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Various articles about Bolton Township and Arkansas City
Jeff Palmer, Kingfisher, Oklahoma, wrote to me recently, informing me that he grew up in a home just one block north of my residence. His parents were Charles and Lorene (Hight) Palmer. Charles Palmer was the city engineer until his death in 1973. Lorene Hight Palmer passed away in 1878, when Jeff Palmer was a senior in Arkansas City Public High School.
Jeff’s grandparents were Philip Kearney Hight and Stella (Chambers) Hight. They assisted in the three books published, called Between The Rivers, years ago.
Jeff informs me that he did a paper on the Cherokee Strip Run, and that a copy of it is in the Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum in Arkansas City.
Jeff stated: “I found information on my great grandfather and his brother.” His great grandfather was James Thompson Hight (known sometimes as J. T. Hight), whose brother was Jacob Hight. “Uncle Jake, as my grandfather referred to him, was a city councilman, and I noticed that he ran for Police Judge in April 1887.”
As a result of Jeff Palmer’s interest, I am attempting to learn what I can of the various families he mentioned: Hight, Chambers, and Palmer.
The first family I am covering is the “Hight” family. Jacob Hight was well known in the early days in Arkansas City. James Thompson Hight appears to have been a resident of Bolton Township at that time.
HIGHT.
Bolton Township 1880: James T. Hight, 38; spouse, S. J., 34.
Bolton Township 1882: James T. Hight, 40; spouse, Sarah Jane, 37.
Arkansas City 1893: Jacob Hight, 55; spouse, Cath., 55. Daughter, Anna, 21.
Early Newspapers.
James T. Hight...
Arkansas City Traveler, June 13, 1883.
Old Soldiers of Bolton.
The following list of our soldiers of Bolton Township were furnished us for publication by Gus Lorry, trustee of that township.
J. T. Hight, sergt., Co. G, 17th Indiana Veterans
I have no idea who “Samuel Hight” was...only mention of him follows...
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 26, 1884.
Notice to the Public.
Notice is given to the public that my wife, Elizabeth Hight, has deserted my bed and board, and refuses to return, and I hereby warn all persons against giving her credit in any way, as I will not be responsible for the payment of any of her debts. SAMUEL HIGHT.
The following concerns J. T. Hight...
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, March 21, 1885.
Editors Republican: GENTS: I have been interested in the articles relating to milling and its profitableness and its abuse, etc., in your late issues, but did not propose to take any part in the discussion, and do not now. But when my business is assailed by parties who are endeavoring to build up a business for themselves by false representations, I propose to show to the public, if possible, the falsehood. Today Mr. J. T. Hight informs me that he was solicited to take stock in the Farmer’s Co-Operative Milling Exchange at Arkansas City. And as an inducement these parties told him that I had determined to do no more exchange business; but would only buy the farmers’ wheat and sell him flour. This is a falsehood uttered for a purpose: to damage my business. I will only add, I never said or did anything to warrant such statement; but invite the farmers to come to my mill and prove my intentions. Respectfully Yours, V. M. AYRES. March 19, 1885.
Jacob Hight mentioned...
Arkansas City Republican, Wednesday, April 4, 1885.
“HOT TIMES.”
The Squirt-Gun Ordinance the Cause.
Thursday the businessmen and taxpayers held a meeting to place in nomination a ticket for the city officers to be filled next Tuesday. The following was the result.
FOR MAYOR: A. J. PYBURN.
FOR POLICE JUDGE: CHARLES BRYANT.
FOR CITY TREASURER: CHARLES R. SIPES.
FOR TREASURER OF SCHOOL BOARD: JAMES L. HUEY.
FOR JUSTICE OF THE PEACE: S. C. LINDSAY.
FOR CONSTABLES: FRANK THOMPSON, J. J. BREENE.
FIRST WARD:
Councilmen: Jacob Hight; A. C. Gould.
School Board: S. B. Adams; T. D. Richardson.
SECOND WARD:
Councilmen: Archie Dunn; Calvin Dean.
School Board: J. P. Witt; John Landes.
THIRD WARD:
Councilmen: J. P. Johnson; M. C. Copple.
School Board: A. D. Prescott; L. E. Woodin.
FOURTH WARD:
Councilmen: John M. Ware; W. P. Wolf.
School Board: A. P. Hutchinson; T. R. Houghton.
Arkansas City Republican, April 4, 1885.
James Hill and Jacob Hight for councilmen in the first ward.
J. T. Hight...
Arkansas City Traveler, April 8, 1885.
Our old friend and subscriber, J. T. Hight, paid our sanctum a visit last week, and made himself solid for another year.
Jacob Hight elected...
Arkansas City Traveler, April 8, 1885.
CITY ELECTION.
The Citizens Elect Their Ticket and the Reformers Get Scooped.
Our city election yesterday hinged upon the question of sustaining Mayor Schiffbauer and the council in their water and gas ordinances. The matter has been discussed at some length in the newspapers, and voters have talked the matter over with more or less warmth. The meeting on Monday night was held for the purpose of more fully informing the people of the merits of the case, it being the belief of those who called the meeting that when the action of our city fathers was fully rehearsed, the popular verdict at the polls would be given in their condemnations. Mr. Hill, as an expert, denounced the method for supplying our city with water, as ineffective and obsolete; the contract which binds our citizens to pay for the work he showed to be so loosely worded that no security was afforded the public interest; and the haste with which the business was transacted, he said, naturally begot the suspicion that some secret influence had been at work which the people would do well to rebuke. Judge Pyburn dwelt more especially upon the law governing the case. He declared that since the proclamation of the Governor changing Arkansas City from a city of the third to the second class, no legislative action of the city government had been valid, except the ordinance dividing the city into four wards. This dictum relegated the water and gas ordinance to the region of informality.
This brought Mayor Schiffbauer to his feet, who explained the action of himself and council, and in the brief vindications made some telling points. Mr. Porch also arose to declare that he had money at his command to fulfill the contracts, be the cost what it may; and Mr. O’Neil made the further assertion that gas and water would be furnished our citizens no matter what might be said in opposition.
This exposition, it is to be supposed, was duly considered by the voters, and how it affected their judgment is best shown by the result of the polls. The Citizens’ ticket elected in most the wards, but owing to the late hour of receiving the returns, we can only give the majorities, which are as follows.
CITY OFFICERS.
For Mayor, F. P. Schiffbauer [C] 117.
Treasurer, C. R. Sipes [C & R] 578.
Treasurer, Board of Education, James L. Huey [C & R] 643.
Police Judge, Chas. Bryant [R] 35.
Justice of the Peace, S. C. Lindsay [C] 100.
Constables, Frank Thompson [C & R] 641. J. J. Breene [C & R] 641.
FIRST WARD.
For council: Jacob Hight [C & R] long term, 57.
James Hill [C * R] short term, 57.
For school board: J. W. Ruby [C] long term, 57.
S. J. Rice [C] short term, 57.
SECOND WARD.
For council: Calvin Dean [R] long term, 2.
Archie Dunn [C & R] short term, 134.
For school board: Rev. J. P. Witt, 68; John Landes, 68.
THIRD WARD.
For Council: O. S. Rarick [C] long term, 1; M. C. Copple [R] 66;
C. G. Thompson [C] 66. [A tie between the two latter.]
For school board: H. D. Kellogg [C], long term, 1.
John Love [C], short term, 1.
FOURTH WARD.
For Council: A. N. Davis [C], long term, 44.
H. George Bailey [C], short term, 45.
For school board: Alex. Wilson [C], long term, 67.
J. C. Duncan [C], short term, 58.
The initials in the above statement stand “C” for Citizens’ ticket, and “R” for Reform candidate.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, April 11, 1885.
The City Election.
Tuesday the city election occurred. There were only two tickets in the field—the Citizen’s ticket and the Reform ticket, but the supporters of each worked hard for victory. F. P. Schiffbauer was elected mayor by 117 votes.
The councilmen chosen in the first ward were Jacob Hight, long term; James Hill, short term. School board: S. J. Rice and J. W. Ruby.
In the second ward, the race of councilmen was very close. It resulted in the election of Archie Dunn, long term; and Calvin Dean, short term. J. P. Witt and John Landes were put in the school board.
In the third ward Capt. Rarick and C. G. Thompson were elected councilmen; the school board is John Love and Dr. H. D. Kellogg.
In the fourth ward A. A. Davis and George Bailey were made councilmen; J. C. Duncan and Alex. Wilson were elected to serve on the school board.
Chas. Bryant was elected police judge.
C. R. Sipes was elected city treasurer.
J. L. Huey was elected treasurer, board of education.
Constables elected were J. J. Breene and Frank Thompson.
Justice of the Peace elected is S. C. Lindsay.
No fights occurred during the day, and no drunkenness occurred until after the returns came in. The returns were not canvassed until last night; therefore, the REPUBLICAN is unable to give the vote of each candidate.
A BOMB SHELL IN THE COUNCIL.
Have We a City Government Under the New State Law?
Arkansas City Traveler, May 6, 1885.
Monday evening a regular meeting of the city council was held, Mayor Schiffbauer presiding. When most of the routine business was performed, Mr. Amos Walton presented himself, and asked to call the attention of the mayor and council to a law passed at the last session of the state Legislature (Senate Bill No. 145), which requires as a qualification to the office of mayor or councilman that the incumbent be an owner of real estate in the city.
Councilman Rarick said the provision of law had just come to his knowledge, and as he was not an owner of real estate in the city, he felt himself disqualified to hold his seat. He had written out his resignation that morning to tender to the council, and he now gave notice that he should no longer perform the functions of councilman.
Mr. O’Neil then asked leave to introduce his water proposition , and a statement was read bearing his signature, but he disclaimed the authorship of the document or the signing of his name. This water supply business comes up in loose shape before the council, and the unwillingness of some of the members to act on it has a tendency to delay proceedings. At 7:30 o’clock a motion was adopted to adjourn the council meeting till 10 a.m. the next day (Tuesday), and that the council sit in committee of the whole to consider the water works question, the session to begin two hours before the adjourned meeting of the council.
But in the morning a new trouble arose. It was talked on the sidewalk that Mayor Schiffbauer and Councilmen Thompson and Davis, were also ineligible to hold office, they not being the owners of real estate in the city. This seemed to have a paralyzing effect on the honorable board, as the members did not present themselves to sit in committee of the whole. The matter was talked over by the groups on the sidewalk, and the question whether their past acts were valid caused a feeling of painful uncertainty.
At 10 o’clock the council met, Mayor Schiffbauer again in the chair. The recent act of the legislature was discussed, and “what are you going to do about it?” seemed a poser to our legislative Solons. Mr. Hill desired that some intelligent proceedings be taken to learn the facts in the matter; and after various suggestions were offered, it was finally resolved that the roll of the members be called and they be asked to declare whether they were owners of real estate within corporation limits. The mayor said he owned real estate; the councilmen from the first ward (Hight and Hill) also declared themselves real estate owners, Messrs. Dunn and Dean, of the second ward, had the necessary qualification; Capt. Thompson, of the third ward, declared himself a property holder, Capt. Rarick, of the same ward, was not in his seat, Councilman Davis, of the 4th ward, reported himself not a property owner, Mr. H. G. Bailey said he had the necessary qualification. This left two members ineligible on their own statements. The mayor questioned whether Councilman Bailey was ineligible to serve. He owned a homestead in the city although it was held in his wife’s name. She could not dispose of it without his assent and joint signature to the deed, and hence his mayor regarded him as a property owner. But Mr. Bailey took a different view of the matter. He said he did not own a lot on the city plat, he was not listed as the owner of real estate, and hence the law made him ineligible.
The talk on the subject is that two other members of the city government are in the same box with the fourth ward member, and a number of our citizens declared that elections must be held to fill their places. The question is referred to the attorney general of the state for an opinion, and when that official gives his views, a way will be devised to disentangle the snarl.
A MUNICIPAL DEAD LOCK.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 6, 1885.
The city council has been playing at cross purposes of late. A week ago last Friday it held an informal meeting, the mayor being absent from the city, and the heavy rain keeping several members at home; but no business was done except to swear in some of the newly elected officers, and resolve to meet on the following Monday.
On Monday the honorable body did not get together, but the following evening they met, the mayor also being present. Mr. O’Neil was in attendance, expecting the water ordinance would be brought up for revision, to state what changes in his proposed contract with the city government he was willing to concede. At 8:15 o’clock Mayor Schiffbauer rapped the council to order, and informed the gentlemen that their proceedings would not be valid unless held in compliance with a call duly signed by the mayor and a majority of the council. City Clerk Benedict then wrote out the call for a special meeting to which the signature of the mayor and four of the council were appended. Another name was wanted, and here came the hitch. Councilmen Dunn and Dean declined to affix their sign manual, unless it was specified in the call that the water works question would not be considered. They were opposed to the present contract as being too loose; it did not go sufficiently into detail, and failed to guard the interest of the taxpayers. Councilman Hill was not present, and they deemed it unwise to take action on so important a matter, or bring it up for consideration, a full board not being present. Councilman Hight advanced the same objection. After some time had been spent in informal debate, the mayor said it would be well to give effect to the call as other public business was awaiting action, and the council could use its own judgment about taking up the water works question.
Leave being granted Mr. O’Neil to address the council, he said he hoped there would be no further delay in considering the contract to which he was a party. It was not for him to say what he would do, but for the gentlemen to specify their requirements. If his present engagement for the construction of water works was not satisfactory, he was willing to amend it; he was there to make liberal concessions, but he must first know what was demanded of him. He hoped there would be no further delay as he was here under expense, and had money on deposit to go on with the work which could be put to profitable use elsewhere.
A lively cross-fire ensued between Mr. Dunn and the speaker, to which Messrs. Dean and Hight contributed an occasional shot. The debate made the fact apparent that those gentlemen opposed any action on the question in the absence of Mr. Hill, and as this maintained the deadlock, at 9 o’clock the mayor declared there would be no meeting of the council, and the business ended in smoke.
OUR WATER SUPPLY.
The City Council Again Laboring With the Question.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 20, 1885.
The water question has become a hackneyed subject in the newspapers of the city; and with the rivers overflowing their banks and threatening widespread destruction, we can understand that a prolonged discussion of the question may seem excessive to some readers. But old Aquarius, who carries the watering-pot of the gods, may withhold his hand before long; our present surplus may turn into drouth, and then the subject of a water supply will not be turned from with aversion.
When the report of the committee on water works was made to the city council a week ago, through its chairman, Mr. James Hill, the question of the location of the works was referred to the council, and became the subject of prolonged discussion. Mr. Hill, as an expert, recommended the Walnut River as a source of supply, suggesting that three acres of ground at an eligible point be purchased; that the same be fenced in, cleared, and scrupulously cleaned off, and the necessary buildings and machinery erected. He recommended the Walnut River, he said, because the spring which furnishes our present supply of water is not to be depended on for the future needs of the city; and because a present saving of several thousand dollars can be made in the machinery and a considerable permanent saving in the cost of fuel.
