contracts, and their demands will make a change in the wheat market as soon as the wheat is in condition for storage. We can, at least, depend on the home market always equaling that of Kansas City, and perhaps Chicago. A little tenacity will bring a good reward.
[NOTICE: BLISS & WOOD.]
Winfield Courier, July 17, 1884.
NOTICE.
To the following named owners of land, and to all other persons whose land may be affected by the proceedings herein mentioned:
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT Charles A. Bliss, Benjamin F. Wood, and E. Spencer Bliss have presented to Hon. E. S. Torrance, Judge of the District Court of Cowley County, Kansas, their petition in writing, setting forth all statements required by law, and asking to have condemned to them the right to build and construct to a height two (2) feet higher than its present height, and to forever maintain at such height, their mill dam across the Walnut River, said dam being located on the north half of the northeast quarter of Section No. 29, in Township No. 32, South, of Range No. 4 East, in Cowley County, Kansas, to thereby raise the water in the channels of the Walnut River and Timber Creek, above said dam, the purpose of raising said dam as aforesaid being to provide water power additional to that now owned and used by the petitioners above named and obtained by means of said existing dam, wherewith to run and operate the machinery in a large flouring and grist mill and grain elevator owned and operated by said petitioners and located upon the tract of land aforesaid; that pursuant to the prayer of said petition the said Judge has appointed the undersigned as Commissioners to meet at the place where said dam is proposed to be raised, on the Twenty-sixth (26th) day of August, 1884, and then and there to inquire touching the matters contained in said petition. And you are further notified that the undersigned Commissioners will meet at the place where said dam is proposed to be raised, on the Twenty-sixth (26th) day of August, 1884, and then and there inquire touching the matters contained in said petition, and examine the point at which said dam is proposed to be raised, and the lands and the real estate which will probably be injured by raising said dam to the height petitioned for, and hear the allegations and testimony of all parties interested, and make a separate assessment of damages which will result to any person by raising said mill dam to the height petitioned for, and its maintenance forever. And in case such work shall not be completed on that day, said Commissioners will continue the same from day to day until finally completed.
The numbers or descriptions of the tracts of land owned by non-residents of said county which will be affected by raising said dam as aforesaid, together with the names of the respective owners thereof prefixed thereto, are as follows, to wit:
B. B. Van Devender, part S. W. 1/4 and part S. E. 1/4 Sec. 21 ad part S. W. 1/4 Sec. 22;
John Sickles, part S. W. 1/4 Sec. 21;
J. B. Corson, part N. E. 1/4 Sec. 20;
The Southern Kansas Railroad Company ;art. N. W. 1/4 Sec. 28, all in Township 32, South, of Range 4 East;
L. Farr and J. Addison Rucker, part S. W. 1/4 Sec. 31, Tp. 31, S., of R. 4E.;
M. M. Wells, part S. W. 1/4 Sec. 21;
Elizabeth Taylor, part S. W. 1/4 Sec. 17 and part S. E. 1/4 Sec. 18; and
Elijah Taylor, part N. E. 1/4 in Sec. 18, in Tp. 32, S., of R. 4 E.
Witness our hands this 8th day of July, 1884.
HENRY HARBAUGH, W. L. WEBB, W. D. ROBERTS, Commissioners.
McDonald & Webb, Attorneys for Petitioners.
Excerpt...
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 19, 1884.
THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.
Viewers’ report on vacation of E. S. Bliss county road was adopted.
[BLISS & WOOD: DAM.]
Winfield Courier, July 31, 1884.
Raising the Dam.
The District Court has been petitioned by Messrs. Bliss & Wood to have condemned the right to raise, and forever maintain, their dam two feet above the present height. Since the health of the city is at stake, would it not be well to discuss this question? First, at the time of the great flood of six years ago, the waters of the river passed through the center of the city, between the courthouse and Main Street. Since that date the dam has been raised some three feet, a high railway embankment has been built on either side of the river, thus preventing a flood from passing on through the bottom lands. A strong embankment has been built on the east side of the mill, preventing the water from passing around as it used to do. With the water thus confined and the dam raised two feet higher, making five feet above the original dam, a repetition of the great flood would greatly damage or destroy the eastern portion of our now beautiful city. Will the COURIER call a special meeting to discuss this important question? Your Reader.
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[COWLEY COUNTY FAIR.]
Winfield Courier, August 7, 1884.
THE COWLEY COUNTY FAIR AND DRIVING PARK ASSOCIATION WILL HOLD ITS SECOND ANNUAL EXHIBITION AT WINFIELD, KANSAS, SEPTEMBER 23, 24, 25, 26, AND 27, 1884.
SPECIAL PREMIUMS.
The following special premiums are offered by the citizens of Cowley County. Parties wishing to compete for them must enter articles same as in other class, and must also comply with the instructions and requests named in the premium.
BY BLISS & WOOD. WINFIELD ROLLER MILLS.
$10.00. For one or more sheaves of wheat taken from within five feet of the top of the stack, five days before the opening of the Fair. Judgment to be on the best condition of the straw and berry.
[BLISS & WOOD: DAM.]
Winfield Courier, August 7, 1884.
THE MILL DAM.
EDITOR COURIER: I notice in your last a complaint regarding the raising of the Bliss & Wood mill dam fearing great danger there from on account of overflowage, etc. I think if this is the case and large tracts of land is to be rendered useless and the greater part of the city of Winfield overflowed thus causing a great loss of property and possibly cause the removal of the county seat from Winfield, I think there should be some means brought to bear on Bliss & Wood to prevent them from doing such an unwise thing. But I cannot fully understand how the results claimed can arise from raising said dam 2 feet. I am well acquainted with the Walnut River and know that its banks are high many feet above the water level when the dam is full of water and how two feet can raise the water back over the banks which are 20 feet above the water level I cannot understand. Will someone explain for I want to understand this and then I am ready to fight the project tooth and toe nail. But if it is, it seems to me that the raising of said dam two feet can possibly be of no material damage to any person in any way, then I am in favor of the dam being raised from this standpoint. The Mill of Bliss and Wood’s has been of as much practical benefit to this county as either of our Railroads and the cheaper that mill can be made to run the more they will be able to pay for wheat and thus every farmer in the whole county will be benefitted by aforesaid said project. I am in favor of driving slow and oppose nothing which I think in its nature is calculated to enhance our interests. I think fords will be damaged but I think they are a nuisance. What the farmers up north want is good bridges and then they will not hold their grain till they can cross the fords for at such times prices are invariably low. Hoping to hear more, anon, I remain a Subscriber, a Democrat, and a St. John man.
[BLISS & WOOD: DAM.]
Winfield Courier, August 14, 1884.
More Mill Dam.
EDITOR COURIER: In your issue of the 7th, “a Democrat and St. John man,” asks how the raising of the Bliss & Wood dam can possibly affect the property of citizens. He says the banks of the Walnut are twenty feet above the water when the dam is full. Now we have made a survey, and find the main track of the Southern Kansas Railroad at the crossing of Millington Street to be four inches below high water mark, and nineteen feet above the top of the dam. I will here remark it is the low lands that are endangered. Again, the little democrat says if they are allowed to raise their dam, they will pay our farmers by saying they want bridges which is only the small item of fifteen or twenty thousand a piece. To secure the respect of the little democrat, they must sacrifice their property to B. & W. But enough of this. How does a dam throw the water out of the banks of the river? None but a Democrat unacquainted with water could ask such a question. We answer: A dam thrown across a river absolutely raises the bottom of the river to just the height of the dam so far as the water is concerned, and maintains the bottom at that height, whether there is one foot or one thousand feet going over the dam; then there is an undercurrent below the dam running upstream until it reaches the dam where it rises and joins the surface current and repeats its trip down and back, on just the same principle that a side or surface eddy is made. There being no power in water except its weight, we will suppose a dam ten feet high with ten feet of water running over the dam will give a pressure of twenty pounds per square inch on the bottom. Remove the dam, add this great pressure to the ebbing water below, and the velocity of the current will be so greatly increased that the river will be immediately drawn in its banks above. I have consumed so much valuable space, so now my little Democratic friend, take the COURIER and read up the way good Republicans are made.
To the Editor, thanks. YOUR READER.
Winfield Courier, August 21, 1884.
DIED. Mr. Elbert Bliss received a dispatch Monday morning announcing the death, in New York, of B. C. Clark of Leavenworth. Mr. Clark was the senior member of the large wholesale queensware establishment of B. C. Clark & Co., with whom Mr. Bliss has been connected for the last few years. Mr. Clark was a noble and enterprising businessman and his loss will be deeply felt.
Winfield Courier, September 25, 1884.
OUR EDUCATIONAL CORPS.
Where the Teachers of Cowley Teach this Winter.
Their Names and the Salaries They Get.
Odessa, Pleasant Valley Township, Celina Bliss, $45.
Winfield Courier, September 25, 1884.
More Glory for Cowley.
Cowley County never fails to climb the golden stair wherever a trail is made. Her latest score was made at the St. Louis Exposition, where the Winfield Roller Mills flour carried off the premium over the famous Minneapolis and St. Louis flours. This is a big feather in the cap of Messrs. Bliss & Wood, and a recognition which our county appreciates.
[DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, September 25, 1884.
2ND DAY. CIVIL DOCKET.
4. Bliss & Wood vs. Wm. Colgate.
3RD DAY. CIVIL DOCKET.
31. C. A. Bliss et al vs. C. C. Harris et al.
5TH DAY. CIVIL DOCKET.
59. C. A. Bliss et al, Condemnation.
69. W. P. Hackney vs. E. S. Bliss.
6TH DAY. CIVIL DOCKET.
88. J. J. Merrick vs. Bliss & Wood.
95. F. W. Schwantes vs. C. A. Bliss, et al.
Winfield Courier, October 2, 1884.
The Winfield Roller Mills of Bliss & Wood are walking right away with all the blue ribbons this year. In addition to first premium at the St. Louis exposition, their flour carried off first honors on the Cincinnati Board of Trade and at the Kansas City Exposition, over the famous Minneapolis flours. Cowley always “get there.”
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[FAIR.]
Winfield Courier, October 2, 1884.
SPECIAL PREMIUMS.
One or more best sheaves of wheat, $10.00 by Bliss & Wood, Isaac Wood, 1st.
Arkansas City Republican, October 11, 1884.
The Arkansas to be Made Navigable.
At the miller’s convention at Winfield several days ago, the question of making the Arkansas River navigable, was sprung. A new plan was discussed, by which it is hoped to be able to ship flour down the river. It is as follows: Flat-boats are to be built with a capacity of seven or eight tons; several of these will be coupled together, similar to railroad cars; at the front and rear, small steamboats will be attached, to furnish the propelling power. It is hoped that in this manner several tons of flour will be taken downstream. A committee, consisting of James Hill, Mr. Bliss, of Wood & Bliss, Winfield, and Mr. Hargus, of Hargus & Clark at Wellington, were appointed to investigate the plausibility of this scheme. As soon as possible, these gentlemen will go down the Arkansas, and if they find water to the depth of one foot all the way, this plan will be put into execution. The boats they contemplate building will draw about 8 inches of water, and will be controlled by our millers.
Should this plan be executed, it will be of great benefit to Arkansas City. The flour from Wichita, Douglass, Wellington, and Winfield will come here for shipment.
Every farmer is interested in this enterprise. Every mechanic will be profited. Every man building a house, and in fact all will be benefitted if these enterprising men should be successful. When the boats return, they can bring lumber, fuel, and other necessaries, which of course will give us a cheapening of freight rates.
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[CHURCHES.]
Winfield Courier, October 16, 1884.
Last Sabbath the newly erected United Brethren Church at Constant was dedicated to the Lord for holy worship. It is a neat, commodious, and substantial building, having a seating capacity of about three hundred and fifty. It is indeed a creditable monument to the commendable zeal, energy, and enterprise of the Brethren in that community. A packed and crowded audience assembled at the morning service and were amply repaid for their presence by an exceedingly interesting sermon preached by Rev. Irwin, president of Lane University. The gentleman is a pleasing, forcible, and graceful speaker: his logic and rhetoric faultless. At the conclusion of the discourse, the congregation were informed that the cost of their beautiful temple of worship amounted to eighteen hundred dollars, and that a little balance of nine hundred dollars must necessarily be provided for in order to alleviate as much as possible all compunctions of conscience of those who disliked to worship at a shrine on which his Satanic Majesty held a mortgage. With that earnestness and liberality characteristic of the majority of the citizens of this vicinity, and through the charitable spirit manifested by esteemed visiting Brethren, the deficit was quickly secured with a surplus of $40. Elder P. B. Lee then presented the key of the church to the president of the board of trustees with the caution that the doors should be locked against all evil and disturbing influences, but opened wide to denominations preaching the gospel in its purity and holiness, when not in use by the Brethren. Rev. Cassell, the new pastor placed in charge, was next introduced to the congregation. The choir, consisting of Mr. and Mrs. Beach, Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Chaplin, Mrs. J. C. Snyder, and Mr. Snyder and Mr. Sherman Albert, with Miss Celina Bliss at the organ, furnished excellent music. The community, with the exception of a few who have fallen from grace, are proud of their pleasant and comfortable facilities for worshiping their Divine Master.
Much credit is due Rev. J. H. Snyder for his indomitable energy in working up this enterprise and laboring with our good people until their efforts have been crowned with glorious success. MARK.
Winfield Courier, October 16, 1884.
Bridge Matters.
EDITOR COURIER: There is some little stir for a new bridge across the Walnut River on the west side of town, main object being to give east and west trade a direct road to the business portion of the city. The writer has talked with some of the Vernonites and citizens of the city and it seems the most desirable place is at the west end of ninth avenue, this road would then run direct to the crossing of Main street and ninth avenue, the center of the business portion of Winfield and run by the fair grounds and within one block of Bliss & Wood’s Mill. Should the bridge be built where the old wooden bridge stood, this would throw teams into the meandering crossings and switches of both the Santa Fe and Southern Kansas Railroads; while if the other was there, there would be but one crossing. It is not thought that the old piers of wood bridge are sufficient for a good double bridge. People of the western part of this county know something of the mud hole they have to encounter in crossing by this route. A direct road coming in at the west end of ninth avenue is surely desirable. CITIZEN.
Winfield Courier, November 6, 1884.
Mr. J. S. Maus, superintendent of Bliss & Wood’s mill, has just built a neat six-room home on the corner of 8th Avenue and Lowry Street.
Excerpts...
Arkansas City Republican, December 20, 1884.
The latest scheme is to make the Arkansas River navigable. We reprint a former report published in the REPUBLICAN November 19.
“The scheme of navigating the Arkansas River between this city and Little Rock has proven better than the most sanguine had anticipated. Some two weeks ago a flat boat and crew with Engineer Moorhead in command started down the Arkansas River for the purpose of ascertaining the feasibility of navigating the stream. This was brought about by a desire of cheap freight rates to the south on the flour by our millers. The cruise down the river was easily accomplished, and plenty of water was found all the way. From here to the mouth of the Cimarron River, boats drawing eighteen inches of water can be used. From there on down the water is sufficient to carry any boat that may be utilized. The crew and boat returned Tuesday night and Engineer Moorhead has sent in his report. On Wednesday the projectors met and talked the matter over. Thursday at another meeting the following directors were elected: Jas. Hill, W. M. Sleeth, C. A. Bliss of Winfield, V. M. Ayres, and C. H. Searing. A charter has been granted in the name of the Arkansas River Navigation company. Thursday morning it was decided by the stockholders to send Jas. Hill and Maj. W. M. Sleeth east for the purpose of purchasing the power boat, and enough lighters to form a fleet. They left on the afternoon train. The flat boats will be built as quickly as possible, capable of carrying thirteen tons of flour each. Messrs. Sleeth and Hill are in the east negotiating for the power boat.
TRIAL DOCKET.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 1, 1885.
The following is a list of names set for trial at the January, 1885, term of the District Court of Cowley County, commencing January 6th, 1885.
Civil Docket. Third Day.
Bliss & Wood v. C. C. Harris et al.
Application of Bliss & Wood to raise mill dam across the Walnut river.
Civil Docket. Fourth Day.
J. J. Merrick v. C. A. Bliss et al.
F. W. Schwantes v. C. A. Bliss et al.
The Winfield Roller Mills.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 1, 1885.
Of the numerous big institutions of Cowley, none have been of more substantial benefit or have given wider advertisement to the County than the Winfield Roller Mills. It is a monument to the enterprise and pluck of Messrs. Bliss & Wood. Its capacity is six hundred barrels per day. All of the machinery is of the latest and most improved patterns and experts pronounce it one of the best roller mills in the West. Its flour carried off numerous prizes last fall at eastern expositions and is unsurpassable. We have at different times given extensive descriptions of this mill and of course it is useless to reiterate here. The benefit the county derives in the way of enhanced prices for wheat, through our mills, is very plain. Week after week the market here has been from one to four cents above the Kansas City market. Wheat in Kansas City last week was fifty-two cents and here fifty-three and fifty-five. This, of course, is attributable alone to our mills.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 8, 1885.
Mr. J. C. Curry left yesterday for the World’s Fair in the interests of Messrs. Bliss & Wood. The Winfield Roller Mills will be represented there by both flour and advertising circulars.
Arkansas City Republican, January 10, 1885.
The Navigation company assembled in the parlors of the Leland Hotel Wednesday and talked over the scheme of navigating the Arkansas. Mr. Wood, of Wood & Bliss of Winfield, was in attendance. The company empowered Jas. Hill with a permit to have a propelling boat constructed immediately, and we understand that Mr. Hill will go east for that purpose next week. Soon he will know our fate. The river has been surveyed and Mr. Moorhead says emphatically that a boat can be run on the Arkansas. By the time navigation is opened up, we will be ready for our pork packing establishment. Messrs. Prescott, Duncan & Barnett want to be looking a “leetle out,” or our steamboat will whistle before they are ready to ship their pork to the southwest.
THE DISTRICT COURT.
The Grinding of the Mill of Justice.
Nearly All Criminal Cases To Date.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 15, 1885.
Bliss & Wood vs. Wm. H. Colgate: costs paid and case dismissed on plaintiff’s motion.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, January 24, 1885.
TO NAVIGATE, IS WHAT THE MILLERS
HAVE DECIDED TO DO WITH THE ARKANSAS.
But 60 Days to Expire Until Our Denizens Are Visited By a
Real Genuine Shallow Water Steamer.
One and All sanguine that the Arkansas will be Made Navigable
On the Plan Proposed by Civil Engineer Moorhead.
Mr. Moorhead Goes to St. Louis to Order the Construction of A Propelling Boat;
WHICH WILL BE HERE IN 60 DAYS.
Tuesday Ben. Woods, of Winfield, representing Bliss & Woods, came down and with the stockholders in the navigation company here, held another meeting in the parlors of the Leland Hotel. For some weeks they have been investigating the Arkansas River, and on the day mentioned above crowned their endeavors by issuing a decree for T. S. Moorhead to proceed immediately to St. Louis and order the construction of a shallow water steamer. The steamer will be used in propelling lighters loaded with freight down the Arkansas to Little Rock. Last Monday our Millers received plans and specifications of a shallow water steamer, from a St. Louis firm, which were adopted at the meeting Tuesday with the exception of a few slight changes. The plans adopted are as follows. The steamer is to be 75 feet in length and the beam 15 feet. The hold will be three feet. It is to be a stern-wheeler with two engines furnishing power. Without cargo, it will not draw less than 10 inches of water. [ABOUT TEN LINES OBSCURED BY PAPER BLEEDING THROUGH AND AN AD ON REVERSE BLOCKING IT OUT.]
Mr. Moorhead is a thorough engineer; he has surveyed the river, finding 10-inches of water all the way down, and has pronounced it navigable, and now he proposes to verify his assertions. The steamer will be running the river trail, and the overhanging trees removed. Lighters will then be built on which the flour is to be conveyed down the river. When our steamer [two words obscured] sailing up it will be an “epoch.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 29, 1885.
Bring your wheat to our mill and get 25 pounds O. B. flour and 10 lbs. bran for a bushel of good wheat; 30 lbs. Superb flour and 10 lbs. bran for a bushel of good wheat; 35 lbs. Homo and 10 lbs. bran for a bushel of good wheat. A fair exchange robs no one.
Bliss & Wood.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 29, 1885.
Mr. J. R. Sumpter, of Beaver township, contracted the remainder of his wheat crop Saturday, six hundred bushels, to Bliss & Wood, for 65 cents per bushel. This raise in the price of farm products makes everybody jubilant. But eastern tendencies point to still better prices ere long.
TELEPHONE DIRECTORY.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 29, 1885.
B
No. 1. Bliss & Wood, office.
No. 35. Bliss & Wood, mill.
No. 18. Bliss, E. H., residence.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 5, 1885.
Feminine Enterprise and Generosity.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 5, 1885.