The debate that followed brought out an expression of conflicting sentiment. The water in the Walnut was condemned as impure and unfit for culinary use. Dead carcasses, decaying trees, and vegetable debris are borne along its surface, and the several hog wallows in the vicinity of the mills taint it beyond means of purification. One or two members suggested that the water could be filtered before it was turned into the pipes, but others contended that it was so charged with vegetable and animal matter, that during the hot months, it became putrid; and no process of filtration could relieve it of its offensive odor.
Diverse views were expressed on the fitness of the spring for the supply of the city. It was asserted by Mr. Hill, and assented to by some of his brother members, that an excavation must be made to arrive at an increased supply, and in sinking down, there was danger of losing the water entirely. But others declare that large portions of our city are under flown by seepage from the Arkansas River, and that a thin stratum of rock, extending from one river bank to the other, is interposed between this subterranean inflow and the surface. In proof of this the case is mentioned of a workman drilling through this shell of rock, who lost hold of his drill when the rock was perforated, and it disappeared in the underlying water. Taking this geological formation as a basis, they insist that the rock has but to be removed from the spring where the city now obtains its supply, and water will be found in sufficient quantity to meet all our future wants should our present population be decupled.
This diversity of opinion was brought to an issue in the council last week, by the introduction of a motion to locate the water works on the Walnut River bank. But no definite vote was taken because two of the members (Messrs. Hight and Bailey), were not able to vote intelligently, not knowing anything about the prospective capacity of the spring to supply the city inhabitants. A day was granted to inform themselves, and when they came to a vote on the motion, the ensuing evening, it was sustained by a vote of four to three. This seems to have given the coup de grace to Mr. O’Neil, who has been hanging on the ragged edge for upwards of a month; he saw that his franchise to build a water system was knocked higher than a kite, so he gathered his belongings together and lit out, forgetting, in his haste to get away, to pay his debts to several confiding creditors. This puts the water works question all at sea again, and the question is, what is it best to do about it?
Excerpts from a lengthy meeting...
Arkansas City Traveler, May 27, 1885.
City Council Proceedings.
The city council was late in getting together on Monday evening. Capt. Rarick, having resigned; and Mr. Davis deeming himself without the necessary property qualification to hold his seat, the body is reduced to little more than a quorum. Mr. Hill was also absent, having left on the afternoon train. The mayor and four councilmen waited till 8:30, and no quorum appearing, the marshal was sent after Archie Dunn, who promptly responded to the summons and then the business began.
In accordance with city ordinance No. 125, a license of $25 a day had been demanded of G. G. Matthews for selling a bankrupt stock of dry goods, thereby demoralizing the trade of our home merchants; but he refused to pay the tax. This was reported to the council in writing, and after some discussion, the matter was postponed indefinitely.
Mr. Hight reported in behalf of the sanitary committee. A new vault should be dug at the Windsor Hotel and better provision made for carrying off waste water. Mr. Stedman, owner of the bath house, was required to make the same provision. The water spout on Kellogg & Coombs’ drug store should be removed to a more suitable place, and the privy in the rear of their lot removed. The portion of the alley in the rear of the Arkansas City Bank should be filled up, and certain manure piles at different points mentioned removed. Also some hog pens and stagnant pools in the first ward required attention. The report was accepted, and the attention of the street commissioner called to the various nuisances named.
Mr. Hight asked for the report of the water works committee. Capt. Thompson, the only member of the committee present, asked further time, which was granted.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 11, 1885.
Accidental Shooting.
Last Sunday news was circulated on our streets that a 14 year old boy by the name of Chas. Shoup, residing near the mouth of Grouse Creek, was shot accidentally by a young man by the name of Probasco. It happened in this wise.
Master Shoup and two other boys were at Probasco’s home. They were all in a room and as the boy testifies, Probasco was showing them how to handle the revolver, when it was discharged. The ball struck Shoup, entering his right chest on the line of the fifth rib. It passed through the lung three inches to the right of the spine and on a level with the seventh rib through the body and struck the wall of the room beyond. Probasco says that he was taking the revolver away from the boy and was going to put it away, when it was discharged in some unknown manner. All three boys tell the same story and no doubt it was done as the boys stated. The revolver when discharged was so near Shoup’s chest that the powder burned it. The revolver was a 38-calibre-self-acting Smith & Wesson, and it was criminal careless-ness for a man to be showing a boy how such a fire arm worked, or even to allow him to have it when loaded. Probasco is 25 years old. Shoup will in all probability die from the effects of the wound. He is the son of a widow lady and a nephew of the First Ward councilman, Jacob Hight. Dr. Fowler was summoned immediately and did what he could to alleviate the boy’s pain. He is still attending him, but it will be almost a miracle if the boy recovers.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 10, 1885.
Council Meeting.
The City Council met in adjourned meeting on Monday evening, the mayor and Councilmen Thompson, Dean, Dunn, Hight, and Bailey present.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 18, 1885.
Council Proceedings.
Council met in adjourned session Monday evening with Mayor Schiffbauer, Councilmen Davis, Dunn, Dean, Thompson, and Hight present; Hill and Bailey absent.
Bill of Gardener Mott of $40.55 for lumber west bridge, allowed.
Bill of F. Lockley for city printing of $64.95, allowed.
Bill of Howard Bros., of $3.70 for hardware, allowed.
Referred bill of D. W. Ewing of $3 for work, allowed.
Referred bill of G. W. Fisher of $4.50 for work, allowed.
Bill of G. W. Cunningham of $132.95 for hardware referred to water works committee.
The Farmers Cooperative Milling Association, we are informed, are running a petition asking aid for such an enterprise and asking that the council consider the propriety of donating a sum of money not over $15,000 for such an enterprise.
Referred petition of Krebs and others asking for sidewalks on the east side of block 83 was carried.
Will S. Thompson, of the firm of Ridenour & Thompson, made a request asking a rebate of part of the amount of occupation tax, which was left for a committee to look into and report.
Mr. Hight made a motion that the city attorney, police judge, and street commissioner be requested to resign. Mr. Dunn made some remarks on the subject and seconded Mr. Hight’s motion. Remarks were also made by Thompson and Davis. They were followed by Messrs. Stafford, Moore, and Bryant in defense of themselves. Mr. Hight insisted upon the motion being put with the exception of street commissioner, which was not consented to by his second.
The motion was amended that such should be voted on separately; carried.
Mr. Hight called for the yeas and nays for the city attorney to resign. Thompson and Bailey voted the nays and Dean, Dunn, Davis, and Hight voted affirmatively.
Mr. Hight moved that Police Judge Bryant be requested to resign. The result was as follows: Thompson, Dean, and Hight voted affirmatively. Dunn and Davis voted negatively. Bailey did not vote.
Moved that action on street commissioner be indefinitely deferred; carried.
Mayor appointed J. A. Stafford night watch at a salary of $25 per month and fees.
On motion adjourned until regular meeting.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 18, 1885.
“HIS HONOR.”
At the council meeting last Monday evening, Mayor Schiffbauer is reported as saying by the Traveler that: “The jealousy of a rival attorney had instigated a good share of this public odium, and the lies published in the REPUBLICAN had proceeded from an outside pen, because there was not brains enough in that establishment to concoct such fabrications. He cautioned the council against being influenced by these scurrilous allegations, they being prompted by malice and having no foundation in fact. If such charges were to influence the council to go back on its officers, he wished it distinctly understood that he had no hand in the business.”
The mayor also said “that you might rake H__l over with a fine comb and not find as black-hearted an individual as the one who wrote those articles in the REPUBLICAN.”
We wish to say that the junior editor of the REPUBLICAN does all the editorial work. All the charges we have brought to bear against the city council and attorney were written by that individual. We edit our own paper. We are not influenced by outside talk. We espoused that which we thought to be beneficial to the city and tax- payers. We were against that infamous water works ordinance because we believed it to be a swindle. In an article we condemned that ordinance, and showed wherein it was deficient. Later on we have shown plainly that the city attorney was incompetent to handle our city affairs. The police judge has shown that he is too lax in the management of his affairs. The council by a majority vote has requested him to resign, also the city attorney. The Council did a good night’s work last Monday in purging. We hope they will continue the purging process until they get all the corruption out. But one thing we are sorry for is that our mayor should so far forget his dignity as to use profane language in the council chamber. While we may have been extremely provoking to his side of the question, Mr. Schiffbauer should not be so put out as to lose the dignity which belongs to the head official of the city. It is very unbecoming.
Only one time have we given space to any rumor; that was in regard to a certain officer appointing his brother-in-law to succeed Billy Gray as city marshal. That brother-in-law has since been appointed night watch at a salary of $25 per month. Hight, Dean, and Davis voted against his appointment. Dunn, Thompson, and Bailey voted for it, and as it was a tie, the mayor decided.
Mr. Schiffbauer informs us that a number of merchants requested the appointment. As they hired one night watch, they felt justified in asking the city to appoint one. But be that as it may, we know now we have three salaried policemen and two night watches.
The REPUBLICAN has a right to criticize the action of any public officer. The people expect us to voice their rights and agitate all questions of public interest.
The muddle which exists in the council now is thrown upon the shoulders of the REPUBLICAN. It was through our agitation of the ineligibility of the councilmen and the incompetency of our city attorney, it is claimed by a few, that the present state of affairs exists. We have no apology to offer. We have done our duty to the taxpayers of Arkansas City. We thought the city attorney was incapable to handle the affairs of Arkansas City correctly. We said so and produced evidence to substantiate what we charged. We feel highly complimented that the REPUBLICAN has been able to assist in purging the city of any incompetent officer. But this is no reason why our mayor should lose his dignified bearing and go down to the level of a profane citizen, especially in the council chamber. We leave the matter to be decided by the taxpayers of Arkansas City. In the language of Jake Hight, let us have a little more dignity in the council.
COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.
The City Attorney Bounced By a Unanimous Vote.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 22, 1885.
The council chamber was filled on Monday evening with a large attendance of citizens, who evidently expected that a racy entertainment would be provided them by our city fathers. But they were disappointed as the evening passed off quietly. Mayor Schiffbauer presided and held the council strictly to business. City Clerk Benedict being absent in the territory, Frederic Lockley acted in his place. A few trifling bills were allowed. The application of Geo. A. Druitt to build a kitchen of wood or sheet iron on lot 18, block 81, was refused.
A communication from S. S. Stiles, Parsons, Kansas, asking about a grader left with Street Commissioner Moore, was read. That official being referred to said it required three good teams to use it, the owner had guaranteed it could be operated with two teams. He had not the horse flesh necessary, therefore the grader was not available. The city clerk was instructed to inform Mr. Stiles of these facts.
Mr. Dean asked for information in regard to the money allowed for election expenses. He was informed that the county paid the judges and clerks and yet some of these men had drawn pay for their day’s services from the city. The mayor explained that misinformation from county officers had led him to pay some persons employed in the polling places, but the money would be refunded by the county and no man would be paid twice for the same service.
Ordinance No. 19, regulating water rates, was then read; it was passed by sections and then passed as a whole. On motion of Thompson, Mr. Scott, the engineer of the water works, was appointed collector of the water rate.
Resolutions in regard to certain curbing and guttering on Summit Street, were adopted, and ordered published four times in the TRAVELER.
It was now past 10 o’clock and Mr. Dean moved that the council adjourn. Mr. Hight wished to engage the attention of the body a few moments. He said he wished to know whether the two city officials whose resignation had been recommended at the last meeting of the city council had vacated their places. In pursuing this business he wished it understood that he was impelled by no personal feeling; as the representative of his constituency in the first ward and in the interest of the whole city, he was impressed with the fact that some men holding office were a weight upon the city government, and tended to bring its laws into contempt. These men must be got rid of in order to regain popular respect, and ensure efficiency to our administration.
The police judge, Chas. Bryant, in answer to this inquiry, said he had not been derelict in the performance of duty, and therefore felt himself under no obligation to resign. He had been elected by the people, and to them he owed the duty of remaining in office until removed in the manner provided by law.
Mr. Stafford said he had not tendered his resignation because no weight or validity attached to the resolution of the council calling on him to vacate his office. When the position of city attorney was tendered him, several members of the council urged his acceptance. He was duly appointed by the mayor and confirmed by a vote of the council. To throw up his position on a mere clamor, and when he knew he was performing his duties faithfully and honestly, would be unjust to himself, injurious to his family, and disrespectful to the eminent gentlemen in his former state who had testified to his merits as a citizen and his competency as a lawyer. More specific charges than unfounded newspaper reports were necessary to prove his unfitness.
Mr. Dean moved an adjournment, which was not seconded.
Mr. Hight said he was losing no sleep over this business. It was not a question whether the city attorney believed he was doing his duty; the material point was whether his services were acceptable to the people. His unpopularity was a drag-chain; it deprived him of prestige as a public officer, and the fact remained that he lost every suit he prosecuted. It is known he is a stumbling block to the city administration. Newspaper columns had no influences with him (the speaker). It was no dishonor for an official to step down and out. We all have our special aptitude; and the man who finds himself in a position he cannot adequately fill, his clear duty to himself is to get rid of its embarrassments. The speaker needed but one hint from the people he represented that he stood in the way of their interest, to make room for another who could render them better service.
Mr. Dean said the hour was too late to continue this discussion. The vote of its last meeting stood recorded; he was in favor of delaying further proceedings ‘till next week when a full attendance of the council might be expected, and there would be more time.
But Mr. Hight objected to delay. He wished to know if an ordinance was required to remove officers appointed by the council.
The mayor said an appointed officer could be removed for cause on a vote of a majority of the whole council.
Mr. Dean moved to adjourn.
Mr. Thompson thought it would be well to write to Judge Torrance to learn whether the city attorney is allowed to plead in his court.
Mr. Bailey produced the following letter from the Judge, which was read to the council, as follows.
JUDGE TORRANCE REPLIES.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, July 18, 1885.
H. G. BAILEY, Esq.
Dear Sir: In reply to your inquiries in regard to Mr. T. J. Stafford, I make the following statement.
At the January term, 1885, of the District Court, of this county, Mr. Stafford applied for admission to the bar. He failed to pass a satisfactory examination and for that reason was not admitted. Afterwards he went to Topeka and was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court on the representation that he was a practicing lawyer in the state.