Now that the ladies have formed a relief society, the poor of our city are being well cared for. The society held a meeting in the Presbyterian church on Wednesday of last week, and large piles of clothing, provisions, etc., were sent in to be distributed among the needy by the different committees. This organization has been made permanent, with Mrs. W. R. Kirkwood, president; Mrs. J. L. Horning, Vice President; Mrs. W. G. Graham, Secretary, and Mrs. J. H. Reider, Treasurer. A committee of two has been appointed for each ward, as follows: First Ward, Mrs. W. R. McDonald and Mrs. E. D. Garlick; Second Ward, Mrs. J. S. Hunt and Miss Lizzie Graham; Third Ward, Mrs. J. L. Horning and Mrs. M. L. Robinson; Fourth Ward, Mrs. C. A. Bliss and Mrs. A. H. Doane. These ladies have sought out all destitute families in their respective wards, and are making them comfortable. And one who pursues the even tenor of his ways in every day walk would be astonished at the number of really needy families they found—those who have hands to do but can find nothing to profitably busy them with, the avenues of industry being almost closed. Many let pride carry them to the very verge of freezation and starvation, and only by the visits of these ladies did their real condition become known. The social and supper at the Presbyterian church Tuesday evening by the relief society was very liberally patronized by our citizens, and proved an excellent “weigh” of ascertaining the weight of the ladies, and putting about a hundred dollars into the relief fund. All honor to our generous-hearted, enterprising ladies!
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 12, 1885.
Don’t you know that Bliss & Wood are exchanging all grades of their flour for wheat on reasonable terms?
Excerpt...
UNITED WE STAND!
AN ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING OF CITIZENS
IN THE INTERESTS OF WINFIELD.
The Queen City of Southern Kansas to Make Still Greater Strides
in Material Advancement—The D. M. & A. and K. C. & S. Are Coming.
Other New Enterprises.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 19, 1885.
Spencer Bliss suggested the feasibility and possibility of offering sufficient inducements to the A., T. & S. F. and S. K. railroads to build a union depot and joint shops in this city, and stated that the prospect of navigating the Arkansas river, and other influences, pointed forcibly to the necessity of the Santa Fe moving through the Territory soon, to a southern market, in which case they must have shops about this location. Winfield being ninety-five miles from Cherryvale and about the same distance from Newton, offers a very advantageous situation for joint shops and a round house, and if our businessmen push the feasibility of the matter, there seems no doubt that this result can be obtained. When the D. M. & A. and K. C. & S. strike us, now anticipated before the summer rolls by, this scheme will be all the more probable. With four railroads radiating from Winfield, with their shops here, we will have a town that will lay all others in Kansas in the shade—hardly excepting the State Capital.
DISTRICT COURT DOINGS.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 26, 1885.
S. J. Merrick vs. C. A. Bliss. On motion of plaintiff case dismissed without prejudice at plaintiff’s cost.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 26, 1885.
Spencer Bliss left for Kansas City, Tuesday, to look after the matter of a meal and hominy attachment to the Winfield Roller Mills. Messrs. Bliss & Wood mean to have every feasible adjunct to their splendid mill.
Excerpt...
THE SECOND MEETING OF THE WINFIELD ENTERPRISE ASSOCIATION.
UNITY AND ENTHUSIASM.
By-Laws Adopted for a Permanent Organization.
The Queen City’s Prospective College.
Machine Shops And Foundry.
Startling Figures From Judge Soward in Favor of More Railroads.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 26, 1885.
J. P. Baden, A. T. Spotswood, J. C. Long, Col. Whiting, J. A. McGuire, C. A. Bliss, M. L. Robinson, H. B. Schuler, and John A. Eaton were appointed a committee to solicit memberships to the Association.
Excerpt...
PLEASANT VALLEY. “COUNTRY JAKE.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 26, 1885.
Miss Celina Bliss, of Winfield, visited friends in this vicinity last week.
Excerpt...
PLEASANT VALLEY. “COUNTRY JAKE.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 26, 1885.
Bliss & Wood received 3,000 bushels of wheat at their elevator last Thursday. This tells whether the wheat is all marketed or not.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 5, 1885.
The Winfield roller mills will receive next week a Hamilton Corless 200 horse power engine. This is the largest engine yet put in a Kansas mill, and will furnish economical and unexcelled power. Messrs. Bliss & Wood will also attach hominy and corn meal machinery to their mill soon.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 5, 1885.
THE WINFIELD ROLLER MILLS.
Actual Daily Capacity:
SIX HUNDRED BARRELS.
New Superintendent, who has no superior in the State. Flour already improved and more improvements to be made and everything on a boom.
BLISS & WOOD, Proprietors.
Arkansas City Republican, March 7, 1885.
Bliss & Wood, of Winfield, came down to see our millers Thursday.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 11, 1885.
C. A. Bliss, of Winfield, called on our millers last Thursday.
Arkansas City Republican, March 21, 1885.
Yesterday forenoon Bliss & Wood, the Winfield millers, came down to hold a meeting with the members of the Arkansas River Navigation Company here. The meeting was held at the residence of John Landes.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 26, 1885.
Don’t you know that Bliss & Wood are exchanging all grades of their flour for wheat on reasonable terms.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 9, 1885.
The Wellington Baptists gave a missionary feast on last Friday afternoon and evening, which, by special invitation, was attended by the following delegation from the Winfield Baptist church: Rev. and Mrs. J. H. Reider, Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Bliss, Mrs. E. M. Albright, Mrs. Anna Hall, Mrs. Spencer Bliss, Miss Lida Tyner, Miss Callie Wortman, Miss Maggie Herpich, and Mr. E. R. Greer. Those from this city are enthusiastic in praise of the many courtesies extended them by the Wellington folks, and shall take great pleasure in reciprocating at no distant day.
RECAP OF A BIG AD.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 16, 1885.
Imported Clydesdale Horses.
CADDER LAD, (1991) 893.
Weight 1950 pounds. Rich chestnut, white on face and white feet; foaled May 29th, 1881; bred by Robert McKean, Lumloch, Bishopbriggs, Scotland.
Sire, Cadder Chief (1601) - Dam, Lumloch Jess (320)
[Horse is traced back for many years for both sire and dam.]
CADDER LAD is a horse of gay appearance, with a magnificent head and a bright, bold eye. His fine back and loins, deep ribs, and stands on good short legs. In his veins runs the best blood of Scotland.
IAGO (2874.)
Weight 1600 pounds. Bay, white strip on face; hind and near fore pastern white; Foaled May 1882; bred by Donald Black. Auchentoil Kilmalcolm, Renfrewshire, Scotland.
Sire, Sangwhar (2393) - Dam, Maggie (1942)
[Horse is traced back for many years for both sire and dam.]
This is a genuine, old-fashioned Clydesdale, with all the characteristics of the breed. Sanquhar has won the Highland Agricultural Societie’s first premium at Stirling, besides many other first prizes, and his services are in great demand, for which very high terms are being paid. In these magnificent animals is found the best strains of blood of the Clydesdale horse; and no finer specimens of their race ever trod the soil of Kansas. Their individual merits are such that they command themselves at once to all lovers of the horse; and no finer specimens of their race ever trod the soil of Kansas. Their individual merits are such that they command themselves at once to all lovers of the horse. Some of the reasons why it is more profitable to breed to the heavy horse than to any other: Their walk with or without a load is more rapid than that of the trotting or road horse. They move burdens easily and rapidly that would be wholly unmanageable by any other race of horses. It is not infrequent to see five tons drawn by one horse in their native land; and at the great breeding farms in Illinois and Iowa can be seen three or four tons drawn by an ordinary brood mare in cart. The get of these horses when two years past are as saleable as a bushel of wheat or government bond, at prices from $150 up—Eastern buyers purchasing by the car load. The first cross makes the best general purpose horse in the world.
THESE HORSES
will make the season at the
West-side Stock Farm of J. C. McMullen,
(Just across the river from the Fair Grounds).
Entrance below Bliss & Wood’s mill, or on the old Wichita road,
west of the center of Winfield.
TERMS OF SERVICE. Cadder Lad, $10.00 at time of service and $15.00 when mare is known to be with foal.
There will also stand at the same place Black Prince, Stock Messenger, and Black Hawk, a fine, large colt, 17 hands high, fine action; no better road horse in the country. Service, $6.00
SAMUEL OLIVER, Manager.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 23, 1885.
E. S. Bliss got in Saturday evening from a tour in the western counties in the interest of the Winfield Roller Mills. This institution has a very large wholesale trade in that section. He says that these counties are receiving a wonderful immigration, and boom—a different class of people, however, to those Winfield and Cowley County catches, those without money who are attracted by the chances to homestead. The older counties take in only such parties as have a thousand or two for investment.
THE INCORPORATION MATTER.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 23, 1885.
The matter of taking additional territory into the city limits came up before Judge Torrance yesterday evening, and was postponed to Monday next. Bliss & Wood, Col. Loomis, A. J. Thompson, D. C. Beach, A. A. Howland, the Highland Park Company, and others appeared to protest. The point was made that a mistake occurred in the publication of the late law enabling cities of the second class to extend their corporate limits, the official State paper omitting one section. An enrolled copy of the original bill, from Auditor McCabe, has been sent for.
WINFIELD LEADS THE WORLD.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 30, 1885.
The following letter has just been received by Messrs. Bliss & Wood. Score another for Winfield and our enterprising millers.
MESSRS. BLISS & WOOD, WINFIELD, KANSAS,
DEAR SIRS:
At the World’s Exposition at New Orleans, your entry for the “best barrel of flour from winter wheat by patent process,” was accorded the first premium, $10. Under the rules, any exhibitor awarded a money premium may commute the same for a diploma or a medal, designating the class of premium which has been awarded, having an equal money value. I am now working up my report for Division J, Department of Agriculture, in which your entry was made, and desire you to indicate your preference as to a token of award as provided in the said rules. An early answer is desired. Truly,
G. C. BRACKETT, Division J., Department of Agriculture, World’s Exposition.
The gentlemen will choose the medal. This award was made alone upon the merits of the flour, as Messrs. Bliss & Wood expended not a cent for any display. This was “Winfield against the world,” and as usual in every competition in which Winfield takes a hand, she takes her place at the head of the procession.
THE BANNER STATE.
Kansas Boasts About All the Premiums Awarded at the New Orleans Fair.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 7, 1885.
The Emporia New’s special from New Orleans says: Our dearly beloved state is still in the van. Kansas again heads the procession and carries off the banner prizes at the World’s exposition. An array of premiums which makes every Kansas heart swell with joy and pride has been won by the great “Sunflower” State. Our products have paralyzed the less fortunate inhabitants of other States, and indeed have beaten the world. Read the record the awarding committee has given: Kansas, the first premium on white corn; the first on yellow. And the jury afterwards recommended that in addition to the above premiums a gold medal be given Kansas for the best corn in the world. Listen, again! Kansas is awarded the first premium on winter wheat; the first premium on flour by graduated process was awarded to Bliss & Wood, of Winfield, and the first on flour by the old process to Pierson Bros., of Lawrence. The Franklin County sugar works captured the first premium on sorghum sugar; the Rice County works, second on sorghum and amber cane sugars, after a hot contest by the middle and northwestern States. Kansas received the first premium for the best hundred varieties of apples. The State, it is known, duly received ten first and two second premiums on short horn cattle and the first premium on polled-Angus to Arren of Nemaha. Kansas takes sixty-five miscellaneous first and second premiums besides, all this in the face of great odds. While the Kansas legislature appropriated for the display but seven thousand dollars, Dakota gave thirty thousand, Illinois twenty, Nebraska twenty, Ohio thirty, Indiana thirty, Iowa twenty-five, Minnesota thirty, Wisconsin twenty, Texas, California, and New York fifty each and still we lead them all. Kansas men here feel as if they were the cream of the earth and are treated that way too. Commissioner Bacon is as happy as a clam at extraordinary high tide, and through him the people are doing Kansas proud. Mr. Bacon was serenaded and Kansas given sweet words till you couldn’t rest. The exposition attendance yesterday was the largest yet known, estimated at from 40,000 to 60,000.
Excerpt...
TERRIBLE FLOODS!
Chautauqua and Elk Counties Inundated. Numerous Lives Lost and
A QUARTER OF A MILLION!
Dollars in Property Swept From Chautauqua. Elk City Under Water.
A REGULAR NOAH’S FLOOD.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 21, 1885.
The Walnut river was within a few feet as high as in the famous flood of 1877, rushing through the lower floors of Bliss & Wood’s mill and entirely submerging Riverside Park. Hundreds of people visited the river yesterday to witness its angry waves. A number residing in the low ground just east of the S. K. depot were driven out of their homes Friday night. The S. K. culverts were too small, backing the water up into the houses. These culverts should be enlarged at once.
ADVERTISING KANSAS.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 28, 1885.
The following appeared in the New York Tribune, on May 10th, among a column of paragraph interviews.
The great West is still growing and blossoming in the night. I met Judge D. D. Hoag, of Wyandotte, Kansas, at the Glenham Hotel on Thursday. He was brimful of exultation over the victories of Kansas at the New Orleans Exposition. Said he: “We carried off sixty-five miscellaneous first and second premiums. We swept the deck on white and yellow corn, red winter wheat, flour of both patent and roller process, on sorghum sugar and on shorthorn cattle. The mill that made the patent process flour is way off in one corner of the State in a small village. The sorghum sugar industry is a growing one with us, and this premium will encourage it. We got a gold medal for the best corn in the world. All this, too, in the face of discouragements. Our Legislature appropriated only $7,000 for the exhibit, while States all around us, Nebraska, Dakota, Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, appropriated from $20,000 to $30,000, and New York, California, and Texas appropriated $30,000. We beat them all. There were never so many people going into Kansas as now, but I presume our success at New Orleans will swell the tide.”
We want to inform that Wyandotte Hoag (is the “a” silent?) that Bliss & Wood’s mill which “made the patent process flour” is not “way off in one corner of the State in a small village,” but in the great city of Winfield, the liveliest city in the State.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 4, 1885.
R. E. Bunker, with his mercantile partner, J. E. Carr, were over from Milan, Sumner County, to contract with Messrs. Bliss & Wood for flour. Mr. Bunker is a son of the famous Siamese Twins. The history of the wonderful prodigies, it will be remembered, states that, though their bodies were joined together, both married and had children.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 11, 1885.
Uncle Billy Moore has left us a bunch of wheat plucked from his forty acre field just over the river from Bliss & Woods’ mill that goes a long way toward refuting the assertion that the wheat crop is “badly off.” It is of the Walker variety and as plump, well-filled, and perfect as could be produced.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 18, 1885.
West Dyer, of Burden, was over Friday and bought a car load of flour of Bliss & Wood.
FAILURE AT UDALL.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 2, 1885.
The general merchandise form of Nathan Shriver & Co., at Udall, filed an assignment deed in the Register’s office Friday. Wm. C. Miles is the Assignee. The liabilities are about sixteen hundred dollars, including Wichita firms, over $800; Bliss & Wood, of this city, $27.50; and W. F. Wilkinson, our cigar man, $21.50. The remainder is scattered among creditors in Kansas City, Atchison, and St. Joe. The Bank of Commerce, Udall, is in $106, and J. Snodgrass & Co., that city, $130. The assignment is made to secure a chattel mortgage of A. Smith for $160. The assets are not known, supposedly too small for mention.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 2, 1885.
Mrs. J. W. Millspaugh and daughter, Mrs. I. N. Ripley, of Burlington, Iowa, a sister of Mrs. E. S. Bliss and Mrs. F. H. Bull, came in Tuesday.
OUR CELEBRATION.
A Cowley County Home.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 9, 1885.
The Senior editor and his wife had a most delightful fourth of July celebration at the residence of J. W. Millspaugh, in Vernon township. Mr. and Mrs. Millspaugh are old residents of this county, having been among the early settlers. They came here with a large family and have been prominent factors in the history and development of this county. They have a magnificent farm, built up from the undisturbed and treeless prairie of fourteen years ago, now covered with waiving grain, luxuriant corn, and meadows and pastures of cultivated grasses, all interspersed with groves of maple, cottonwood, and other deciduous and fruit trees and a magnificent orchard with hundreds of trees now loaded down with apples, peaches, and other fruits in great variety. The lawn around the residence is beautified with flowers of various kinds and interspersed with beautiful shade trees. The barns and outhouses are in good condition, the stock are of the improved varieties, and are now supplied with plenty of the best grasses, shade, and cool, clear, fresh water pumped from the depths by a magnificent windmill. In winter they are well sheltered and appearances show that they are not unacquainted with corn.
On the 4th a long table was set in a beautiful grove near the house. The table was loaded with all the substantials and delicacies of the season, a true index of the abundance surrounding that rural home and the taste and culture of its inmates. It was the occasion of a family reunion, of daughters, sons, step-sons, and grandchildren, to the number of twenty-five. Mr. I. N. Ripley, of Burlington, Iowa, was, we believe, the only one of the family absent, for Mrs. Ripley was present as were Mr. and Mrs. Robert Highman, of Attica, Kansas; Dr. and Mrs. Bull, of Winfield; Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Bliss, of Winfield; Mr. Union Millspaugh and Mr. Frank Millspaugh, of Attica, and we hardly know how many other children and grandchildren; but we observed that the grandchildren were numerous, bright, and interesting; all good looking and some of marked beauty. It was a joyous occasion and everyone was in the happiest and liveliest mood. Mr. H. Beck was out there taking some pictures of groups in sundry positions, and before we left Mr. and Mrs. S. G. Gary, of Winfield, arrived and joined in the social pleasures of the day.
Long may our honored host and hostess live to enjoy their happy home and the love and devotion of these two generations of their descendants, and the next, which will be about in due time.
C. A. Bliss becomes a father...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 9, 1885.
We have heard of ecstatic bliss; we have heard of bliss that reaches out and takes hold of all the glories of imagination, but we never saw as exuberant Bliss as was exhibited by our C. A. Monday. For fifty-five long years he has been without the soft echo of “papa” from a prattler on his knee—no rosy cheeked little one to be the adoration of its sire. No wonder he didn’t know when he came uptown Monday whether he was a-foot or horseback, and ejaculating with floury tone, “I am a dad! Whoop!!” He was finally cornered and cooled down for particulars. It’s a boy, and Mr. Bliss is several inches taller. Congratulations are certainly in order.
Celina Bliss...
Beauty, Gallantry, and Intelligence.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.
The members of the Normal Institute held a social in McDougal’s Hall Thursday, for genial commingling with each other and our citizens. Depositing his heart in the safe, under a time lock, our elongated reporter hied himself to the scene, and a happy, good-looking and entertaining lot of folks he found—among the ladies. The gentlemen, as usual at every gathering, were horribly ugly, in comparison. As our reporter stood awkwardly in the corner, with no place to put his big hands and no room for his huge pedal extremities, his eyes took in several things. County Superintendent Limerick was master of ceremonies. Elder Myers, of the Christian church, gave a sparkling welcome address, responded to very happily by Prof. Wilkinson, conductor of the Institute. Mrs. O. McGuire read a pithy essay on the educational profession, and Prof. Davis gave an applicable and mirthful little talk. Then a novel scheme was carried out, that of finding from what states the teachers present had come from to Kansas. Pennsylvania had two represented in a neat little speech by Mr. Littell, who mentioned that he was delighted with Kansas, but his heart was way back east—a sad blow to the girls. West Virginia also had two, one of whom, Mr. McClellan, told of its glories and sorrows, as compared to the Garden of Eden. North Carolina stood with the preceding ones, two, with the wittiest oration of all from Bob Holland. Kentucky had three, and Elder Myers and Prof. Craddock discussed its virtues and failings. George W. Bain, who is attending the Normal, wasn’t present. Wisconsin had two to unfurl her banner, which was done very nicely by Mr. Arnet. Michigan had two, without any speechifier. Ohio had six representatives and one orator, Will C. Barnes, who thought the Sunflower state at the head of the procession. Hoosierdom came up with a boom, sixteen. The orators of the occasion were divided as to the merits of her school system. Mr. H. A. Owens thought it far inferior to that of Sunny Kansas, while Miss Fannie Stretch and Mrs. O. McGuire touched the ire of the native Kansan by going back on the Sunflower State—placing the Hoosier school system above ours. Illinois carried off the golden belt in numbers, twenty-one. Mr. S. F. Owens, H. S. Wallace, and Miss C. E. Plunket discoursed on its merits, while Mrs. Limerick was proud to have come from the state that gave us Lincoln and Grant and that had old John Brown. Iowa showed fourteen. Mr. F. E. Haughey spoke splendidly of her grand prohibition record and commended Kansas for her proud advance. The Empire State was represented by but one, Miss Celina Bliss. “Arkansaw’s” spokesman was absent. But Kansas came up smiling with thirty-three, who had first taken up the pointer within her borders. Prof. Gridley, who was one of the first graduates of the State Normal, was chosen orator. He was proud to belong to the State of baked beans, grasshoppers, and chiggers, ending with a mention of her grand record. Prof. Limerick announced three lectures during the session of the Normal: Dr. Kirkwood, “Obedience to Law as Related to the Teacher,” Prof. Jay, principal of the Wellington schools, “Our Boys,” and Prof. Cowbric, principal of the Harper schools, “The Teacher’s Place in the Nation.” During the evening the musical talent was let loose, conducted by Prof. Merriman, closing with “America.” It was a very pleasant occasion throughout. There should be more such socials during the Normal.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.
The expert of Hoover, Owens & Co., the Corliss engine manufacturer, is here superintending the erection of Bliss & Wood’s new engine. The Corliss is the most perfect engine manufactured—economical, noiseless, and safe. Bliss & Woods’ is a two hundred horsepower, whose mechanism is one of the wonders of the age.
ARRIVED AT LAST.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.