Mr. Stafford afterwards, at the April (1885) term of the District court of this county, asked to be examined again as to his qualifications to be licensed to practice law, and I refused to entertain his application on the ground that he had been admitted to practice law in the Supreme Court on the representation that he was a practicing lawyer in the state, when in fact he had not been licensed to practice law. Mr. Stafford claimed that he did not make any intentional misstatement; that he was requested by Mr. Sterns, in the clerk’s office (an old Iowa friend of his) to apply for admission; that he was not acquainted with the statute regulating the admission of persons to practice law in the Supreme Court; that he told Sterns that he was a practicing lawyer at Arkansas City, but did not tell him that he had been licensed to practice law in the District Court; that Sterns introduced him to Mr. Austin, a young lawyer in the Attorney General’s office, and that Mr. Austin moved his admission, and that he (Stafford) did not know what representation Austin made to the court. Under the circumstances, both the examining committee and myself thought it best that Mr. Stafford should not be examined at the time. Afterwards Mr. Stafford went to Topeka, and was admitted in Judge Guthrie’s court on his Iowa certificate, and his license to practice law by Judge Guthrie authorized him to practice law in all the District and inferior courts in the state of Kansas.
I have hesitated to say anything in regard to this matter, although I have been requested to do so by Mr. Dean and other parties, lest I might say something which might be misconstrued to Mr. Stafford’s prejudice. I have given you the facts as I understand them, and leave you and the city council to draw your own conclusions.
Very respectfully, E. S. TORRANCE.
Mr. Stafford remarked that some of the statements made in Judge Torrance’s letter were made on hearsay evidence.
Mr. Hight moved that the office of city attorney be declared vacant on account of incompetency in the incumbent. The vote was by yeas and nays, all the members present voting in the affirmative.
On motion of Mr. Hight, the council adjourned.
Mr. Stafford notified the mayor that he should continue to perform the duties of city attorney.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 22, 1885.
Curbing and Guttering.
Resolutions of the city council, of the city of Arkansas City, in the county of Cowley, and state of Kansas, in reference to certain curbing and guttering on Summit Street in said city.
WHEREAS, In our opinion it has become necessary, for the benefit of public health of said city, as well as from other causes, that a system of curbing and guttering should be constructed along a portion of Summit Street in said city. Therefore,
Be it Resolved, 1st. That suitable curbs and gutter be caused to be constructed on Summit Street, on the east side of blocks seventy-nine, eighty, and eighty-one, and on the west side of blocks sixty-seven, sixty-eight, and sixty-nine, all abutting on said Summit street.
Resolved, 2nd. That the city contract for the performance of said work, and that the cost thereof be equally pro-rated among the lot owners abutting on said street within said blocks. That such amount shall become a debt against each of said lots and payable to said city; and said debt shall, from the time of the completion of said work, become a special assessment, and shall be certified by the city clerk to the county clerk of Cowley County, state of Kansas, to be by him placed on the tax roll for collection, subject to the same penalties, and collected in like manner as other taxes are by law collected.
Be it ordered that these resolutions be published in the Arkansas City TRAVELER for four consecutive weeks.
C. G. THOMPSON,
JAMES HIGHT,
A. A. DAVIS, City Councilmen.
H. G. BAILEY,
CALVIN DEAN.
[Note: Paper showed “James Hight.” Believe this should have been “Jacob Hight.”]
Arkansas City Republican, July 25, 1885.
Council Proceedings.
Council met in regular session last Monday evening. Present: Mayor Schiffbauer, Councilmen Thompson, Dean, Hight, Davis, and Bailey. As Wm. Benedict was absent, Frederic Lockley was chosen by the mayor to act in his place.
The allowance of bills was as follows.
County bill of D. G. Lewis of $10 for money advanced to a pauper to go to Missouri, approved.
Bill for packing at water works for 63 cents allowed.
The bill of the Chicago Lumber Company of $25.98 for lumber was referred to finance committee.
Bill of Dr. Reed of $13.75 for professional services to paupers referred to finance committee.
G. A. Druitt made a request that a permit be given him to erect a wood and sheet iron kitchen at the rear of his restaurant two doors south of Windsor Hotel, and was refused on account of an ordinance prohibiting.
Capt. C. G. Thompson presented a communication from S. S. Stiles, of Parsons, in regard to a scraper which had been sent here for trial last summer, asking what the city intended doing with it. It was decided that Mr. Stiles should come and get his scraper as it was almost useless to the city.
Cal. Dean desired information in regard to the ordinance appropriating $100 to pay election expenses. Mayor Schiffbauer explained that it was through an error made by County Clerk Hunt that so large a sum had been appropriated and that parties who had been paid by the city out of the appropriation had given orders on the county for what had been paid them and the county would refund the money to the city. Capt. Hunt told “His Honor” that the city had to stand the expenses of the election, but afterwards informed him differently.
Ordinance No. 10 in regard to water works was taken up, discussed, and passed unanimously.
On motion of C. G. Thompson, Fred. Scott was appointed collector of water rent.
Resolution in regard to curbing and guttering the principal blocks on Summit street was adopted and ordered published.
Jake Hight brought up the city attorney and police judge matter again and asked what they were going to do in regard to the resolution of a majority of the council asking them to resign. Both officers refused to accede to the request of the council. A letter was produced by Mr. Bailey from Judge Torrance and which fully bears out the REPUBLICAN in its stand to have Mr. Stafford ousted. The letter is as follows.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, July 18, 1885.
H. G. BAILEY, Esq. DEAR SIR: In reply to your inquiries in regard to Mr. T. J. Stafford, I make the following statement.
At the January term 1885 of the District Court of this county, Mr. Stafford applied for admission to the bar. He failed to pass a satisfactory examination, and for that reason was not admitted. Afterwards he went to Topeka and was admitted to practice in the supreme court on the representation that he was a practicing lawyer in the state. Mr. Stafford afterwards at the April 1885 term of the District Court of this county asked to be examined again as to his qualifications to be licensed to practice law, and I refused to entertain his application on the ground that he had been admitted to practice law in the supreme court on the representation that he was a practicing lawyer in the state, when in fact he had not been licensed to practice law.
Mr. Stafford claimed that he did not make any intentional misstatement, that he was requested by Mr. Sterns, in the clerk’s office (an old Iowa friend of his) to apply for admission; that he was not acquainted with the statute regulating the admission of persons to practice law in the supreme court; that he told Sterns that he was a practicing lawyer at Arkansas City, but did not tell him that he had been licensed to practice law in the District court; that Sterns introduced him to Mr. Austin, a young lawyer in the attorney general’s office, and that Mr. Austin moved his admission and that he (Stafford) did not know what representations Austin made to the court. Under the circumstances both the examining committee and myself thought it best that Mr. Stafford should not be examined at this time. Afterwards Mr. Stafford went to Topeka and was admitted in Judge Guthrie’s court on his Iowa certificates, and his license to practice law by Judge Guthrie authorizes him to practice law in all the District and Inferior courts in the state of Kansas. I have hesitated to say anything in regard to this matter although I have been requested to do so by Mr. Dean and other parties, lest I might say something which might be misconstrued to Mr. Stafford’s prejudice. I have given you the facts as I understand them, and leave you and the city council to draw your own conclusions. Very Respectfully, E. S. TORRANCE.
Mr. Hight made a motion that the office of city attorney be declared vacant and was seconded by Mr. Bailey. A vote was called for and resulted in Bailey, Hight, Thompson, Davis, and Dean voting that the incumbent step down and out; Mr. Stafford voting no.
Motion to adjourn was carried. They will meet next Monday evening in adjourned session.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING.
Reform That Doesn’t Work.
A City Official Who Like the Ghost of Banquo, Will Not Down.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 29, 1885.
When our city fathers assembled for business Monday evening, there was a large crowd in attendance, attracted evidently in the expectation of witnessing more fun. The mayor presided and Councilmen Hight, Dean, Dunn, Thompson, Davis, and Bailey responded to their names as called by the clerk. Minutes of previous meeting were read and approved.
The following bills were acted on: Ed Malone, work on engine house, $35.45, allowed. Ivan Robinson, coal, $12.50, allowed. Referred bill of Chicago Lumber Co., $25.98, was reported favorably and allowed.
The council appropriated $5 to pay five night watchmen, appointed by the mayor on the night of the fire, to guard property.
James L. Huey, on behalf of the insurance men of the city, said the ordinance taxing each insurance company represented in the city $10 a year, is resisted, and the best companies refuse to take fresh business. They say if all the cities where they have agents should impose a similar tax, they could not do business. In this dilemma, the agents of the companies in this city had resolved to present the matter to the council, and ask that the occupation tax levied on them suffice for purposes of city revenue. To drive insurance companies away would be unwise, we have lately had experience of the necessity of placing our property in the hands of reliable underwriters.
N. T. Snyder said not the best companies alone, but all the insurance companies represented here, have ordered their agents to take no fresh business, and not to renew existing policies. They pay a state tax, and this they declare is all that justice demands of them.
Mr. Huey said further that the occupation tax as now assessed would absorb 20 percent of all the premiums paid.
Mr. Dunn moved that the matter be referred to the equalization committee of the council.
The mayor said it was talked by taxpayers that this committee had no right to affix a tax; it must be done by the council.
A suggestion was made that the committee could look into the matter and make recommendations to the council.
After some discussion Mr. Dunn withdrew his motion.
Major Schiffbauer said there was no question of the legality of the occupation tax; its equitable adjustment was the matter to be considered. If the insurance companies resist the assessment and have resolved to withdraw, the business of the council was to consider whether the ordinance should be amended.
Mr. Snyder said a similar tax on insurance companies had been imposed in Emporia, but it was found inexpedient and oppressive, and it had been repealed.
The application was finally referred to the committee on ordinances.
The Frick Bros., asked leave to rebuild scales and office on corner of Central Avenue and Summit Street, or one block west of that location. Leave granted to build one block west.
Pitts Ellis asked permission to put in scales and small sheet iron office on Fourth Avenue, two rods from Summit Street. Granted.
Application was made by the Danks Bros., and Morehead for an appropriation of $200 to pay for a survey of the city and a plat of the same, the purpose being to ascertain the best location for building water works. The petitioners would make a bid for the erection of the works.
This led to a lengthy discussion, in which these objections were advanced: The sum asked for is not in the city treasury; if a favorable location is found, the city has no means to build water works, and bonds, if voted, would not sell. The situation looked hopeless, and the application was laid on the table indefinitely.
Mr. Henderson asked leave to raise his frame dwelling on Summit Street four feet, he intending to cover the roof with tin. Granted.
Mr. Hight called attention to some frame additions being made by W. M. Sawyer, proprietor of the Empire Laundry. His intention was to put in a steam engine, and the work he was doing was in violation of the fire ordinance. The marshal was instructed to enforce the ordinance.
On suggestion of the mayor, the council ordered the street commissioner to put in posts on Fourth, Fifth, and Central Avenues, extending half a block from Summit Street, for hitching purposes. The posts to be eight feet apart and connected with iron rods.
The marshal stated that he found difficulty in collecting the dog tax. The council instructed him to issue a proclamation warning owners of dogs that if the tax was not paid by a given time, the animals would be shot.
Mr. Thompson said many persons had complained to him of the burdensome tax imposed upon some users of water. The tariff on livery stable keepers was too high, it was excessive on barbers, and some hotel keepers were unfairly dealt with. The tax on the Star Stable ($25 for washing buggies and 75 cents for every stall in use) would run up such a bill, that if not modified, the owners would put in a windmill and start water works of their own. Mr. Hilliard, owner of the Fifth Avenue Livery Stable, also complained of the burdensome tax.
Mr. Dunn said he wanted the rates made fair to all, but they should be sufficient to render the water works self supporting.
Mr. Davis said the present tariff would produce a revenue exceeding expenses by $200 or $300; but this surplus would be lost by delinquent taxpayers.
Mr. Hutchins complained that he had made connection with the water main for use in his dwelling house at an expense of $35 to $40. Then he paid a tax of $5 a year; now it was raised to $20. Before he would pay such a sum, he would sink a well and cut loose from the city water supply.
The ordinance was referred to the water-works committee to adjust and equalize.
Mr. Hight wished to know if the mayor had appointed a city attorney to fill the vacancy created by resolution of the council.
His honor said he had not, as City Attorney Stafford was still performing the duties of that office. He doubted whether the right method had been pursued in the endeavor to get rid of that officer. The statute authorized the council to remove any officer for cause, except the mayor, justice of peace, and constable, by a majority vote of all the members. In this case no charges had been made, no opportunity for defense accorded. A mere vote of the council or a resolution to declare the office vacant, the mayor did not regard as a compliance with the requirements of the law.
Mr. Hight contended that Mr. Stafford had been lawfully disposed of. The cause assigned was incompetency, and his removal effected by a majority vote of the council. Proceedings in attainder, or a trial on impeachment were not required by the statute, and legal opinion sustained him in his belief that the office of city attorney was vacant.
Mr. Dean said this wrangle in the council was becoming chronic; the business of the city was not transacted with decorum or dignity. He attributed this discord to the perversity of the city attorney, who was unacceptable to the people and a drag on the council. He had been requested to resign, and he contemptuously refused; he had been removed by a vote of the council, but he still hung on to the office. The speaker did not know of a practicable remedy. If Mr. Stafford could run the city and the council at his own sweet will, there was no need for him (Mr. Dean) to occupy his seat. He gave notice that he should retire from the unseemly contest until some way had been discovered of restoring harmony to the administration of our public affairs.
Mr. Stafford spoke in his own defense. The wrangle being maintained till late in the evening, Mr. Hight introduced an ordinance amendatory to Ordinance No. 4, cutting off the salary of the city attorney. It was read, discussed, and adopted.
John Stafford, the recently appointed night watchman, was removed, the office being in excess of the public need, and assistant Marshal Breene instructed to remain on duty till midnight.
Council adjourned.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, August 1, 1885.
The Council vs. Stafford.
Three weeks ago last Monday night, a majority of the city council adopted a resolution asking the then city attorney to resign. At the next meeting he refused and accordingly the council kicked him out unanimously, everyone of the councilmen present voting that he should step down and out. When requested to resign, Stafford said he would if Judge Torrance substantiated the charges made by the REPUBLICAN about his practicing in the district court. In a letter to H. G. Bailey, Judge Torrance fully confirmed our statements. But still Stafford refused to get out.
About the time Stafford was to be appointed to the office, he went to Jake Hight and told him that if he would vote for him, and if after a fair trial he did not prove satisfactory, he would resign. Hight thought him to be a needy man and aided him with his vote with the above understanding. Hight has frequently asked Stafford to get out, telling him he was giving poor satisfaction. But the brazen- faced gentleman of “high legal attainments” refused to comply with his word.
A week ago last Monday night, the mayor gave the law by which the attorney could be fired. The council carried out the instructions given them by “His Honor,” and its action is so recorded with the city clerk. The city attorney laughed in the face of the councilmen and made light of their action at the time.
Last Monday night “His Honor” informed the council that they had not proceeded correctly and refused to appoint a successor to Stafford. This made matters pretty hot in the council chamber and resulted in an ordinance being adopted stopping the ex-city attorney’s pay.
We have asked several able lawyers if the act of the council was legal, and was informed that it was. Yet “His Honor” says it is not, when the meeting before he said it was.