The “Kansas Millers,” the steamboat of the Arkansas River Navigation company, of which Messrs. Bliss & Wood are members, arrived at Arkansas City yesterday, having come fourteen hundred miles from St. Louis, in charge of Capt. T. S. Morehead. It anchored in the Walnut, at Ayres’ mill. At Tulsa, in the Territory, the high water and drift kept her from passing under a large railroad bridge and delayed her too long to reach Arkansas City for the Fourth. Her crew and passengers, besides the captain, were James Johnson, engineer; Dr. Hull, an excursionist, and “Robinson Crusoe,” a traveling scenic artist. The boat cost $7,000 laid down at Arkansas City; is of twenty-one tons burden; capacity for twenty passengers; requires a master and pilot, one engineer, and a crew of two. She draws ten inches of water, is seventy-five feet long, with fifteen feet beam, and has a steel, barge-shaped hull. The Navigation company expect to ply her between Arkansas City and Fort Smith in shipping flour. She crossed shoals in but four inches of water in coming up.
DOWN THE “RAGIN ARKINSAW.”
The Kansas Millers Practically Tested by the Arkansas River Navigation
Company and a Cargo of Interested Citizens, Grain, Etc.
Our Elongated Scribe Sandwiched In.
Cowley’s New Steamer A Big Success.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.
Through the courtesy of Mr. Spencer Bliss, representing Bliss & Wood in the Arkansas River Navigation Company, our elongated reporter hauled himself from his couch at 3:30 yesterday morning, and in company with Mr. J. W. Millspaugh and Prof. Davis, sped away behind Mr. Bliss’ bay chargers for the city of many “invalids” and much “medicine.” The object was to join the Navigation Company, composed of James Hill, Bliss & Wood, Searing & Mead, and V. M. Ayres, and leading citizens of the Terminus, in an excursion down the “ragin’ Arkinsaw” on the new steamer, Kansas Millers, as a practical test of its ability to master the sand bars and general “cussedness” of the American Nile. The hour of rising, though at first a severe shock to our delicate nerves, was such a charm that it will likely continue a life-time habit—if we have to sit up every night as on this occasion to do it. Dr. Evans and Mr. H. H. Hosmer were also among this bevy of early worms. It was a perfect morning; the tear drops of heaven had descended, making the air as soft and balmy as though wafted from the “fountain of eternal youth”—exhilarating beyond expression. A lovelier country can’t be found under the blue canopy of heaven than that lying between here and Arkansas City. And just now it teems with promises of abundant crops of corn and other prospective cereals, while the shocks of golden wheat and oats continually dot the landscape. All along the road are the houses of many of Cowley’s pioneers, and the evidences of their having laid up lucre where thieves can’t cabbage it—in numerous tasty and substantial improvements exhibited all around. Reaching Arkansas City at 7 o’clock, a destructive raid was made on the ever unexcelled Leland Hotel. The balmy atmosphere inhaled on the road down was so bracing to the invalids of our party that all noses were upturned at the thought of a regulator of interior departments—known in Arkansas City parlance as “medicine” venders. A man is mighty fortunate to be able to stave off the “quick and sure” miasma grip of the canal, on entering the Terminus. Being full of Leland substantials, we delivered ourselves to the tender mercies of Archie Dunn and were soon landed on the banks of the placid Walnut, just east of the city, in the terrible presence of a Kansas steamer—a real, live steamboat, whose shrill voice sounded “all aboard.!” With a recklessness only attributable to enterprise, two more Archimedean levers were here put among the excursionists: Judge McIntire, the venerable and able editor of the Democrat, and Dick Howard, the young, energetic, and talented faberizer of the Republican. The excursion party, aside from those mentioned, contained sixty of Arkansas City’s leading capitalists and businessmen, all the specially invited guests of Capt. Morehead and the Navigation company. The trip was made for a thorough exhibition of the merits of the boat—to show thinking and enterprising men just what it could do. No ladies were along. They were reserved for a time when less business and seeming experimental danger were ahead. The boat is a surprise to all—exhibits clear through the deep faith and determination of its projectors. It is a steel hull structure, seventy-five feet long and fifteen wide. Its gross capacity is thirty-four tons, with twenty deck or steerage passengers. It has two high pressure engines with eight inch cylinders, one boiler thirteen feet long and three and a half in diameter, giving 60,000 pounds tensible strength. Its canvas-covered deck has one hundred chairs and its license limit to excursions not over forty miles down the river, is one hundred and thirty. She has pilot, berths, cookery, and all the requisites of a first-class tow steamer: life-boats, plank floats, cork life-preservers, etc., with stern wheel propeller. It drew but thirteen inches of water yesterday and when loaded to its fullest capacity, will draw only fourteen. It is managed by T. S. Morehead, captain; Fred Barrett, mate; Samuel Clarke, formerly a machinist of Winfield, engineer; John Harrigan, fireman; H. P. Barnes, pilot; and Peter Yount, deck hand. James Hill, Spencer Bliss, C. Mead, and Allen Ayres represented the Navigation Company on this trip. At 8:05 the boat pulled out down the river for the land of the Noble Redskin. Prettier scenery can’t be seen in this section than greets the eye upon either bank as you glide down. The velvety verdure was broken here and there by high bluffs, and, after you get down the Arkansas some distance, by low banks, giving a prairie view for miles around. The broad Arkansas, with the air impeded by but little timber, affords a more exhilarating breeze. The trip is delightful—charms one accustomed only to the dingy den of business. Going down, the steamer made over fifteen miles an hour. The river was swelled about thirty inches, but plenty of picturesque sand bars adorned it. As a practical test, the boat left the channel several times and glided over bars on which not more than eight inches of water flowed. The bottom could be heard grinding along on the sand. Being of steel bottom there is no friction and it seems impossible to stick the little steamer. About as bad places as the Arkansas contains were passed over with perfect ease. If the boat should happen to get stuck, however, only the fore could strand, and the aft will draw it back. The first cargo ever sent down the Nile of America was on board: five cwt. of flour and fifty bushels of corn, unloaded at Gilbert & Newman’s cattle ranch, fifteen miles down. Thirty miles below Arkansas City, on the Kaw reservation, was found as pretty a grove as ever grew wild—a beautiful grassy incline, dotted with branching oaks, reminding one of some of the old Pennsylvania hillsides. Here the excursion landed and spent several hours, the principal of which was a grand feast which had been prepared by C. Burnett, of Arkansas City’s St. Louis restaurant. It was soon demonstrated that, in “setting up” such “grub” for the crowd, Capt. Morehead had a government contract that threatened bankruptcy. Nothing but four life-boats and sixteen cork life-preservers saved the COURIER’s lean man. Unfortunately, there was no “medicine” on board, and Dick Howard, of the Republican, is probably now sleeping his last long sleep. Returning, a speed of about seven miles an hour was maintained, in a current much swifter than when status quo. About half way up, an anchorage was made in a shady nook, and toasts given to the “Kansas Millers.” Mayor Schiffbauer was master of ceremonies and Nate Snyder did the shorthand act. The Mayor voiced the warm interest of Arkansas City’s businessmen in this promising enterprise. James Hill, general manager of the K. C. & S. W. railroad and father of this steamboat scheme, showed up the great saving to Cowley County in freight rates, in the success of this barge line. The company propose to put $5,000 into a barge fleet. It will be composed of five steel barges, enclosed, and forty feet long and ten wide, each with ordinary capacity of twenty-five tons. They will ply them between Arkansas City and Fort Smith and Little Rock. Flour, meat, hay, etc., will be taken down and coal and lumber brought back. Flour, etc., can be taken down for $5 a ton, half what it now costs by rail, to the best market we can get. As good coal as can be found in Colorado and Pennsylvania can be bought at $2.50 per ton at Ft. Smith and lumber at prices to greatly benefit the consumer, laid down at Arkansas City. The daily expense of running this line will be twenty dollars. The boat cost $7,000 laid down at its destination, and with the barges, will show an investment of twelve thousand. Capt. Morehead, under whose supervision the boat was constructed and brought up, said he had made a careful examination of the river all the way up and is satisfied, beyond a doubt, that it can be navigated with ease and profit to the company and people. The Captain takes great pride in this enterprise and shows an energy and knowledge of water most commendable. He says he can make the down trip to Ft. Smith, Arkansas, in four days, and return in six—three trips a month. He is convinced that in the near future two boats will be numerously plying the Arkansas to Arkansas City. The fifteen thousand dollars, appropriated and yet unused by Congress last winter for the improvement of the Arkansas river, will be applied for and promises to be forthcoming with other appropriations as soon as successful navigation is assured. Spencer Bliss, Judge Sumner, Judge McIntire, A. V. Alexander, and others made good speeches commendatory of the enterprise. The Navigation Company has divided its capital stock into 110 shares of $100 each. They were opened for subscriptions from those on the boat, and well on to $5,000, the amount necessary to construct the barges, was subscribed by H. D. Kellogg, J. H. Sparks, Ira Barnett, Herman Godehard, T. R. Houghton, Snyder & Hutchison, H. O. Meigs, Peter Pearson, Henry Endicott, Frick Bros., Wagner & Howard, S. F. George, C. H. Burroughs, A. V. Alexander, Mayor Schiffbauer, George Cunningham, Kimmel & Moore, Judge Sumner, and others. All were enthusiastic over the success, so far, of navigating the river.
On the boat is a queer character, a navigator and explorer who has been interested for years in the successful navigation of the Arkansas: L. F. Hadley, known along the river as “Old Robinson Crusoe.” He is a Quapaw Indian by adoption, having been with different redskin tribes since he was eighteen, and is known among them as “In-go-nom-pa-she.” Capt. Morehead found him at Pine Bluffs, Arkansas; he wanted to come along and the Captain took him in. His early hobbies were scenic sketching and shorthand, and he is making a complete map of the river’s channel. His stay among the Indians has been of a missionary character, and his stories of Indian life, as given to the reporter, would make an interesting volume. “Robinson Crusoe” has made the Arkansas a study for years and has always been certain that it could be navigated. He is a native of Michigan and first got in with the Indians of Northern Michigan. In 1881 he came up to Arkansas City in the steamer, “Aunt Sally,” which many here will remember, under Capt. John McClary. It was an old wooden snag boat and of course a poor test. Then Crusoe mapped the river also. He is indeed an eccentric character, possessing an astonishing amount of self-acquired knowledge.
The barges will not be completed for forty days, during which time the “Kansas Millers” will make excursion trips down the river. Winfield people couldn’t spend a day better than in going down for such a trip. Captain Morehead and the Navigation company were assiduous in attentions to the guests on this trip. And the reporter found in Engineer Clarke a most pleasant and instructive escort through the intricacies of the lower deck. Mr. Clarke is an old Mississippi boatman, a thorough engineer, and the Company made a good strike when they secured him permanently.
We shall not soon forget our first trip down the “ragin’ Arkinsaw” on a steamboat. The construction of this steamer is the inauguration of a great enterprise, and exhibits forcibly the characteristic “git up and git” of Cowley County men. Mr. James Hill, the father of the enterprise, and Capt. Morehead, who planned and superintended so successfully the construction of the boat, are entitled to special credit. Mr. Hill would like to see three locks in the Walnut, letting the steamer come up to Winfield, which she could easily do with these adjuncts.
Excerpts...
OUR SCHOOL MA’AMS.
A Complete List of Those in Attendance to Date—About 150.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.
The attendance of the County Normal Institute has reached its zenith and below we present a complete list of those in attendance.
A. GRADE.
Bradshaw, J. C.; Caton, Julia L.; Fuller, Oliver P.; Haughey, F. E.; Littell, W. B.; Norton, H. G.; Norton, S. W.; Overman, S. F.; Owen, H. A.; Roberts, Chas. W.; Wallace, H. S.; Elder, Fred S.; Bliss, Celina.
Excerpts...
STEAMBOAT: “KANSAS MILLERS.”
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 18, 1885.
DOWN THE ARKANSAS.
The “Kansas Millers” Takes a Delegation of Businessmen Down the River Tuesday.
Spencer Bliss, Dr. Evans, and J. W. Millspaugh of Winfield were down and took in the excursion.
NAVIGATION COMPANY.
Searing & Mead, Wood & Bliss, of Winfield, V. M. Ayres and the Arkansas City Roller Mill Company compose the navigation company. V. M. Ayres is president and C. H. Searing Secretary. These four milling firms, having practicably demonstrated that the Arkansas is navigable by steamers on the pattern of the “Kansas Millers,” and having used $7,000 to further the enterprise already, naturally turn to the town most benefitted for assistance in the furthering of the enterprise. The directors are B. F. Wood, Maj. W. M. Sleeth, and James Hill.
OUR ROADS.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 23, 1885.
All interior towns like Winfield depend on their trade and consequent prosperity upon the products of the soil, and the more accessible we as a city make ourselves, the more prosperous we will be as a community. It should be our aim to aid the farmer in hauling to our city the largest amount of his various products, with the least amount of labor and time. And in this question of good roads and bridges, every businessman in the community is equally interested with the farmer. In the various pressing needs of a new and growing community, roads and bridges for reason of lack of money are neglected; but with us that time is now past, and if we expect to keep our trade and secure new, we have got to cooperate with adjacent townships and make better roads. I do not expect that Winfield should do it all; but I do expect that we as interested parties shall do our part. Our city has made many complaints about Vernon’s neglect to keep the west bridge in repair. It would have been good business on our part if, instead of foisting upon her a burden she did not want, we would have shown a willingness to share the expense of such burden. The people of that township would have felt more kindly to us, and there would have been no broken limbs and losses of property. A community is made up of individuals, and bulldozing tactics do not succeed with the farmer any better than the latter—particularly where you are obliged to live as neighbors, and future favors are expected. An excellent move has been made on securing the J. F. Martin road through Vernon, and the $600 may be thought by many to be excessive; but when it is recollected that the consideration is a new double track bridge across the Walnut, it will be readily recognized that the amount is not excessive. This bridge and road should have been built years ago, and at 7th avenue instead of 9th, as now proposed. The further north we make this bridge, the more territory from that direction we secure for our trade. If, when the old Bliss bridge went out, a new and better one had been built, there today would be no Kellogg, with its fine roller flour mill and its opposition stores. This is an illustration of where our “save at the spigot” policy has lost us a fine trade for all time.
In conclusion, I want to particularly call the attention of our businessmen to the condition of the Dexter road. This is a township road with Winfield and Walnut on the north and Pleasant Valley on the south; and it is one of the most important roads that leads into the city. Over it comes all the trade from Dexter, Otto, and Maple City, and I do not exaggerate when I say that for months past the condition of this road would have been a disgrace to Arkansas. There is about one hundred yards between Mr. Eddie’s and Mrs. Platter’s farms that for weeks have been simply impassable. Farmers have been obliged to go north to the Tisdale road, or make a long detour south; and now after eight days of dry weather, a load can be hauled through it by doubling teams. I have tried various ways to get this road worked, and for the reason that I had from six to twenty men at work in my quarries on the land east of Mr. Eddie’s; and in my failure to do so, I have been subjected to additional expense and loss, and was obliged to discharge several men who would have had a steady job with good roads. I first saw the Justice, J. C. Roberts, and he said no tax was levied by Walnut and he had no money to do it with. If road tax had been levied, the Southern Kansas alone would have been obliged to pay $200 of it. My next move was by subscription, and parties answered they would not give from their private means for a public purpose where all were equally interested. I next hired two men and teams and tried to ditch it, but only succeeded in partially carrying off the water. To repair this road, I will furnish at the quarry all the broken stone necessary, and less than a hundred dollars would ditch it and give a macadamized road over the worst places. As I said at first, we are all interested in good roads leading to our city; and if I have in this article succeeded in making our businessmen feel their responsibility, it will not be long until such a road as I have described will be an impossibility in this section. J. E. CONKLIN.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 30, 1885.
Mr. I. N. Ripley, of Burlington, Iowa, brother-in-law of Mr. E. S. Bliss, is here to join his wife for a visit with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Millspaugh, of Vernon, and others.
DOWN THE “RAGIN’ RACKENSACK.”
Our F. M. on the “Kansas Millers.”
Sights and Incidents of the Winfield Steamboat Exercise.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 6, 1885.
Through the courtesy of Messrs. Bliss & Wood, our fat man procured a “dead head” ticket and joined the excursion down the muddy Arkansas last Tuesday. We left Winfield on the regular passenger train going south; our hearts were filled with gladness and our baskets filled with eatables that made the reporter drop all thoughts of trouble and feel like a school boy. We numbered ninety-five souls besides several children. We reached Arkansas City with care. Here the cars were run down to the second crossing below the depot, where we expected conveyances would be in waiting to take us to the river, but “nary one” was there, and half a mile of dusty road ahead that insured our landing on the “Kansas Millers,” but equal to the occasion, we took our lunch baskets in our hands and faced all difficulties by starting for the bridge east of town across the Walnut, where the “Kansas Millers” was tied up tight and fast. Vast volumes of smoke could be seen issuing from the smoke stack. Like all such picnics, each and everyone ran, of the notion that hurrying was the thing or we would get left. We soon reached the bank and viewed the Kansas wonder. As it has been described heretofore in this paper, it will not be necessary now. Getting on board about 1 p.m., we were joined by some twenty from the Terminus. We now numbered 120. Now commenced our troubles. The drinking water failed to come and, of course, after walking through the hot sun and sand, we felt a “leetle” like imbibing. However, all we could do was to smack our lips and imagine there was a dozen cases of beer on deck, instead of water. About 2 p.m., the water came, and we sailed out of harbor at once, and down the stream so merrily. Everything went all right going down. The reporter’s soul felt such joy as he has been a stranger to for a long while. We ran down at the rate of about twelve miles per hour, running twenty-five miles down the stream. We had been looking for some time for a landing place close to some shady nook, where we could land and go ashore and explore the mysteries of our lunch baskets. Some of us had been in such a hurry upon leaving home that our stomachs had been strangers to food since early in the morning. The reporter especially longed for the good time to come when some worthy individual would tap him on the shoulder and say lobsters, spring chicken, ice cream and cake, come along! And we wondered if the party would be scared to see how quick we would come. Finding no suitable place to land, we unfurled the table cloths and napkins and went to work. We partook of the hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Parmer, Miss Rena Crampton, and Mrs. F. P. Nichols, four dinners in all, for which we are under many obligations. There was plenty to eat but little to drink. To be sure, the waters of the “Arkansaw” lapped the sides of our boat, and though water was all around us, we were perishing with thirst. Two or three ate this water—they parted it with a knife and swallowed without tasting. They reported some hours afterward a depressed, heavy feeling, like unto being weighted down by sand. About this time we struck for shore and quite a number landed in a shady place. It was found well stocked with the festive chigger and they (the excursionists), soon struck a B line for the boat, except one dude. We had fairly pulled out into the channel when we heard a piteous wail from the bank, and lo and behold, the dude was standing on the shore with a wild and haunted look on his countenance. We had to pull back and take him in, and this is where we got stuck—on a sand bar. Now our sticking troubles began and lasted off and on during the night. There was a colored deck hand, of the genuine southern type, that proved very handy. When we got stuck he would step off with a pole and wade around up and down the river for some distance. He did this probably to assure the passengers there was no danger of them getting into deep water and sinking. At least, we all felt that we were stuck safe and sure every time the “coon” took one of these walks. The capstan was in constant use with the trees along the shore. Several sand bars were torn up by the roots and were reported striking for the Missouri when last seen. If there had been any accommodations for sleeping, we could have got along first rate. As it was, we had to sit bolt upright all night, or stretch ourselves out on a board, and there was not much chance to sleep then, with the talking and laughing going on; and having no water made it worse, though water was found about 3 a.m., which alleviated our condition to a great extent. We reached the starting point at 5 a.m., Wednesday morning, and had to walk to the depot. We felt pretty well tuckered out, you can guess. The Winfield Juvenile band was along and discoursed sweet music. We had an organ aboard and had some good vocal music by E. F. Blair, A. F. Hopkins, Louie Brown, Mrs. Allen Ayres, Mrs. Cunningham, Mrs. Campbell, Mrs. C. A. Bliss, and Miss Lola Silliman, organist. The mills of Arkansas City were represented by the proprietors themselves. These gentlemen did everything they could, taking a hand at the capstan and working like truck horses. The Kansas Millers has made several trips when the river was much lower than now, and came up all right. We attribute the trouble to new officers. There was a new outfit in command, and, no matter how competent, necessarily they would have to have some experience with the channel of the river before running successfully. Again, we were too heavily ladened. No doubt this boat will run all right with the proper load. She has done it, and will right along. Though it was very hard to sit up all night, the jovial company caused the hours to pass away. The owners of the Kansas Millers made it as agreeable as possible to all on board. Though there were several things which were not in the programme, yet this was not the fault of the owners. The scenery as far as we went is only ordinary. Though the day was very hot, when the boat was in motion we got a good breeze. We don’t feel this morning as if we wished to excurt again for two or three days.
NOTELETS.
We walked to the—
The stream was very muddy.
We got stuck on a sand bar coming up.
There were too many captains aboard.
We want to go again as soon as we get well.
The band boys took dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Goodrich.
Ed. Pentecost dispensed ice cream and lemonade until it ran out.
Five ministers and the reporter were aboard—this was the trouble.
We advise the Wichita party to bring along some of “Adam’s ale.”
We were to be back to Arkansas City at 10 p.m., and take the train at 10:30.
The fat, heavy weights aboard are supposed to be the ones that stuck the boat.
Conductor Myers watched for our return until 1 a.m., and went home disgusted.
During the water famine Dr. Park was seen to step outside and drink a bottle of eye-water.