We blush for Stafford. He has no shame and we recommend that he be sent to the asylum for the weak-minded at Winfield. It is a disgrace that our city councilmen have to be hampered by such a pest. They are united on the question of Stafford’s removal and their demands should be acceded to and would if the ex-city attorney had a particle of shame or self-respect.
The councilmen have done their duty and the REPUBLICAN now thinks it is time that the citizens take the matter in hand. The question naturally arises: Is the city of Arkansas City to be bull-dozed by an incompetent, brazen-faced, would-be city attorney—if he had a sufficient amount of brains?
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, August 1, 1885.
Council Proceedings.
Council convened last Monday evening in regular adjourned session. Mayor Schiffbauer presided. Councilmen Davis, Thompson, Dean, Dunn, Hight, and Bailey were present.
The allowance of bills was the first thing on docket.
Bill of Ed Malone of $31.50 for work at engine house, allowed.
Bill of Ivan Robinson of $12.50 for coal, allowed.
Bill of Pat Franey, J. E. Beck, Ed Horn, J. Herbert, and L. S. Brown for special police service, allowed $5 each.
Referred bill of Chicago Lumber Co., of $25.98 for lumber, allowed.
The several insurance companies through their agents made request that the occupation tax affecting insurance companies be reconsidered, and on motion the same was referred to committee on ordinance.
Petition of Frick Bros., to put up scales on Central Avenue, was read and on motion permission was granted that they be allowed to put them up on Central Avenue one block west of Summit Street.
Petition of Pitts Ellis to put up scales and house on corner of 4th Avenue and Summit Street read, and granted on motion.
Messrs. Moorhead and Danks asked for an appropriation of $200 with which to make a survey of the city with view of ascertaining best possible place for obtaining water for water works. Also, make estimate of cost of same, and will put in bids for the building of the same. On motion, this request was laid on the table indefinitely.
The street commissioner was instructed to put up hitching posts on each side of Summit Street, half block each way, from Summit Street on 4th, 5th, and Central Avenues. The posts to be 8 feet apart and connected by iron rods.
On motion the water works ordinance No. 10 was re-considered.
On motion ordinance No. 20, repealing ordinance No. 4, was read and approved. This ordinance makes the salary of ex-city attorney Stafford but 50 cents a year.
On motion of Jake Hight, John Stafford, the night watch, was dismissed.
A. A. Davis moved that J. J. Breene be instructed to remain on the street until midnight. Carried.
On motion of Jake Hight, the street commissioner was instructed to make out report and hand it in at next meeting.
On motion adjourned.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, August 1, 1885.
The Traveler turns up its nose because Jim Hill was in the city Monday evening and failed to attend council meeting. One councilman from the first ward is sufficient, it seems. Jake Hight watches with the eye of an eagle over the city affairs; consequently, he keeps certain parties cringing inwardly for fear he will open fire on them. The REPUBLICAN remembers the fact that Hill was elected against his will and that he told his constituents he would be unable to attend to the duties of councilman as it should be. But this does not release him from his obligation to his constituents to attend when in the city. We hope to see Mr. Hill in attendance hereafter when in the city.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 5, 1885.
Law and Order Association.
Union services were held in the Baptist Church on Sabbath evening, which were attended by a crowded audience. After some excellent music by the choir, Rev. J. O. Campbell announced that the meeting was held in the interest of law and order, and to give permanency and effect to the movement, an organization should be effected by the election of officers. The meeting then elected the following officers.
President: W. M. Sleeth.
Secretary: N. T. Snyder.
Executive committee: Messrs. Adams, Barron, Jenkins, and O. P. Houghton.
Prayer was offered by J. P. Witt.
The following resolutions were read and adopted.
Resolved, That we call the attention of the county attorney and the probate judge to the necessity of an immediate investigation of the open and notorious violation of the prohibition law in our city.
Resolved, That we respectfully ask our municipal authority to use all diligence in the enforcement of all Sabbatarian laws on the statute book.
Resolved, That these resolutions be published in the city papers, and forwarded to the proper persons.
Brief and effective addresses were made by Revs. Campbell and Buckner, W. M. Jenkins’, and Councilman Jacob Hight. Great interest in the proceedings was manifested by the entire audience.
DEADLOCK IN THE COUNCIL.
An Undesirable Personage Who Will Not Be Suppressed.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 5, 1885.
The deadlock in the city council still continues, the collective wisdom of our city fathers in the attempt to disentangle the snarl proving an utter mockery.
It has been suggested that if they meet less frequently and talk less, a less amount of friction might be created. It has even been intimated to this reporter that if he ceased publishing the proceedings of that honorable body, less attention would be directed to our city government, and less perplexity would distract the minds of our municipal Solons.
Last week the council held a stormy session, and all that resulted from their deliberations was placing matters in a worse shape than before. The occupation tax was referred to the equalization committee on the complaint of the insurance agents of the city, and the water ordinance was referred to the water works committee for revision, on the complaint that the tariff bore heavily on certain interests—livery stable men, hotel keepers, barbers, etc. This causes more delay, and in the meanwhile not a dollar finds its way into the city treasury.
Councilman Hight, also, created ill feeling in the mind of the mayor, by his indiscreet and injudicious devotion to retrenchment and reform. He bounced Night Watchman Stafford, whose pay is $25 a month, on the ground that his support was an unnecessary burden on an overburdened treasury. This officer had worn the star but two weeks, he has been vigilant and had made several arrests. As a matter of fact, the fines paid by the misdemeanants he handed in more than paid his salary for the time; so the burden of his pay could not rest down very heavily on the city treasury.
This seems to have disgruntled the mayor; he feels it as a personal affront. He is working without pay; he is ungrudging in his devotion of time and attention to his duties; and he very naturally thinks himself entitled to some slight indulgement at the hands of his brother officials. The citizen who pays the taxes (or is expected to pay them), and look on, knows that correct government cannot be obtained under the most expensive methods, and he is willing to wink at any trifling peccadillo that quiet and efficiency may be preserved. An old axiom says, “Notions thrive in spite of bad government,” and there is a saying in the law books, de minimis lex non curat, (the law takes no heed of trifles).
But the worst pill in our municipal pharmacopoeia, is the city attorney. He is a worse element of discord than a green apple to our internal arrangements. He is not wanted, and he will not take himself away. His demand is for specific charges, he declares he will not be suppressed by mere clamor. He seems to have succeeded in making himself odious to the entire community. Petitions have been circulated asking him to resign; a resolution to the same effect received the unanimous support of the council. But these delicate hints he treated with supreme scorn. The council, finding it had a tough customer to deal with, threw away reserve, and its next step was to declare the office vacant. This was supposed to be a sockdologer.
“Time was when the brains were out, the man would die.”
But this shot glanced off as harmlessly as the frigate Cumberland’s broadsides rained upon the rebel ram Merrimac. The vote of the council being unofficially reported to this disciple of Thomas, he laughed with intense enjoyment, and informed the mayor they had not done with him yet. He still affects to perform the duties of the office; and expresses his clear conviction that he is entitled to the pay.
At the council meeting last week, Mr. Hight inquired of the mayor if he had appointed an attorney to fill the vacancy. His honor replied he had not, as he was unwilling to burden the city treasury with two attorneys. He then declared his belief that the proceedings in ousting that much reprobated official were not in conformity with state, and were hence invalid. Mayor Schiffbauer’s understanding of this matter has been explained in our columns before. His reading of the state law creating our city charter is that in removing a city officer—other than the mayor, justice of the peace, and constable—written charges must be presented, and the officer against whom they are preferred, be heard at the bar of the council. This idea has probably been engendered by his honor’s readings in history. Our schoolboy imaginations are very vividly impressed with the proceedings in attainder of several British ministers; and the American constitution prescribes an elaborate form for the trial on impeachment of the president. But a strict construction of the provision warrants no such resort to stage effect. The offending official can be removed for cause, on a majority vote of all the members of the council.
Has not a cause been given? Incompetency. Has not another cause been set forth, an inherent cussedness, and a sort of true inward perversity, which set every man against him, and create such friction that the car of our city government cannot roll on with this extremely objectionable passenger aboard. Our British forefathers would duck a village scold, and in this country as well as abroad, a litigious, quarrelsome person can be restrained on a charge of barratry. “General cussedness” being deemed too indefinite a charge to bring against a city officer, a more direct and tangible cause was assigned, and for incompetency the office of city attorney was declared vacant.
Here comes in the deadlock. The irrepressible Stafford affects to ignore the authority of the power that created him, and the mayor encourages his recalcitrancy by refusing to fill the vacant office. The councilmen regard each other in perplexity. Boss Tweed’s embarrassing query, “What are you going to do about it?” comes home to them in full force. It will not do to give up, they all declare, in talking over their embarrassment, but no two seem to agree in the manner they ought to proceed. The TRAVELER has no suggestions to make, because the situation is too sensational for a reporter to desire to see changed. In Chicago a heavy snow fall last winter filled up the street and car tracks and seriously impeded commerce. Large bodies of laborers were set to work to remove it, but it was found that after all the shoveling was done the snow was still there. So with our inevitable city attorney. The people may abuse him to their fill, and the council dispose of him in every variety of way; but he bobs up smiling and serene after the most merciless vivisection, and seems rather to enjoy the torture of which he is made the victim. Why don’t the president appoint him minister to Siam? The mission belongs to this state.
Since the above was in type, the council at a regular meeting, last Monday, at the request of the city attorney preferred by the mayor, withdraw its charges against that official, on the condition that he tender his resignation. It was alleged that harsh measures had been passed, as an opportunity had not been afforded him to resign before the matter had been brought up in council and the office declared vacant. This method of solving a difficulty and removing friction being approved by the council, on motion the resolution was reconsidered and revoked, and the city attorney requested to hand in his resignation.
Mr. Stafford being called for, made a brief address, in which he said he was the victim of clamor; that a crusade had been engaged against him without definite charges being made, and all the proceedings against him adopted by that body were tainted with irregularity. But since it was insisted that his incumbency in office was the cause of irritation, and his withdrawal was demanded in the public interest, he was ready to sacrifice his own rights and step down and out on these conditions: That his pay be allowed him till the 17th inst., the end of a month in his engagement, and also that he be allowed his fees as counsel in the case of Ward against William J. Gray.
Mr. Hill said it would be more graceful in Mr. Stafford to resign unconditionally and trust to the magnanimity of the council.
Mr. Stafford said the gentleman had not attended council meetings as regularly as he (the speaker) had.
The mayor here interposed with a personal guaranty that Mr. Stafford’s salary should be paid to the 17th as demanded, and the fee he asked in the city marshal’s case, as the council was bound to protect its own officers, he had no doubt that body would allow. Whereupon the resignation was written out and tendered, as requested, and formally accepted by the council.
John Stafford, the night watchman, who has worn the star since he was declared discharged a week ago, was formally reinstated. Mr. Hight declared he had been too hasty, that his zeal had outrun his discretion, that he regarded it as one of the deadly sins to trench on the mayor’s prerogatives, that in future he would keep a watch on his lips, and uppermost in his soul was the saying of our dead hero, “let us have peace.”
The curtain was rung down at a late hour with the mayor and councilmen shaking hands all round, the city clerk mounted on the reporter’s table singing the doxology in long meter, and the TRAVELER reporter rushing furiously down stairs vociferating that his occupation was gone. It was a good old-fashioned love feast, and melted the hearts of the beholders.
CANNOT BE GRANTED.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 5, 1885.
We mentioned in our report of the council proceedings, two or three weeks ago, an application made by the Millers’ Co-operative Exchange for aid in the construction of their proposed mill. Mr. Gant, who spoke for the delegation, said that Winfield had offered $20,000 in cash, a commodious and eligible site whereon to erect their buildings, and fuel free of cost for five years. But their articles of incorporation required the location of the mill in Arkansas City, and the majority of the stockholders preferred to have the enterprise come here. It was, in fact, an Arkansas City undertaking. He said further that a fund of $50,000 would be necessary to carry out the enterprise, and a donation not exceeding $15,000 from the city would put them in possession of the needed amount. On inquiry from Mr. Hight, the petitioner said a donation of $10,000 would fill their expectations and requirements. The matter was taken under advisement.
Since then a written answer has been given to the Millers’ Co-operative Exchange, signed by the mayor and council, denying the request on the ground that the money cannot be raised. Under a state law the city is not allowed to issue bonds to a greater amount than ten percent of the assessed value of the property. Bonds of $20,000 are now outstanding issued in behalf of the water power company, and $5,000 additional to provide a sinking fund. Recently the city voted $20,000 to be issued to the Kansas City and Southwestern railway, and this exceeds the limits imposed by law. An application to businessmen and property holders has been suggested, but the time is inauspicious for any such request. What steps the association will take, with this refusal before them, we are not informed.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, August 8, 1885.
Law and Order Meeting.
A large and enthusiastic meeting was held in the Baptist Church, last Sabbath evening, in the interest of law and order in our community. The meeting was organized by calling Maj. Sleeth to the chair, and appointing N. T. Snyder, secretary.
Some excellent music was rendered by the choir, after which Rev. Fleming read the Law of Mt. Sinai and the thirteenth chapter of Romans, and Rev. Witt led in prayer. Short speeches were made by Messrs. Hill, Jenkins, Campbell, Fleming, Buckner, Witt, Kreamer, Hight, and others.
The meeting developed the fact that there is a deep and wide-spread feeling bordering on indignation in the hearts of the people at the lawlessness apparent on every hand. Notable in connection with the Sabbath and prohibition laws was this spirit developed. While law-abiding citizens have nothing to fear, and can rely upon the moral strength of the community; yet the individual who wilfully and wantonly violates the laws upon our statute books need ask no favors or quarter as this will not be shown. That this is the case seemed to be the conviction of those who were present in the meeting. There is unquestionably a wicked and wanton violation of both the prohibition and Sabbath laws which is fast giving to our fair young city an unenviable reputation abroad; and against this wholesale iniquity the combined moral force of the community will make itself felt.
It is not the disposition of outraged public feeling to be lenient toward those who have so flagrantly violated not only the spirit but the letter of the law and therefore all law breakers must take the consequences if caught in the toils of an outraged public sentiment when it rises to enforce the law.
As expressing the sense of the meeting, the following resolutions were read and adopted.
Resolved, That we call the attention of the county attorney and the probate judge to the necessity of an immediate investigation of the open and notorious violations of the prohibition law in our city.
Resolved, That we respectfully ask our municipal authorities to use all diligence in the enforcement of all sabbatical laws on the statute books.
Resolved, That these resolutions be published in the city papers, and forwarded to the proper persons.
The meeting was adjourned to meet the next Sabbath evening in September, place to be announced hereafter.
Arkansas City Republican, August 8, 1885.
Stafford has resigned. The council charged that he was incompetent to attend to city affairs and fired him out according to law. Last Monday night at the meeting they swallowed all they had said on the promise of the Mayor that Stafford would get out. After taking back all they had said, the city attorney was called for and upon dictating his own terms, handed in his resignation to take effect the 17th of this month. Mr. Hight refused to take action on the matter. He would not take anything back. Messrs. Dean and Dunn were compelled to go home on account of sickness ere the trying ordeal came to pass. Harmony now prevails and the REPUBLICAN has won a victory to be proud of.
CURBING AND GUTTERING.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, August 19, 1885.
Resolutions of the city council of the city of Arkansas City, in the county of Cowley, and state of Kansas, in reference to certain curbing and guttering on Summit street in said city.
WHEREAS, in our opinion it has become necessary, for the benefit of public health of said city, as well as from other causes, that a system of curbing and guttering be constructed along a portion of Summit street in said city, Therefore
Be it Resolved, 1st, That suitable curb and gutter be caused to be constructed on Summit street, on the east side of blocks seventy-nine, eighty, and eighty-one, and on the west side of blocks sixty-seven, sixty-eight, and sixty-nine, all abutting on said Summit street.
Resolved, 2nd, That the city contract for the performance of said work, and that the cost therefore be equally pro-rated among the lot owners abutting on said street within said blocks. That such amount shall become a debt against each of said lots and payable to said city; and said debt shall, from the time of completion of said work, become a special assessment, and shall be certified by the city clerk to the county clerk of Cowley county, state of Kansas, to be by him placed on the tax roll for collection, subject to the same penalties, and collected in like manner as other taxes are by law collected.
Be it ordered that these resolutions be published in the Arkansas City TRAVELER for four consecutive weeks.
C. G. THOMPSON, JAMES HIGHT, A. A. DAVIS, H. G. BAILEY, CALVIN DEAN, City Councilmen.
[Note: Paper showed “James Hight.” Think this should be “Jacob Hight.”]
COUNCIL MEETING.
Enforcement of Ordinances Discussed. Other Business Transacted.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 19, 1885.
At the council meeting on Monday evening, the mayor and six councilmen were present, Dunn and Hill being absent. The vote of the third ward was canvassed, and A. D. Prescott declared elected. He presented himself and took the oath of office.
The following bills were acted on.
H. Godehard, $6.65, allowed.
Chester Hill, $1, rejected.
G. W. Cunningham, $133.65, of which $24.87 was allowed, the rest held under advisement.
Danks Bros., $54.32. This was for repairs to the engine of the water works. Bill deferred for further consideration.
[The next item pertains to the “O’Neil” party, who got a 17 year franchise for water and gas works with the old council.]
A batch of James L. O’Neil’s bills was introduced, aggregating $85.07. The clerk also read a communication, claiming $20,000 damages from the city by O’Neil for refusing to allow him to build and operate water works under a contract made with the city council. The matter was discussed and this claim for damages pronounced a mere bluff, as he had not been restrained from building water works. The mayor read a reply he had prepared to this communication, offering in behalf of the council to allow the bills, on condition that O’Neil return the books and accounts of the city unlawfully in his possession and withdraw this claim for damages. The letter was approved and the clerk was instructed to return Mr. O’Neil’s communication.
Claim of T. J. Stafford (ex-city attorney) of $20 for defending W. J. Gray, in a replevin case, was allowed.
A letter from one Thompson, of Ohio, offering to sell a small steamboat of 20 inches draft, to ply on the Arkansas River, was read and tabled.
Rev. Witt and Alex. Wilson notified the council that the board of education of this city, at a recent meeting, had levied a tax of two mills, making the total tax for general school purposes ten mills, which was approved.
Dr. Kellogg complained of the excessive rate charged in the water schedule for sprinkling lawns. He said it was inequitable because livery stable keepers used water profusely all day long, while the owners of lots were restricted to one hour per day. The applicant owned three lots and was assessed $18 for sprinkling, while livery stables paid but $25. Unless the tariff was modified, he gave notice that he should cease to use water for sprinkling purposes.
Mr. Dean said the price had been fixed thus high to discourage lot owners from using water on their lawns. No action was taken on the application.
The mayor mentioned the violation of a city ordinance by W. M. Sawyer, in building a frame addition to a dwelling within the fire limits. He had been arrested a number of times and fined on each occasion by the police justice, which fines were pending on an appeal of the case to the district court. As Mr. Sawyer pleaded a tacit understanding with the council, his honor desired to know whether it was the will of that body that the ordinance be enforced in his case.
Mr. Hight said, if he understood the will of his fellow members, it was their desire that the ordinance be enforced. He had noticed in Mr. Sawyer a disposition to antagonize the council and its ordinances. If he had acted with less precipitation the present trouble might have been avoided. Before he had proceeded so far with his building, he (the speaker) had promised his influence to have the ordinance modified. But Mr. Sawyer had repelled friendly overtures, and attempted to bulldoze his way through. Others had applied for a similar indulgence and been refused, and this flagrant disregard of municipal law was being watched with interest by scores, some of whom avowed their intention to offend in the same manner if Mr. Sawyer came out ahead in the present contest. It was incumbent on this body to assert its authority, or quietly submit to Sawyer bucking it off the track. To give him immunity will be according license to all. He reminded the council that at its last meeting a petition numerously signed had been presented asking a change in the fire limits; also a remonstrance, bearing fully as many names, against the same. Both were tabled. The council had defined the fire limits at the request and suggestion of many of our largest property holders, and they deemed it wise to make no change. Municipal law is positive law—some writers call it divine law—and it must be maintained. Mr. Sawyer has started out to set it aside, and the issue is now forced on them to compel him to obedience, or give up all further attempt at running the city.
On motion the mayor was instructed rigidly to enforce the ordinance.
The mayor stated to the council that at a meeting of citizens held a few evenings ago to consider a proposition to build water and gas works for the city, a committee of three had been appointed, to act in conjunction with a committee from the council, to suggest the most expedient means of providing the city with a water supply. He believed it was expected that the committee, or some members of it, should visit neighboring towns to see how their water systems worked, and he submitted it to the gentlemen whether any portion of the scant city funds could be profitably devoted to any such use. On motion the mayor was authorized to appoint a committee with the understanding that no money would be furnished to pay any expenses it might incur. The mayor appointed Messrs. Thompson, Dean, and Dunn, and the council added the mayor to the committee.
Adjourned till the next regular meeting.
Arkansas City Republican, August 22, 1885.
Mrs. Jacob Hight has been sick for several days past, but we are informed she is now convalescing.
Arkansas City Republican, August 22, 1885.
“We Never Speak As We Pass By.”
Tuesday M. W. Sawyer visited Councilman Hight at his carpenter’s shop. During the dialogue which followed, Mr. Sawyer intimated, not in the choicest words of Webster, that Mr. Hight did not always speak the truth. This made the councilman mad. He spat on his hands, ordered Sawyer to go hence from his presence, but the latter promulgated Mary’s little lamb doctrine and continued still to “linger near.” This did not have a soothing effect on Mr. Hight’s wrath, but caused him to about face Mr. Sawyer and apply vigorously the toe of his boot to that part of the latter’s body which had oftentimes in his youth been utilized by his parents in the administration of a slipper dose.
Arkansas City Republican, August 22, 1885.
Council Proceedings.
Last Monday night was the regular meeting of the city council. Present: Mayor Schiffbauer and Councilmen Davis, Hight, Thompson, Dean, and Bailey.
Excerpts...
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, August 29, 1885.
Our New Business Blocks.
From time to time the REPUBLICAN has made mention of the various handsome business blocks as they commenced erection, but we have never gone into details.
T. H. McLaughlin is the gentleman who has the business block in course of erection on North Summit street. The block is two stories and contains two commodious business rooms, each 25 x 80 feet. It is built of stone with a brick front. Workmen are now busily engaged in putting up the second story. Mr. McLaughlin is one of the pioneers of Arkansas City, and has erected several substantial blocks. Dawson and Hight are the builders and architects.
Am printing all of the next article to show thinking of Hight and others...
WATER WORKS.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 2, 1885.
SHALL WE HAVE WATER WORKS?
Meeting of Citizens To Determine the Question.
An Indifferent Crowd Who Have No Will To Express.
The citizens’ meeting on Friday to provide water works for the city, called by the committee appointed at a previous meeting, was slightly attended. At 8 o’clock, the hour designated, less than a score of persons were in the hall. Half an hour after about sixty had assembled, and the meeting was called to order by the appointment of J. P. Johnson for chairman and Frederic Lockley secretary.
The committee was called upon for the reading of its report. In the absence of Major Sleeth, chairman of the committee, Mayor Schiffbauer explained that at the former meeting of citizens, Messrs. Sleeth, Searing, and J. G. Danks had been appointed a committee on behalf of the citizens, to act with three members of the city council to be chosen at the next meeting of that body. He had appointed Messrs. Thompson, Dean, and Dunn, and the committee had added himself to the number. It was contemplated that visits should be paid to neighboring cities to inquire into their systems of water works; but as this would involve expense, and the methods in use supplying water in Winfield, Wichita, Wellington, and Newton were pretty well known to the committee, they had contented themselves with formulating a plan adapted to the needs of our city which they had embodied in a report. The reading of the same being called for, the mayor read as follows.
REPORT OF THE WATER WORKS COMMITTEE.
To the citizens of Arkansas City.
GENTLEMEN: We, the committee to whom was referred the matter of water works, would respectfully submit the following report.
1st. In our judgment the supply should be obtained at the springs now used by the city for water supply; provided, that after being subjected to a thorough test, the supply shall be found adequate to meet all demands, and the quality to be pure and wholesome, and provided further, that the company securing the franchise will guarantee to exclude all surface matter from said springs.
2nd. That in case the supply at the springs shall be found to be inadequate, or that the surface matter cannot be excluded, then in our opinion, the supply should be obtained from a filter basin near the Arkansas River.
3rd. The system should be standpipe and holly combined; that is to say, the works to be so arranged that the standpipe can be shut off from the main and give direct pressure from the pumps into the mains.
4th. The standpipe is to be of iron, to be 25 feet in diameter, and sixty feet high, placed on a tower 50 feet high, built of stone laid in cement.
5th. There shall be two pumps, each capable of pumping one million gallons every 24 hours, so arranged as to be run either separately or together; and two boilers arranged the same as pumps, and each capable to run the pumps at full capacity with easy firing.
6th. In our opinion there will be required 5,630 feet of 12 inch main, running from the works, if situated where the present works stand, through Third Avenue east to Fourth Street, and from Third Avenue north through Summit Street to Ninth Avenue; 8,310 feet of 8 inch main to be placed in Sixth and Eighth Streets, running from Third Avenue north To Seventh Avenue and through Ninth Avenue, running from Fourth Street west to Tenth Street; 12,470 feet of 4 inch pipe to be placed in Fourth, Fifth, Ninth, and Tenth Streets, and running from Third Avenue north to Ninth Avenue, and from Tenth Street west to Eleventh Street, thence south to Eighth Avenue, thence east to Tenth Street.
7th. That in order to give proper fire protection for the territory covered by this plant, it will require 59 fire plugs to be placed along this system, which plugs we have located as per map, which can be seen at the city office. We therefore recommend that the city take 60 hydrants, and in lieu of the additional hydrant, the city cause to be contracted a watering and drinking fountain for the use and benefit of the public, which should be open and free at all times. Said fountain to be placed on Fifth Avenue, near Summit Street.
8th. We would further recommend that the city solicit bids for the construction of such a system of works, taking the number of hydrants as a basis, and that the successful bidder be required to furnish bonds to the city in the penal sum of $20,000 for the faithful performance of the contract, and guaranteeing that the work, when completed, shall be capable of throwing water from 5 hydrants at the same time from standpipe pressure alone a distance of 65 feet high; and by direct pressure from pumps, 100 feet high.
Your committee desire to state that as the city council made no appropriation to defray expenses, they have not made any effort to visit other works, and from the most reliable information we have been able to gather, we are of the opinion that the standpipe and holly system is the only feasible system for our city to adopt, and in the system we have herein suggested both these are combined.
W. M. SLEETH, CHAS. H. SEARING, J. G. DANKS, C. G. THOMPSON, F. P. SCHIFFBAUER, CALVIN DEAN, ARCHIE DUNN.
The chair inquired what should be done with the report. A pause ensued. The secretary moved that the report be accepted, but he found no second to his motion. To remove the chilling apathy, Mr. Lockley explained that his motion was necessary to bring the report before the meeting for discussion, but it did not involve its adoption. The disposal of the report would be effected by a subsequent motion. This brought out a weak-voiced second to the motion. On the motion being put by the chair, not a voice was raised in support or disapproval.
Judge Kreamer in reproof of this deathlike apathy said he thought the meeting should take interest enough in the proceedings to express its will on the question before it. The committee had devoted time and labor to perform the duty assigned it, and now that its report was submitted, it was the business of those present to accept or reject, not to let the matter go by default.
The motion of the secretary being again put to the meeting, it was adopted by an emphatic vote.
Mayor Schiffbauer went over the report and explained its provisions in a detailed commentary.
Jacob Hight said he would like to know something about this funeral; it was inexplicable to him because he saw no corpse. He had listened to the report of the committee with interest; they had reduced the question of a water supply for the city to tangible shape, and he for one thanked them for their intelligent labors. A good and efficient system of water works was not only of interest at the present time, but it affected the welfare and happiness of our children and our children’s children. The proposition set forth in the report appeared to him reasonable and adapted to our wants, but he hoped to hear it discussed with becoming spirit. No city could prosper and present a good bill of health that was not provided with an adequate system of pure water. He was aware the city was not able to put in its own water works, and hence it must contract with other parties to supply the machinery. It was agreed by all that our want was a pressing one, and now was the time to do something definite and decisive toward the accomplishment of that end. The committee was to be commended for spending no money at the expense of the city treasury in running about the country.
A. D. Prescott was much gratified with the report; he agreed with the last speaker that it entitled the committee to the thanks of the people in whose interest they had labored. The question of expense was first to be considered, and he desired to know whether the outlay involved in the plan proposed could not be cut down. Any company that undertakes to build water works for a city, does so with a view to the profit to be made; and their charge would be based on the sum of money expended. He thought provision was made for an unnecessary length of 12-inch pipe. The size of the standpipe might also be reduced. He would like to hear some estimate of the probable cost of the system sketched in the committee’s report.
J. G. Danks said the main that was proposed to be laid might be larger than the present wants of the city; but the committee thought it best to lay pipes big enough to answer future needs and save the expense of tearing them up five or ten years from now to substitute others of larger capacity. An efficient water supply in case of fire must be provided at all cost. An 8-inch main might answer all purposes for the next five or six years, but if the city attains the growth we expect, at the end of that time it will be inadequate. Iron pipe laid down here would cost from $35 to $40 a ton. The cost of the tower, the standpipe, the engine, and pumps could only be learned from the bids to be sent in. He thought the total expense of the system proposed in the committee’s report would be about $50,000. Sixty hydrants were proposed, and for this reason, the rent of 40 hydrants would aggregate as much as the rent of the larger number. The first contract also sets the standard of rents; and if more hydrants should be required at any future time, the rent will be the same as of those already in use. And he believed the city could not be properly protected from fire with a smaller number.