We had lots of good things to eat, but the water was some distance from shore that was fit to drink.
The ladies’ white dresses were spotted with black from the smoke stack, as well as the gentlemen’s clothes.
There was some talk of a moonlight dance, but the presence of five ministers and the fat man put a damper on it.
There was a mistake made in not having a sufficient supply of water put aboard when the boat left Arkansas City.
During the scarcity of water, some salt ice, left in the cooler, was found and devoured instantly. The cooler was not touched.
Joe Maus, of the Winfield Roller mills, showed the reporter many favors, as well as to others. Joe is a good man to have along.
The officers of the boat were: Alton, captain; Barnes, pilot; Clarke, engineer. Robinson Crusoe was aboard, but had no dog or gun.
Judge Gans sat in the center of the boat and held on to a rope during the entire trip. Since the Judge’s Chicago experience, he don’t believe in immersion.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 6, 1885.
Bliss & Wood started up their mill Monday under full steam. This mill is now equipped with as fine machinery as can be found anywhere, and is a credit to this city.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 6, 1885.
E. S. Bliss, Capt. Gary, J. W. Millspaugh, I. N. Ripley and families took a flying trip to Chilocco Monday; also S. B. Millspaugh. They arrived at Chilocco in time to see the noble Red men of the Chilocco school loaded up and taken off on an excursion to Newton and other places. The Indians made a nice appearance. They were well dressed and well behaved.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 6, 1885.
Mr. C. H. Seybt, a large flour exporter from St. Louis, is here talking up the export business with Messrs. Bliss & Wood. He was here last spring and has just returned from Europe with increased sureties. He exports for over one hundred of the large mills of the country. Mr. Robert Clark, of the Augusta roller mills, is also here.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 13, 1885.
The J. P. Short landmarks were all sold Monday and will be moved off to make room for an imposing block, an honor to the city. A. P. Johnson bought the Headrick building, $87; the Harris & Clark office, $100; and the Bliss & Wood grain office, $51. A. H. Doane got the harness shop, $101; and H. G. Fuller got the little tin shed, $5. The buildings will likely be moved onto residence lots. Work on the bank and Short lots will commence at once. The Harter building will be moved over in Ninth avenue.
Excerpt...
GREAT MEMORIAL!
Our Citizens, With the G. A. R., W. R. C., and K. N. G.,
Give Honor to the Nation’s Greatest Character.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 13, 1885.
The Grant Memorial Services Saturday were grand. The G. A. R. and the militia were out in full force. The Courier, the Juvenile, and the Union Cornet Bands discoursed sweet music; the city was draped in mourning and business suspended from 2 to 4 o’clock in honor of the dead hero. The south and the north joined hands and hearts in mourning for the silent man of Vicksburg. The procession started from the G. A. R. hall at 2 p.m., followed by the Militia, marching to the Baptist church where the services were held. The church was beautifully draped. Over the pulpit was a banner with the inscription, “Our Old Commander,” over a picture of Gen. Grant. The pulpit was draped in black, decorated with beautiful flowers arranged in crosses. The outside of the church was also appropriately in mourning. The G. A. R. occupied the front seats, with the militia and Woman’s Relief Corps. We cannot speak too highly of the music. The Courier Band rendered sweet music at the church. Also the choir of the church, composed of Miss Lola Silliman, organist; H. E. Silliman, Miss Walrath, Mrs. C. A. Bliss, and Prof. Merriman. As the Corps marched in, Crippen’s instrumental Quintette played Lincoln’s Funeral March—as charming as ever greeted the ear. Captain Siverd and Sam Gilbert showed their usual gallantry in conducting all to seats. After music and prayer by Rev. Myers, the Committee on resolutions, D. A. Millington, Geo. Rembaugh, and Buel Davis, read fitting resolutions lamenting the death of the old hero and eulogizing the acts of his life. After this Rev. J. H. Snyder, of the United Brethren church, and Dr. W. R. Kirkwood, of the Presbyterian church, delivered very fine discourses. Rev. B. Kelly, who conducted the services, made a few remarks about the General’s religious character. Mrs. Grant is a Methodist and the General always leaned that way. A few months before Grant’s death, the old friendly pastor called and the General made a confession of faith.
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ANOTHER VISITOR’S VIEW.
He Compares Cowley’s “Git Up and Git” to Indiana’s Poke-Easiness.
Enthusiastic Praises.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 20, 1885.
Mr. W. A. Pickens, one of the editors of the Spencer, Owen County, Democrat, and who, with his sister, spent the last few weeks here visiting his brother, Dr. F. M. Pickens, writes as follows to his paper.
“When the Creator put the finishing touch on the earth, he made Southern Kansas. Some of your Owen County readers may think the reports of the great prosperity of Kansas are lies gotten up by real estate men and railroad managers, but they are not. When you remember that Kansas took the premiums at the late World’s Fair at New Orleans on grains, on fruits, and on flour, you will not be surprised at the reports of her wealth that reach you. The best grains, the best fruits, the best flour in the world—that is the whole tale shortly told.
“The firm of Bliss & Wood, millers, at Winfield, handles over four hundred thousand bushels of wheat a year. This is not the only mill here. Ask your millers at Spencer what they handle and you may have some idea of the wheat product of this country.
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COWLEY’S TEACHERS.
Who Will Shoot the County’s Young Ideas the Coming Winter.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 27, 1885.
Cowley’s first extensive examination under the new law formulating the questions in the State Board of Education, shows 105 certificates out of 155 applicants—5 in the first grade, 41 in the second grade, and 50 in the third grade, as follows.
SECOND GRADE.
Alderson, P. S.; Akers, Martin; Andrews, Hattie; Angerman, W. E.; Beach, Cora B.; Bliss, Celina; Bradshaw, J. C.; Bringle, Jennie; Chapin, Amy; Clover, William T.; Craven, Mrs. F. E.; Dalgarn, Mollie; Finfrock [?Finefrock], P. H.; Fuller, O. P.; Green, Clara; Haughey, F. E.; Hutchinson, Libbie; Marble, A. D.; Martindale, J. C.; McClelland, Frank; McKinley, Fannie; Overman, R. B.; Olmstead, Bertha; Pierson, Maude M.; Owen, H. A.; Phelps, Laura; Pickering, Sadie; Strong, Lida; Robbins, Emma; Trezise, H. A.; Stiverson, E. E.; Utley, Hattie; Turner, M. F.; Wallace, H. S.; Walch, C. I.; Weigh, W. F.; Wallis, Bertha; Wing, C. J.; Wheeler, Allie; Wilson, Lizzie; Williams, W. F.
LITIGATION’S LONG LIST.
Trial Docket Cowley County District Court,
September Term, 1885, Commencing Sept. 1st.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 27, 1885.
1998. Bliss & Wood vs C C Harris et al. J. Wade McDonald for plaintiff; Joseph O’Hare for defendant.
1980. F W Schwantes vs C A Bliss et al. S. D. Pryor, W. A. Tipton, Jennings & Troup for plaintiff.
A PLEASURE BOAT.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 3, 1885.
And now Winfield sports a pleasure boat—not exactly a presidential yacht, but one nearly as tony. It arrived today from Cedarvale, where it has been plying the Big Cana. It is owned by T. S. Cramer, is twelve feet wide and twenty-four long, a stern wheel propeller, run by a little infant engine of three horsepower. It draws only four inches of water, light; loaded, six inches. It is neatly covered with canvass, with seating capacity for fifteen or twenty. It was hauled over on a wagon, the wagon backed off into deep water below Bliss & Wood’s mill, the engine started, and the little craft run down to Riverside Park. It will carry pleasure parties up and down the river from the Park and your best girl will give you no peace until she gets a ride on that boat.
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WHAT OUR NEIGHBORS ARE DOING.
Newsy Notes Gathered by The “Courier’s” Corps of Neighborhood Correspondents.
SOUTH BEND. “G. V.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 3, 1885.
Our School Board has secured the services of Miss Celina Bliss for a 4 months term. These gentlemen were surely wise in their selection of a teacher.
Paper had two articles in same issue re death of Isaac DeTurk...
A TERRIBLE DEATH.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 3, 1885.
The life of Isaac DeTurk, the sixteen year old son of Mr. and Mrs. A. DeTurk, living in the Elbert Bliss residence, has been slowly but surely ebbing away. His death is one of the most terrible. A few weeks ago he was hauling water in a sled tank to the threshing machine on his father’s Pleasant Valley farm. On top of the tank was a barrel on which he was sitting. A sudden stop threw him five feet headlong to the rough ground. The whole left side of his forehead was crushed in. The skull was raised and the splints taken out, but he gradually failed, though conscious part of the time. For several days past, the brains oozed out from the skull, a terrible sight, yet consciousness was occasional.
A SAD DEATH.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 3, 1885.
Isaac DeTurk, of whose terrible accident we have made mention several times, died yesterday at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. DeTurk, in the Parsonage addition. He was but sixteen years old, a bright, ambitious boy, and his death is one of the saddest—a very hard blow to the family. It will be remembered that he was thrown from a water sled several weeks ago, while hauling water to a thresher, near the Grange Hall, south of town. He was either kicked by one of the horses or struck a projection with great force, as the skull of his left forehead was crushed in, making a hole the size of a silver dollar. The skull was replaced and everything possible done to relieve, but death was inevitable. Up to last Thursday he talked intelligently at times and hopes were entertained, then his tongue became paralyzed, though he was conscious most of the time up to a few hours before death. The brains oozed out of the aperture in quantities, and his retaining consciousness is a mystery. The funeral was held at four o’clock from the residence, conducted by Rev. Reider, and was attended by many sympathizing friends. Such a sorrow touches the deepest chord of every soul, causing it to reflect the kindliest words and thoughts of condolence. The remains were buried in the south cemetery.
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Arkansas City Republican, October 3, 1885.
Teachers’ Association.
The second monthly meeting of the Cowley County Teachers’ Association will be held at Arkansas City on October 17, 1885, the programme to be as follows.
Should a knowledge of vocal music be a qualification of the common school teacher? Paper: Miss C. Bliss; discussion: E. Collins and Chas. Wing.
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Arkansas City Traveler, November 18, 1885.
Teachers’ Association.
The third monthly session of the Cowley County Teachers’ association will be held Nov. 20 and 21, 1885, at Winfield.
Should a knowledge of vocal music be a qualification of a common school teacher?
Paper: Celina Bliss. Discussion: E. Collins; Chas. Wing.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, November 21, 1885.
A Candle Lecture.