Judge Kreamer moved as the sense of the meeting that the committee be authorized to advertise for bids, and report the result at a future meeting, which was adopted. Adjourned.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, September 12, 1885.
Council Proceedings.
The city council met in regular session Monday evening with Mayor Schiffbauer, Councilmen Prescott, Davis, Hight, Dean, and Dunn present, and Hill and Bailey absent.
The following are the different committees as revised by the mayor.
Finance: Hill, Davis, and Prescott.
Printing: Prescott, Dean, and Hight.
Streets and Alleys: Dunn, Thompson, and Bailey.
Public Improvements: Dean, Davis, and Hight.
Ordinance: Thompson, Dean, and Prescott.
Water Works: Thompson, Hill, and Dunn.
Sanitary: Hight, Hill, and Davis.
Excerpt...
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, September 19, 1885.
The Delegates to the Republican Convention to be Held at Winfield Today.
Last Saturday evening the Republican primaries were held in the four wards of Arkansas City and Creswell Township. The following are the delegates chosen.
FIRST WARD. The convention was held at G. B. Shaw & Co.’s lumber yard. It was called to order at 7:30 with a good number of mugwumps, Democrats, and one or two Republicans in attendance. F. M. Peak, a life-long Democrat, with the exception of one time that he voted for Blaine and Logan, was made chairman of the meeting. W. D. Kreamer, greenbacker, filled the exalted position of secretary. A motion was made that delegates be elected by acclamation, which, on being carried resulted in the selection of the following mongrel combination of delegates.
Jacob Hight, Republican.
W. D. Kreamer, 1st ward politician and greenbacker.
T. D. Richardson, St. John; and F. M. Peak, Democrat.
The alternates were Jas. Ridenour, A. E. Kirkpatrick, W. D. Johnson, and J. M. Smiley.
The REPUBLICAN suggests that the alternates should be recognized instead of the delegates. We are glad to inform our readers that the Democrats of the First Ward were sailing under a good name for once.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, September 26, 1885.
Council Proceedings.
The city council convened in regular session last Monday with the following members present: Mayor Schiffbauer and Councilmen Prescott, Davis, Dean, Thompson, and Hight.
Excerpts...
Arkansas City Traveler, October 21, 1885.
Council Proceedings.
The City Council met in regular session on Monday evening, all the members present, acting Mayor Thompson in the chair.
The council reconvened at 9 o’clock on Tuesday morning, having surveyed the ground over which the K. C. & S. W. Co., asks the right of way. Ordinance No. 24 (Published in another column), was taken up for consideration.
After the reading of the first section, Mr. Hight inquired whether the city would be responsible to property holders for any damage they might sustain, or whether their recourse would be to the railroad company.
Judge Sumner was sent for to advise the council in considering the ordinance. On taking his seat in the chamber, the judge said as the city granted the right of way, it was responsible to property holders for whatever damage might be done, but a provision might be inserted in the ordinance rendering the railway liable to the city for all costs, damages, and expenses that might be incurred by reason of granting the right of way.
On the section being put to the vote, Mr. Hight said he should like a provision inserted requiring the company to come here with their main line and not put us off on a spur.
Mr. Hill said such a clause was not needed, there was no danger of the company going to Geuda Springs on the proposition that was before it. The inducement offered was the issue of $21,000 in bonds to be voted on in Walton Township in a week or two. This would not pay the cost of building the road. There was 13 miles of track to lay and a bridge across the Arkansas River 800 feet long to be supported on solid masonry. This structure would cost $35,000. He then explained at some length how this new arrangement, which had so alarmed the people here, had been brought about. Certain parties in Winfield have property interests in the new town they had laid out to the west of that city; some of them, perhaps, having seats in the city council, had influenced that body to refuse its assent to the Kansas City and Southwestern track being carried through eastward of the Santa Fe track. In granting the right of way, they required the road to come out on the west side and built across that track. Thus in coming to this city they were west of the Santa Fe, and there was a doubt whether they would be allowed to cross it again. For this reason the company asked the right of entering the city by one of two ways, in order that a pressure might be brought to bear on the Santa Fe people. Suppose you give the right of way along First Street. We shall then have to cross their track again. This crossing they may refuse, and in a lawsuit that may result, we may be hindered by a perpetual injunction.
A right of way along Third Street will place our track between the city and their road. This they will certainly not approve. It would suit our purpose better, and be better in all respects, to come in on First Street, but we want the means of getting there. If the choice of the two roads is left open, the speaker had no doubt that the Santa Fe company would grant the right to cross their track rather than have our road come in between them and the city. The ordinance was then read by sections and adopted, and the council adjourned.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, October 24, 1885.
Council Proceedings.
The council met in regular session Monday evening. Members present were councilmen Thompson, Dunn, Dean, Hill, Hight, Bailey, and Prescott. C. G. Thompson, acting mayor, presided.
The allowance of a few minor bills occupied the attention of the honorable board for a short time when they passed on to other business.
TUESDAY MORNING.
At 9 a.m. the council convened with Councilmen Hill, Davis, Bailey, Dunn, Hight, and Thompson present. Mayor Schiffbauer presided.
The ordinance, No. 24, was taken up, read, voted upon, and passed. This ordinance grants the right of way to the K. C. & S. W. Railway through the city on 3rd or 1st street.
WEDNESDAY EVENING.
Council convened with Mayor Schiffbauer, Councilmen Thompson, Davis, Dunn, Hight, and Bailey present.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, October 31, 1885.
A Citizens Committee.
Last Monday evening several of our leading citizens met in the office of Judge Pyburn, for the purpose of organizing a citizens committee, its object to be to protect and promote the interest of Arkansas City, in any way that would tend to help and sustain the rapid growth of the Border City. A. J. Pyburn was called to the chair, and M. N. Sinnott was elected secretary. A temporary organization was made and an adjournment was taken until Tuesday evening at the same place, when a permanent organization was made by electing A. J. Pyburn, president; H. D. Kellogg, vice president; M. N. Sinnott, secretary; N. T. Snyder, assistant secretary; W. D. Mowry, treasurer. A finance committee was also appointed consisting of the following: A. A. Newman, H. O. Meigs, and W. D. Kreamer. Also an executive committee as follows: G. W. Cunningham, Wm. Sleeth, Amos Walton, H. D. Kellogg, N. T. Snyder, T. H. McLaughlin, W. D. Mowry, A. D. Prescott, and F. P. Schiffbauer. Committee made an assessment of $5.00 on all members and it was also decided that any citizen of good standing could become a member by paying the same fee.
The following are the charter members.
Names selected by the committee: Chas. Sipes, Geo. Howard, Geo. Cunningham, Wm. Mowry, Rev. Fleming, F. P. Schiffbauer, A. J. Pyburn, H. O. Meigs, Jas. L. Huey, Wm. Sleeth, W. D. Kreamer, A. A. Newman, A. D. Prescott, Jacob Hight, T. H. McLaughlin, O. S. Rarick, Jamison Vawter, J. P. Johnson, H. D. Kellogg, Ed. Grady, O. P. Houghton, M. N. Sinnott, Geo. W. Miller, N. T. Snyder, Amos Walton, Jas. Ridenour.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
CITIZENS’ COMMITTEE.
A Popular Movement to Advance the City’s Interests.
On Monday evening of last week, about a score of our prominent citizens held a meeting in Judge Pyburn’s office to consider the most practicable means of advancing the interests of this city. The views expressed were that in a rapidly growing country, where incoming population is apt to seek new channels, and business interests are created by the changing tide of affairs, it is necessary for every city that seeks growth and prosperity to be on the alert and lend its hand in shaping matters to its own advantage. It was agreed that to put the forces of a community to the best avail, it is necessary to have some organization to depute some number of men of good judgment and business acumen to watch the changes in the kaleidoscope of social life, and suggest means for turning them to proper advantage; to perform the duty of a picket guard in the army. In fact, holding themselves in an advanced position, and watching every movement that comes under their notice. As an initial step to the organization sought after, the meeting chose of the persons present, Messrs. A. A. Newman, A. D. Prescott, G. W. Miller, N. T. Snyder, and Amos Walton as an executive committee, with power to add to their number, and report to a public meeting to be held in the Opera house the following evening.
On Tuesday the Buckskin Border Band stationed outside that popular place of amusement, gave notice to the public that business was to be done by playing several choice airs in their usual artistic style. Several score of people gave heed to the summons, and by 8 o’clock there were about a hundred assembled. The meeting was called to order, Mayor Schiffbauer was chosen chairman, and our new postmaster, M. N. Sinnott, appointed secretary. Amos Walton, on behalf of the originators of the movement, was called on to explain the object of the meeting. He told what had been done the evening before, and handed to the secretary a list of names selected by the committee to add to their number, and said he would then ask the sense of the meeting on the choice made. The secretary read the following names.
C. R. Sipes; G. W. Cunningham; Rev. S. B. Fleming; A. J. Pyburn; H. O. Meigs; W. M. Sleeth; Jacob Hight; O. S. Rarick; J. P. Johnson; Ed Grady; Geo. Howard; D. Mowry; F. P. Schiffbauer; James Ridenour; Jas. L. Huey; W. D. Kreamer; T. H. McLaughlin; Dr. Jamison Vawter; Dr. H. D. Kellogg; O. P. Houghton; M. N. Sinnott.
Mr. Walton said he commended the object of the proposed organization because it gave our citizens the benefit of the counsel and services of two dozen of our most experienced citizens (He wished to exclude himself from self commendation.) who would be on the lookout for opportunities to turn to the public good. The plan as he sketched it was for those two dozen sagacious men to mature among themselves whatever movements would advance the public good, and then call a public meeting to whom their plans could be unfolded and action taken on them. On motion the list of names read by the secretary was approved.
Several other speakers followed in like strain.
Frank Austin preferred to have the organization placed on a broader basis. It had been called a board of trade by some speakers, and he wanted it made one in fact. He wanted membership thrown open to all eligible persons, and stated times of meeting. To create a fund for any sudden use he would have an initiation fee and an annual subscription.
But this proposition was generally opposed on the ground that it was taking the organization out of the hands of those who framed it. The meeting having nothing further before it, adjourned.
At a subsequent meeting of the executive committee, on the 29th, an organization was effected by electing A. J. Pyburn, president; H. D. Kellogg, vice president; M. N. Sinnott, secretary; N. T. Snyder, assistant secretary; W. D. Mowry, treasurer. It was also decided to increase the membership by admitting any fitting person on payment of $5 initiation fee. The following committees were appointed.
Finance Committee: A. A. Newman, H. O. Meigs, W. D. Kreamer.
Executive Committee: G. W. Cunningham, W. M. Sleeth, Amos Walton, H. D. Kellogg, N. T. Snyder, T. H. McLaughlin, W. D. Mowry, A. D. Prescott, F. P. Schiffbauer.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
City Council Proceedings.
Council met at 7:30 on Monday evening, Mayor Schiffbauer presiding. Councilmen Bailey and Hill absent.
Arkansas City Republican, November 14, 1885.
The dancing club of which Miss Hight is instructress, now holds forth in one of the rooms in the Burroughs’ block.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 18, 1885.
J. F. Huse, the coal and seed man, says he does not know against whom Councilman Hight’s intimations are aimed, but he is willing to make his solemn affidavit that every man who buys a ton of coal of him gets 2,000 pounds.
Excerpt from a very lengthy council meeting...
Arkansas City Traveler, November 18, 1885.
CITY COUNCIL.
[SCALES.]
A petition was read, numerously signed, asking that all hay scales be removed from Summit Street, and a city scale be erected.
Mr. Hight spoke in favor of the petition. Besides the litter and confusion caused by these scales, there was an inequality of weight by which some persons suffered. A ton of coal was measured out to the consumer with sparing hand; he paid for more than he received. The use of city scales in the hands of a weigher sworn to his duty would ensure justice to all, and remove what is really a serious grievance.
The matter was discussed at some length, and the result was the adoption of a resolution giving the owners of scales twelve months to remove them from Summit Street.
Mr. Searing asked how the gutter was to be laid with the scales in the way. The council instructed him to provide the stone, and the owners of scales would be required to lay it when the impediment was removed.
On motion the committee on streets and alleys was instructed to inquire the cost of scales for city use and look up a location.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 25, 1885.
Hight & Dawson have the contract to build the temporary passenger station for the K. C. & S. W. Railroad. The city council has granted the company an extension of 30 days to put up their permanent structure.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 25, 1885.
THE RAILROAD AT HAND.
Excursions Over the New Line from Arkansas City to Beaumont.
Steel Rails and Oak Ties, and a Finely Equipped Road.
On Monday Mr. Henry E. Asp, on behalf of the managers of the Kansas City and Southwestern Kansas railroad, then within a few miles of Arkansas City, tendered Mayor Schiffbauer and the city council an excursion over the line to Beaumont and return. The mayor said he should like the invitation extended so as to include our principal businessmen. Mr. Asp said a general excursion to our citizens would be given as soon as the road was completed to the city, and arrangements could be made for the entertainment of a large number of guests, but at the present time not more than a score of excursionists could be provided for. This being the case, Mayor Schiffbauer invited the city council, authorizing each member to take a friend along, and also included in the invitation the railroad committee of the board of trade. This filled out the allotted number.
The following gentlemen composed the excursion party.
Mayor Schiffbauer, Councilmen Thompson, Bailey, Dunn, Dean, Davis, and Hight. (Councilman A. D. Prescott was unable to take part, through business engagements, and Councilman Hill was found superintending the construction of the road.)
The friends they invited and who were present for duty, were mine host Perry, J. Frank Smith, J. H. Hilliard, Frank Thompson, and City Clerk Benedict.
The railroad committee consisted of A. A. Newman, N. T. Snyder, Major Sleeth, G. W. Cunningham, W. D. Mowry, and T. H. McLaughlin. These with the present writer (nineteen in all) formed the invited party, Henry E. Asp accompanying them as host and guide.
At 7:30 on Tuesday morning, omnibuses were in waiting at the Leland Hotel to carry the excursionists to the end of the track, and the party being seated, a brisk drive of three miles carried them to an animated scene. The day’s labors had begun, upwards of 100 workmen being employed. A construction train of ten or a dozen cars was on hand, loaded with implements and material: ties, rails, fish-plates, bolts, spikes, shovels, and so on. The ties were of well seasoned oak brought from Arkansas, which were being unloaded by lusty arms, and thrown onto tracks, which was distributed along the grade. The train was standing on the foremost rails that were spiked, and in advance of this was a rail truck drawn by two mules, which recovered the iron from the flat car, and carried it forward over the loose rails, a force of men standing by the truck and laying the rail as fast as the ties were in place.
Track laying, in these days of railroad building, is reduced to an exact science. The ties are laid along the road bed under the direction of a foreman; another crew extends the nails, which is followed up by the spike-drivers. A sufficient force can lay two miles of track a day without extraordinary effort, and the onlooker has to maintain a steady sauntering pace to keep up with the workmen.
Some delay was caused on Tuesday morning by a disagreement between two foremen, which resulted in a fisticuff encounter. The aggressor in the unpleasantness was discharged, and his crew, numbering about thirty men, refused to work under another boss. They were all sent to Winfield to receive their pay, and a fresh force brought from there to take their place. This delayed the work about an hour and a half.
At 8:30 a.m. the whistle of the excursion train sounded about one-fourth of a mile along the track, and our party of pleasure seekers made good time walking in the direction of the cars. T. H. McLaughlin stumped along, with his one live leg, as agile as the best of them; but Councilman Davis, another mutilated war veteran, jumped into a vehicle to save a fatiguing walk. The track to Winfield is not yet ballasted, and the running time to that city was slow. The bridge over the Walnut is a substantial piece of work, being raised on trestles 45 feet above the stream, and the approaches being supported on solid masonry. The two miles of road south of Winfield cost $65,000.
At Winfield a brief stay was made to take on passengers, and here Mr. Latham joined the party, who was heartily greeted by his Arkansas City guests, and who spent the day in their company. From Winfield a good rate of speed was put on, the road being well ballasted and running as smoothly as a bowling green. The first station reached was Floral, nine miles from Winfield. This is a thrifty place, which has sprung into existence since the road was built, is well situated, and surrounded by a good country. Wilmot is 8½ miles distant, and Atlanta, 7 miles along. Latham is in Butler County, also a railroad town, built on a broad creek, and already containing 400 or 500 inhabitants. Commodious stone stores are in process of erection, an extensive lumber yard is well stocked, and other business lines are well represented. At Wingate (between the two places last named) there is a flag station. Beaumont was reached about 11:30, the distance from Latham being 13 miles. Here the K. C. & S. W. Road forms a junction with the St. Louis & San Francisco road, and here the journey terminated. Several miles of the Flint hills were traversed in reaching here, a surface formation of brecciated and abraded rock, which proves that at some time in the geological periods this whole region was overflown. Dinner was ready for the excursionists when they stepped off at the station, their dining hall being a commodious room on the upper floor of that building, under charge of Noah Herring and his very excellent and capable wife. Two tables furnished room for the score of hungry guests, and a good dinner, promptly served, was in waiting to allay their hunger.
Here four hours was afforded to take in the town, and enjoy the fine scenery that surrounded it. A party of the most robust pedestrians, under conduct of Henry Asp, took a breezy walk over the hills into Greenwood County; where a fine panorama of scenic beauty lay spread before their gaze, with Eureka, in the distance, nestling in the valley, like a sylvan deity. Those less enterprising visited the post office, made acquaintance with store keepers, talked with the oldest inhabitant, and then played the games of billiards, pigeon-hole, and quoits. Major Schiffbauer, at the first named game, made some extraordinary shots in missing the balls he aimed at. At quoits G. W. Cunningham did great execution, bombarding with his rings an extensive region of country around the pin he professed to aim at.
Our narrative of this very enjoyable trip must be brought to a close, as space fails. At 4:30 the train started on return. Mr. Young, of Young, Latham & Co., the builders of the road, who came in on the Frisco train, joined the party. Winfield was reached at 7:30, where our friends belonging to that city, left us, and Ed Gray came on board, escorting W. H. Nelson (of Meigs & Nelson), who had been spending a day in the county clerk’s office, making a transcript from the tax list. Towards the close of the journey a vote of thanks to the officers of the road was proposed by Mayor Schiffbauer for their hospitality to the excursionists, and polite attention to them as guests of the day. This was heartily responded to by the party. The day’s labors of the track layers brought them 1¼ miles nearer the city. Omnibuses were in waiting to convey the tired travelers to the city, and by 9 o’clock they were deposited at the Leland Hotel, all clamorous for supper, but unanimous in declaring they had spent a delightful day.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, November 28, 1885.
BOOMING BEAUMONT
VISITED BY SOME OF OUR CITIZENS TUESDAY.
An Excursion Over the K. C. & S. W., that Long Fought For Railroad.
Beaumont Found to be a Booming Metropolis (?),
Fast Growing in Opulence upon the Flint Hills of Butler County.
Early on last Tuesday morning, two omnibuses drew up to the Leland Hotel and took on board the following gentlemen, who had been invited by the managers of the K. C. & S. W., to take a pleasure trip over that road to the famous and booming Beaumont: Mayor Schiffbauer, Councilmen Hight, Davis, Thompson, Bailey, Dean, and Dunn, and their friends whom they invited, H. H. Perry, J. Frank Smith, J. H. Hilliard, Frank Thompson, and City Clerk Benedict; also, the railroad committee, consisting of A. A. Newman, N. T. Snyder, Major Sleeth, G. W. Cunningham, W. D. Mowry, and T. H. McLaughlin. Bro. Lockley, too, was among the honored ones, and was to chronicle the thrilling incidents of the trip, furnish intellectual food for the party, and report the impressive appearance, the “sights” and widely spread influence, of flourishing Beaumont. After a drive of about three miles, the gleeful party reached the end of the track, where over 200 railroad hands were busy at work, rapidly advancing the “iron bands” towards Arkansas City.
It was after 8 o’clock before they heard the distant whistling of the excursion train, towards which they at once started, and which they reached after a brisk walk of nearly a mile. Had it not been for Councilman Davis, who has only one natural leg to work with, they probably would have continued their journey on foot, and thus economized time. As it was, Mr. Davis was conveyed to the cars in a carriage to avoid the fatigue of walking. All having gotten on board, the train moved slowly up the track. They had a jolly, rollicking time.
Having arrived at Winfield, the passengers allowed the engine to rest a little, although it caused them much weariness to be delayed in a village of such few attractions when vivid pictures of enterprising Beaumont occupied their excited minds. Mr. Latham joined the party at Winfield, and when the train pulled out, the officers of the road suspended from the rear end of the last car a banner, bearing the inscription, “The town we left behind us.” From that railroad station onto the end of the journey, the train swept over the track at a rapid rate, passing through Floral, Wilmot, Atlanta, and Latham. Beaumont (a French word meaning “the fashionable world”) was reached at 11:30 a.m., and the party evacuated the cars and proceeded at once to the central part of the city. On either side, as they walked up main street, tall and magnificent buildings met their view, and the hearts of the rustic excursionists almost ceased to beat on account of the grandeur they beheld. Councilman Dunn had purchased a bran new hat that morning, and in trying to pass in under one of the lofty awnings, it was completely crushed. [N.B. This incident occurred before the drugstore was visited.] They found that the city consists of fourteen houses, which have been standing for 14 years, and the inhabitants number about 75. This is conclusive evidence that the town is still booming. When one of the natives was asked why he did not move to a better locality, he proudly pointed to the barren flint hills, and, with Kansas enthusiasm, maintained that Beaumont was the garden-spot of the world. After dinner, which was served in the spacious dining hall of Noah Herring, some of the party, for amusement, played at billiards and pigeon-hole. Bro. Lockley and Geo. Cunningham leveled down the flint hills and bombarded the town pitching horseshoes. Some of them went into one of the two drugstores in the place and consulted the “holy record” in order to procure some remedy for their ailments. The druggist showed them a full “soda pop” barrel, the greater portion of whose contents they consumed.
While in the drug store they made the following invoice of the stock it contained.
1 small stove: $2.00; 1 old keg: $0.00; 1 old box: $0.00; 1 counter: $10.00; 10 boxes of candy: $10.00; 1 pail of tobacco: $4.00; 2 boxes of nuts: $.50; 1 barrel of whiskey: $8.00.
TOTAL: $34.50.
The excursionists returned to Arkansas City at about 9 o’clock p.m., full of joy and “soda water.” There will be another excursion over this road soon and everybody here will then have a chance to see Beaumont.
Excerpts...
Arkansas City Traveler, December 9, 1885.
City Council Proceedings.
City council met in regular session, on Monday evening, A. D. Prescott in the chair. Councilmen Hill and Thompson were absent.
Mr. Hight asked that stone crossings be laid on Summit Street at Central Avenue, and Mr. Davis said that in justice to taxpayers, the same should be done at Third Avenue. Messrs. Bailey and Dean objected on the ground of the expense. The work would cost $500, and the bills would have to go unpaid till June. They were unwilling to run the city in debt to that amount. Mr. Hight’s motion was lost, a majority of the whole council not sustaining it.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, December 12, 1885.
The contract for building the new K. C. & S. W. Depot has been let to Jacob Hight. It will be 20 x 78 feet surrounded by 250 feet of platform. The waiting room will be 20 x 24 feet, and the remainder of the depot will be utilized for freight, baggage, and an office. The building will be the best one on the line between here and Beaumont. It will contain dormer-windows and the waiting room bay windows. The company was so well pleased with Mr. Hight’s other depot job that they awarded him the contract of putting up the new one. By the way, Jake is obtaining quite an enviable reputation as a carpenter and joiner.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 16, 1885.
Work on the new railroad depot is begun, and its completion is promised by New Year’s. Jacob Hight has the contract, and he intends to make his mark by getting up a creditable building. Materials for the work are at hand.
Arkansas City Republican, December 19, 1885.
The foundations for the K. C. & S. W. Depot is completed and Jacob Hight, and his force of hands, have begun on the carpenter work.
Excerpts...
Arkansas City Traveler, December 23, 1885.
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.
City council met at 7 o’clock on Monday evening, the mayor presiding, all the members present, except Capt. Thompson.
The following petition was read to the council.
ARKANSAS CITY, KANSAS, December 15, 1885.
To the Hon. Mayor: We, the undersigned citizens of Arkansas City respectfully request that city ordinance No. 3 be so amended as to read that all auctioneers of dry goods, hardware, boots and shoes, clothing, hats and caps, furnishing, fancy goods and notions, agricultural implements, wagons and buggies, jewelry, groceries, drugs, and all other goods carried by legitimate business houses of this city shall pay a license of $25 per day. We pray the honorable Mayor and council to act immediately on this matter in the interest of the businessmen of Arkansas City.
(Signatures) Ridenour & Thompson, Youngheim & Co., Mrs. W. M. Henderson, John Gallagher, O. P. Houghton, S. Matlack, J. W. Hutchison, N. T. Snyder, and many others.
The matter was debated at considerable length. Councilman Dunn said he was desirous to act for the best interests of the city, to protect the rights of the buyer as well as those of the seller. He believed in free competition; low prices were a benefit to the consumer though they might cut down the profits of the merchant. He was not a buyer of cheap auction goods himself, but he was acquainted with some who were, and he mentioned several cases where a large saving was effected in the price of goods.
Mr. Dunn was in favor of keeping peddlers and auctioneers in wagons off Summit Street. They gathered large crowds around them and impeded travel. But the petition just read he thought was directed more particularly against men who came here to sell bankrupt stock. They paid the taxes imposed by the city, and he didn’t know how you could get at them.
Mr. Prescott said it was a question in his mind whether the council could stop their operations.
Mr. Hill said the law will not allow you to impose a license of $25 a day; it was oppressive.
The mayor said this class of merchants can evade any kind of tax you choose to impose. The man who puts up goods at a certain price and comes down to the views of his customers; who offers an article for sale at $1, then falls to 75 cents, 50 cents, and finally sells it for two bits, is not an auctioneer in the eyes of the law, and the courts have many times so decided.
On motion the petition was referred to a special committee to be chosen by the mayor. His honor named Messrs. Hight, Prescott, and Dunn. The two first named asked to be excused, and gave their reasons.
The mayor stated, “Everybody else would be in the same fix; I guess the committee is good enough as it stands.”
Mr. Hight said the people on Central Avenue want cross walks. The council was familiar with the bad condition of the road there, and the crossings asked for were needed. Labor and material are cheap now, and the work could never be done more advantageously. He moved that four crossings be put in.
Mr. Bailey. “What is the matter with Fourth Avenue? Why can’t the people there have crossings?”
Mr. Prescott said a number of property owners living on Eighth Avenue were willing to lay sidewalks in front of their lots, but they first desired to have a grade established.
Mr. Dean remarked that every time a survey was made, a different level was reached. The present county surveyor might establish one grade, but his successor would give a different one. The matter went over without motion.
Mr. Hill wanted the road leveled in the fourth ward in front of the schoolhouse. He would cut down the knoll and fill the hollow. Referred to the road commissioner.
Mr. Hight objected to the ordinance defining the fire limits as ironclad in its provisions; it allowed no discretion to the council. When a person wants to put up a small frame building, there was no authority to grant permission.
Mr. Prescott asked how reducing the fire limits to the alleys would do?
Mr. Hight said that would admit of barns being built in the rear of valuable stores, and endangering their safety.
Mr. Prescott said that bringing in the fire limits to within 30 or 40 feet of the alleys will allow lot owners on Sixth and Eighth Streets to erect frame buildings in front of their lots. Referred to the ordinance committee.
The Mayor said that while in St. Louis recently, he had called at the office of the Inter-State Gas Co., to learn whether they had accepted the franchise offered them to furnish water works for Arkansas City. He saw Mr. Putter, and that gentleman objected to several provisions contained in ordinance No. 26. The section in regard to hydrants was not specific, too many fire alarms were requested, and the bonds to be given for the faithful performance of the work were made perpetual. The company had prepared an ordinance for submission to the city council, revoking the former one, substantially alike in character, except that the size of the pipe had been cut down. Three and a half miles of pipe are to be laid; the company agreeing to put in two supply pipes of 18 inch capacity from the works to the main on Summit Street. Then they agree to lay 1,700 feet of 8 inch pipe, 2,380 feet of 6 inch, and the remainder not to be less than 4 inch. Fifty hydrants will be furnished of a specific cost, and the rest of the contract is in harmony with the published ordinance.
The proposal being read it was submitted to a searching discussion. Messrs. Hill, Dean, Dunn, and Prescott did not like the cut in the size of the pipe; it left too much of the four inch variety.
The mayor said the proposal of the company was before them to do with as they pleased; he understood it to be their wilfulness. There was no use in the council amending it because the company would accept no modification; it must be approved or rejected as it stands. Having been read over the first time and the changes from the published ordinance noted, it was then read a second time by sections and adopted, and then adopted as a whole. The votes on the final passage being: ayes—Bailey, Davis, Hill, Hight. Noes—Dean, Dunn, Prescott.
Mr. Hill, in explaining his vote, said he was not satisfied with the proposition; he thought a cheaper service could be obtained. But he felt assured that if it was rejected, we should be burdened and impoverished with our present system for another year. He also has regard for the faithful labors of Mayor Schiffbauer in endeavoring to procure an adequate water supply, and since that gentleman was confident in his belief that the company we were dealing with would give us a better service than their proposition set forth, he would defer in his judgment, and hence he had voted aye.