The Caldwell branch of the K. C. & S. W. Railroad will run from Arkansas City. The question was settled last week. The propositions which had been submitted to townships in Sumner County stipulating that the branch should leave the main line at Winfield or a point north of the center of Beaver Township, are withdrawn and others submitted stipulating that it shall branch from Arkansas City. While but few of the citizens of Winfield seem to realize it, the fight over this question has been most fierce and bitter. The Winfield members of the company bent their energies from the first to secure this branch for Winfield, and of course expected and counted upon the hearty co-operation of our citizens and municipal authorities. They early presented the matter to the company, took pains to ascertain from the citizens of Sumner County what aid could be secured, and formulated a proposition which embraced four thousand dollars per mile for every mile constructed in Sumner, and pledged to the company hearty and liberal encouragement from Winfield in the right of way through the city, land and money for machine shops, etc. The propositions were considered and determined upon and the matter was fixed before the road reached our city that the road should go through the city on the most feasible route and branch from Winfield. But when the Winfield members were called upon for the right of way through the city, they could not deliver the goods. The route selected by the engineer as being the most feasible, was through the eastern part of town. Mr. Asp approached the city council and suggested that they allow this road to occupy some street in the east part of the city. Immediately there arose a great howl, the like of which we have rarely heard. Members of the council seemed to care more for the sanctity of their backyards than for the future welfare of the city whose interests they were especially selected to protect. The council had got it into their heads that the proper place for the road was out by Bliss & Wood’s mill, and up a canyon, despite the protest of the chief engineer that such a route was impracticable. Then the road tried to get the council’s consent to buy their way through the eastern part. This was refused. Then they asked permission to climb the hill and cross Ninth Avenue a mile east of Main Street. The councilmen were taken in carriages to view the route and agreed verbally to let the road go there. A special meeting was called that evening only to result in their going back on what they had agreed to in the morning. Then the road asked that they might follow the Santa Fe around the town and get out in decent order. But another councilman’s backyard was endangered, and even this was refused. The company was dismayed. Instead of finding Winfield friendly to the road, they found her council ready to throttle it, rather than that the “beauty” of the east part of town should be forever marred by the presence of a railroad track, although the company offered to plank the track inside and out, making a continual crossing from limit to limit of the city. Every new move only seemed to increase the blood-thirsty disposition of our valiant city fathers, until the road ordered its Chief Engineer to locate their line in accordance with the dictation of the city council of Winfield. The Chief Engineer did so. The road is now built. It ruins the fair ground; it damages the park for public purposes. It practically vacates the only road over which the people of Vernon, Beaver, and part of Pleasant Valley can get into Winfield—and two miles of it cost the company forty-six thousand dollars more than they receive from Winfield in aid, leaving them with one of the most dangerous and expensive pieces of road, to maintain and operate forever, that there is in Kansas outside of the flint hills. This is Winfield’s attitude toward this company.
Now for Arkansas City.
She wanted the road. She was willing that Winfield might have two roads to her one, and voted solidly for the D. M. & A., redeeming her pledges faithfully. She also wanted the Caldwell branch. She asked the company to simply notify her of what it thought necessary to be done, and they would do it. The company suggested that they give the road a street, free of cost, from limit to limit of their city. The suggestion was embodied in an ordinance and passed unanimously, leaving the company its option to select which street it wanted, and even holding the company harmless for any damages that might arise from its occupancy.
Had Winfield accorded the company any kind of fair and decent treatment, she would have had the Caldwell branch, the permanent division, machine shops, and general headquarters, all of which the company had offered, which would place Winfield far in the lead of any city in southern Kansas.
Broad-gauge men will make a live, enterprising, flourishing town; selfish, close-fisted, and short-sighted ones will kill it if given enough rope. Winfield Courier.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, November 25, 1885.
THE SORROWS OF WINFIELD.
There is a heavy washing of dirty linen being done in Winfield. The jealousy of the people there is aroused at the advantages likely to accrue to this city from the Kansas City and Southwestern railroad being built through our boundaries and then carried to the state line.
The Courier, in an article over a column long, charges hostility to the enterprise on a number of the city council, who were solicitous for the safety of their backyards, and this solicitude also cropped out from the doings and sayings of several private citizens whose property was likely to be invaded. The Courier thus states the treatment visited on the railway managers.
“The council had got it into their heads that the proper place for the road was out by Bliss & Wood’s mill and up a canyon, despite the protest of the chief engineer that such a route was impracticable. Then the road tried to get the council’s consent to buy their way through the east part. This was refused. Then they asked permission to climb the hill and cross Ninth Avenue 4 miles east of Main Street. The councilmen were taken in carriages to view the route and agreed verbally to let the road go there. A special meeting was called that evening only to result in their going back on what they had agreed to in the morning. Then the road asked that they might follow the Santa Fe around the town, and get out in decent order. But another councilman’s backyard was endangered and even this was refused. The company was dismayed. Instead of finding Winfield friendly to the road, they found her council ready to throttle it, to disembowel it, to scatter its fragments over the whole surrounding territory, rather than that the ‘beauty of the east part of town’ should be forever marred by the presence of a railroad track.”
It has been frequently talked on our streets that Winfield gave the K. C. & S. W. company $20,000 to go there, and charged it $25,000 to get out. But the Courier makes a still worse showing. After dwelling on the impracticable character of the route pursued, and bewailing the ruin wrought to the fair ground, the injury to the park, and the divergence of the track from the only road over which the people of Vernon, Beaver, and part of Pleasant Valley can get into Winfield, the writer sums up the adventitious cost of the road at “$46,000 more than it receives from Winfield in aid.” With this further disadvantage, that it leaves the company “one of the most dangerous and expensive pieces of road to maintain (and operate forever) that there is in Kansas, outside of the flint hills.”
With such unfair and inhospitable treatment, we can understand that the railroad company has not the kindest feeling toward that city, and must feel that such help as was bestowed on them costs more than it comes to.
But all this talk is apart from the real question. When the city and county bonds to aid in the construction of the K. C. & S. W. road were voted in this city, it was with the distinct understanding that its track was to be laid directly here and carried hence to the state line. Our people were informed that the road was to be built through into Texas, and the halt would be made on the border of the territory only until the right of way through the Indian country should be granted. The bonds were voted with that understanding and the faithful performance of the undertaking looked to. Our cotem, in strong antithesis, contrasts the conduct of this city toward the railway company with that of Winfield.
Here is how he puts it.
“She (Arkansas City) wanted the road. She was willing that Winfield might have two roads to her one, and voted solidly for the D. M. & A., redeeming her pledges faithfully. She also wanted the Caldwell branch. She asked the company to simply notify her of what it thought necessary to be done and they would do it. The company suggested that they give the road a street, free of cost, from limit to limit of their city. The suggestion was embodied in an ordinance and passed unanimously, leaving the company its option to select which street it wanted, and even holding the company harmless for any damages that might arise from its occupancy.”
This is in striking contrast with the conduct of Winfield toward the railroad company (as detailed by our sprightly cotemporary), but it moved no feeling of gratitude. Ever since the ordinance was passed by our city council, granting the road its choice of the right of way, there have been schemes proposed and combinations entered into, to deprive this city of the benefit of the road, and put us off on a stub. But these sharp tricks were defeated by the prompt, and energetic, action of our businessmen. On two occasions, when they learned that the road was to be diverted from its proposed course and good faith violated, they summoned Messrs. Young, Latham, Asp, and other managers of the road, and informed those gentlemen that if the engagement with this city was not honestly fulfilled, no bonds would issue.
This was argumentum ad hominem. It has been forcibly said: “The man who carries the bag has many forces at his back; an empty sack will not stand upright.” This threat to cut off supplies brought the road managers to terms, and the track was graded to our city without further flouncing.
What threat may be contained in the significant passage with which the Courier editor winds up his arraignment, we do not clearly comprehend. He says: “We may yet secure some of the advantages which seem to have drifted away from us, but the fight has to be made over again. The Winfield members of the company will work for Winfield to the extent of their ability and means, but the measure of their success will depend on the attitude of Winfield and her council and men of influence.” If this means that when the bonds of this city are issued and hypothecated, an effort will be made by “the Winfield members” to have the track removed from this city, it is clear that an act of perfidy is contemplated which will bring confusion on the heads of its promoters. But we borrow no trouble over this intangible avowal. The road will be completed to this city in a few days, and the necessary depot buildings started upon, and possession is nine points of the law. Good faith has been observed by the railway company in spite of the machinations of “the Winfield members;” and as they have lost their opportunity to divert the road, they will now find it a fruitless task to attempt to undo a work that has already been accomplished.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, June 12, 1886. From Tuesday’s Daily.
Shortly after noon today the “Kansas Millers” and her three barges, loaded with flour, went down the Arkansas River to Ft. Smith. The barges were loaded as follows: 30 tons of flour from Bliss & Wood’s at Winfield; 15 tons from the Arkansas City Roller Mills; and 15 tons from the Canal Roller Mills. Capt. Barnes was as joyful as a school boy over his proposed trip.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, June 12, 1886. From Thursday’s Daily.
Captain E. S. Bliss, of Bliss & Wood, leaves Arkansas City today with the “Kansas Millers,” loaded with 100,000 pounds of Bliss & Wood’s best flour, for Ft. Smith and other points. The Kansas Millers is provided with steel barges that only draw five inches empty and sixteen loaded. Bliss & Wood say it will be a success and that they can lay their goods down at Ft. Smith and other points on the route at one-half the usual railroad rates.
Winfield Courier.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 10, 1886. From Wednesday’s Daily.
Capt. E. S. Bliss, of “The Kansas Millers,” got in today by rail, and reports a jolly and successful trip down the “ragin’ Arkansaw.” He was 66 hours and 5 minutes making the trip with a crew of eight, and no trouble, with the exception of a little between Salt Fork and Pawnee. About one-half of the cargo of 100,000 pounds of flour was sold in the Territory. The captain says the river was about three feet above low water mark and says there is no doubt “The Kansas Millers” is a success. On account of pressing business, he left the boat at Ft. Smith and came back by rail. Mr. Bliss is highly pleased with the trip, and says it is better than going to the mountains. Courier.
[KANSAS MILLERS.]
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, August 27, 1886. From Monday’s Daily.
Capt. Thompson, of Ohio, has effected the purchase of a two-thirds interest in the “Kansas Millers.” He will go down to Ft. Smith tomorrow and bring her up. Bliss & Wood have sold their one-third interest in the boat to parties at Ft. Smith.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, September 18, 1886. From Friday’s Daily.
Miss Celina Bliss, of Winfield, is visiting in the city, a guest of Mrs. N. T. Snyder.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, October 16, 1886. From Thursday’s Daily.
R. T. Coglin, special agent of the Hartford Life Insurance Company of Hartford, Connecticut, is in the city. This insurance company is recommended by leading men all over the Union. The costs of life insurance is but half what it is in most other companies, and the benefits derived are just as many. Bliss & Wood, of Winfield, recommended the company very highly. Mr. Coglin has just commenced operations in this city. Parties desiring to take life insurance would do well to see him. He is courteous and gentlemanly to one and all. He can be found at the Monumental Hotel.