The council adjourned at 10:45 p.m.
Arkansas City Republican, December 26, 1885.
Council Proceedings.
The council convened in regular session last Monday evening. All members were present except Capt. C. G. Thompson.
The action upon some minor bills was first on the programme.
A petition signed by the businessmen of the city, asking that an occupation tax of $25 per day be placed upon certain callings, was read. (This petition was in regard to auction firms.) On motion the mayor appointed Councilmen Hight, Prescott, and Dunn as a committee to investigate the matter and report at the next regular meeting.
A petition of certain residents to have a bridge placed across the canal at the crossing of the canal and Central Avenue and street graded to correspond, was read and referred on motion to the committee on streets and alleys.
On motion Mr. Mead was instructed to put in crossings at the corner of Summit street and Central avenue and the corner of 4th Avenue and Summit Street. The crossings are to be the same as those put in at the crossings on Summit Street and 5th Avenue.
Mr. Hight asked that the present fire limits as set forth in ordinance No. 12, be cut down to the blocks mentioned, and that the council can extend them to said blocks at their option. Referred to ordinance committee.
Ordinance No. 27, repealing ordinance 26 relative to water works, was then read and adopted. The vote on the final passage was as follows: Nays—Prescott, Dean, and Dunn; Yeas—Hill, Davis, Hight, and Bailey.
On motion the council adjourned.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 6, 1886.
COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.
Our City Fathers Perplexed With An Empty Treasury.
Council met at 7 o’clock on Monday evening, Mayor Schiffbauer in the chair; Councilmen Bailey and Hight absent.
Excerpts from a lengthy council meeting...
Arkansas City Traveler, February 10, 1886.
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.
Our Municipal Fathers Settle Down to an Evening’s Solid Work.
The city council met in special session on Monday evening, all present but Capt. Thompson. In the absence of the mayor, Councilman Prescott was called on to preside.
Councilman Hight again urged the passage of an ordinance against prostitution and gambling.
Justice Bryant said frequent complaints were made to him of these offenses being committed in the city, but he was powerless to deal with them for want of an ordinance affixing a penalty.
On motion a special committee consisting of Messrs. Hill, Dunn, and Dean was appointed to consider and report the ordinance.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 24, 1886.
Jacob Hight will build the passenger stations along the Geuda Springs, Caldwell, and Western road. His work on the K. C. & S. W. Station in this city has given such entire satisfaction to the contractors, that they award him the contract.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 24, 1886.
REPAIRING THE WEST BRIDGE.
A Resolution to Annex Territory, and a Plan to Restore the West Bridge.
On Friday Mayor Schiffbauer received the following petition. ARKANSAS CITY, Feb. 19, 1886. To his honor F. P. Schiffbauer, mayor of the city of Arkansas City, Kansas:
The undersigned members of the council of Arkansas City respectfully request your honor to call a special meeting of the council this evening (Feb. 19th) for the purpose of taking some action in regard to the repairing of the bridge across the Arkansas River west of town, and annexing certain territory to the corporate limits of the city of Arkansas City.
A. A. DAVIS, JAMES HILL, JACOB HIGHT, H. G. BAILEY, C. G. THOMPSON.
Councilmen.
To which acting Mayor Thompson responded as follows.
ARKANSAS CITY, KANS., Feb. 19, 1886.
I hereby call a special meeting of the council of the city of Arkansas City, in pursuance to the above call. C. G. THOMPSON, Acting Mayor.
At 7:30 o’clock the same evening the council convened, all the members except Dean and Bailey were present. Mr. A. A. Newman, in behalf of himself and others, asked that the council memorialize the district judge to annex certain territory to the corporate limits of the city. On motion the following resolution was adopted.
Resolved, That notice is hereby given to whom it may concern, that on the 15th day of March, A. D. 1886, the city council of Arkansas City, county of Cowley, and state of Kansas, shall in the name of said city present a petition to the Hon. E. S. Torrance, judge of the district court of Cowley County, state of Kansas, praying for an order declaring that the following territory lying adjacent to the limits of said city of Arkansas City, described by metes and bounds, as follows, to-wit:
The property owned by the Arkansas City water power company, commencing at a point twenty (20) feet north of the southwest corner of the northwest quarter of section twenty-five (25), township thirty-four (34), range three (3) east, extending thence west three (3) rods to the north line of the right of way of the Arkansas City water power company’s canal; thence in a westerly direction along the north line of said canal about one hundred and fifty (150) rods to the east bank of the Arkansas River; thence southerly about ten (10) rods to a point where the north line of the public highway, extending east and west through the center of said section twenty-five (25), intersects the east bank of said Arkansas River; thence westerly across said river about 840 feet to the northeast corner of lot No. Four (4), section twenty-six (26), township thirty-four (34), range three (3) east; thence west twenty (20) rods; thence south sixteen (16) rods; thence east about twenty (20) rods to the west bank of the Arkansas River; thence easterly across said river about eight hundred and forty (840) feet, to a point on the east bank of said river two hundred (200) feet south of the north line of lot two (2) of said section twenty-five (25); thence east across said lot three hundred (300) feet; thence east along the south line of said highway to the city limits, about one hundred and forty (140) rods, containing seven and one-half (7½) acres more or less; and thence north forty (40) feet to the place of beginning; making the same a part of the corporate limits of said city of Arkansas City, and made to all intents and purposes, contemplated in the law, under which said city is incorporated, a part of said city, and that this notice shall be published for three (3) consecutive weeks in the Arkansas City TRAVELER immediately hereafter.
The council then adjourned.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 24, 1886.
On the adjournment of the council, a citizens’ meeting was held in the same chamber to take immediate steps toward repairing the west bridge. The meeting organized by appointing W. D. Kreamer chairman and James Benedict secretary.
Mr. Hill moved that the chair appoint a committee consisting of members of the city council and of the board of trade to prepare a plan and estimate of the cost of repairing said bridge, which plan and estimate shall be submitted to the council for their approval. The motion being adopted the chair appointed as such committee Messrs. Hight, Hill, and T. H. McLaughlin, with instructions to make a report as soon as possible. Adjourned.
Arkansas City Republican, March 20, 1886.
The Stand-Pipe.
Mr. Plate, the president of the Inter-State Gas Company, is in town this week in answer to a notification from the city clerk that the council desired to reconsider the location of the stand-pipe. There was a called meeting of the council Wednesday evening, all members present. The object of the meeting was stated by the chairman and discussion invited. Mr. Plate endeavored to show that the stand-pipe at the intersection of 4th Avenue and Summit Street would be no obstruction, as there would be room enough for two wagons to pass on either side; that it would be built on the best foundation making it perfectly safe, and that, as his drawings showed, it would be artistically built. He also stated that the pumping would be easier if there was no turn in the feed-pipe. He asked that a remonstrance be read or that some arguments be advanced proving that it should not go where located.
After some discussion, Mr. Hill’s motion was carried that a committee of seven citizens be appointed to meet Mr. Plate the next day and try and determine the best location for the pipe. The committee consisted of C. R. Sipes, Maj. Hasie, Geo. Frick, H. Godehard, J. L. Huey, H. P. Farrar, and C. D. Burroughs.
Thursday was spent by the committee and Mr. Plate in a fruitless attempt to have the location of the stand-pipe changed, but nothing was accomplished, only to condemn its present location.
In the evening the council met as adjourned. Mr. Plate opened the discussion by stating his failure to accomplish anything with the committee. They simply did not want it on its present site, but did not suggest any other. Although he did not want to antagonize the citizens, he had taken legal advice and claimed he could, under the circumstances, hold the present site. He would consent, however, to either of the intersections directly west or would purchase a vacant lot if insured from injunction and damages by private individuals in the vicinity.
Mr. Davis thought the company was persecuted and would aid in purchasing a site. Mr. Hill offered the company $50 toward buying a location and $2,000 for their franchise. Mr. Hight spoke in favor of the present site. Mr. Dunn said he had voted for the present site, but that he had found great opposition from his constituents, which was reason enough that he was wrong, but did not want to vote to reconsider, preferring to let the matter rest without further action, believing that the company could not afford to antagonize the citizens and would purchase a location.
After several irregular motions were withdrawn, a motion to reconsider was made and under the roll call stood: Ayes—Hill, Dunn, Prescott, and Dean; Nays—Thompson, Bailey, Hight, and Davis. The mayor declared the motion just and the matter now stands as it was.
Arkansas City Republican, April 10, 1886.
Council Proceedings.
The council met in regular session Monday night with Capt. Thompson presiding. A petition from property holders on 7th Avenue asking that the resolution adopted at the last meeting ordering them to remove their fences from the street led to them being laid on the table.
The Southwestern Stage Company asked permission to build a frame barn within the fire limits. Referred to a committee. This caused considerable debate. Messrs. Dean, Prescott, and Davis held that it was a violation of the ordinance. The majority of the council was against them.
Frick Bros., asked permission to build a frame house within the fire limits. Referred to committee mentioned above.
The report of the police Judge was received and placed on file. It shows the fines to be $96.
The Johnson Loan & Trust Company asked the use of one-third of the street for building purposes, which was granted.
J. J. Clark’s resignation as assistant marshal was accepted and J. J. Breene was appointed instead.
Jacob Hight was appointed street commissioner.
A resolution was passed extending the city limits across the Arkansas River, so as to take in both the railroad bridge and the highway bridge. Lawyer Jenkins was appointed to draw up the necessary papers. On motion adjourned.
Arkansas City Republican, April 10, 1886.
The council now stands Hill and Hight, 1st ward, Ingersoll and Dean, 2nd ward, Prescott and Thompson, 3rd ward, Thurston and Davis, 4th ward.
Arkansas City Republican, April 17, 1886.
Messrs. Hight and Frazier have been awarded the wood work on the new hotel by S. C. Smith. These gentlemen are first-class workmen.
Arkansas City Republican, April 24, 1886.
Jas. Hill has removed the old K. C. & S. W. Depot building on 13th Avenue to lots in the 4th ward and turned it into a residence. Jacob Hight built an addition to it and made it into a handsome four-room cottage.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 1, 1886.
Jacob Hight came to town on Saturday. He reports the five railroad stations on the Geuda Springs & Western line, between here and Caldwell, closed in and ready to receive freight, and but a few weeks’ labor required to finish them for the company’s use. He has put in his best licks to push the work to completion, and takes becoming pride in the handsome structures he has provided for the company.
Arkansas City Republican, May 22, 1886.
Council Proceedings.
The city council met Monday evening in regular session. Present: C. G. Thompson, C. G. Thurston, A. A. Davis, A. D. Prescott, J. Hight, C. Dean, and O. Ingersoll.
Arkansas City Republican, May 29, 1886.
Council Proceedings.
Monday evening the city council met. Present: Mayor Schiffbauer, Councilmen A. D. Prescott, O. Ingersoll, A. A. Davis, C. T. Thurston, C. G. Thompson, and J. Hight.
Excerpt...
Arkansas City Republican, June 5, 1886.
Republican Primaries.
The Republican primaries of the city were held Thursday evening.
FIRST WARD.
In the 1st ward the meeting was held in the office of G. B. Shaw & Co. Jacob Hight was chosen as chairman and R. C. Howard as secretary. By motion the rules were suspended and the nomination of delegates proceeded by acclamation, as follows: A. E. Kirkpatrick, Jas. Ridenour, W. D. Kreamer, Judge Bryant. Alternates: A. D. Hawk, John Lewis, Thos. Mantor, R. C. Howard. On motion the meeting adjourned.
Arkansas City Republican, June 12, 1886.
Council Proceedings.
The council met in regular session Monday evening. Present: Mayor Schiffbauer, Councilmen Prescott, Hight, Thompson, and Thurston.
Arkansas City Republican, June 26, 1886.
Council Proceedings.
The city council met Monday evening. Present: Mayor F. P. Schiffbauer; councilmen A. D. Prescott, Jas. Hill, O. Ingersoll, C. G. Thompson, A. A. Davis, C. Dean, C. Thurston, and J. Hight.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 17, 1886. From Monday’s Daily.
Our friend, Jacob Hight, depot contractor on the G. S., C. & W. Road, came in from his work Saturday to spend Sunday with his family. Mr. Hight informs us that the company is putting up a good depot at Geuda.
Mention of father of Jacob and James Thompson Hight...
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 17, 1886. From Wednesday’s Daily.
Samuel Hight, the aged father of Jacob Hight, is reported quite sick.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 17, 1886. From Thursday’s Daily.
Jacob Hight ordered the DAILY REPUBLICAN to come over to Geuda to keep him company while he is out on the line. Friend Hight knows an agreeable companion when he is away from home and don’t you forget it.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, August 7, 1886. From Thursday’s Daily.
Jacob Hight is in from out on the G. S. C. & W. Road. He and his men are now building a depot at Camden, the station west of Geuda.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, August 14, 1886. From Monday’s Daily.
T. J. Mitts and Tom Hicks, boss carpenters, have taken positions with Jacob Hight in building depots between here and Caldwell. They will go out in the morning.
J. T. Hight mentioned...
[CORRESPONDENTS.]
Arkansas City Republican, September 4, 1886.
East Bolton. August 29, 1886.
EDS. REPUBLICAN: As the game has begun, we think it is no more than justice to our district, No. 80, and ourselves to right matters and place the facts before the many readers of the REPUBLICAN. Your correspondent, “voter,” of the 19th states that the first ballot for the office of director disclosed 23 voters present. J. T. Hight received 17 votes and F. Wick-line 6, a total of 23, with a majority of 11 for Hight. C. S. Weatherholt and W. Stewart were nominated for treasurer. The former received 13 votes, the latter 12, a total of 25. Mr. Weatherholt received one majority. We present a list of those in attendance at the meeting: Messrs. Skinner, Loper, Sims, Bell, Pruitt, Liddle, Fletcher, Buchanan, Wickline, Bennet, Myers, Chambers, Kennedy, Judy, Tillson, Snyder, Hight, Whitney, Davis, Beaty, Ireton, Kay, Bond, Weatherholt, Roberts, and Crutchfield. By counting “noses,” we found 26 persons present. The only fraudulent vote cast was by Sims and he voted for Stewart. He is not old enough to vote. Now, I call on all law abiding citizens to join me and prosecute Sims for fraudulent voting. He came in company with “voter,” and Loper to the election; the trio bore “fraud” stamped upon their countenances. Now, in conclusion, we wish to say that that voter simply lied. The above are the facts, which the records of the meeting will reveal. If “Voter” had his just dues, he would now be wearing a convict suit for highway robbery. He is unfit even for thieves to associate with. The records of the Cowley County courts will bear us out in our statements. “FACTS.”
Arkansas City Traveler, September 8, 1886.
The city council held no session on Monday evening, a quorum of the members not being in town. Messrs. Davis, Dean, and Thurston have gone east, and Jacob Hight is out on the Geuda Springs & Caldwell line, building passenger stations. A meeting will be held on Friday, if a quorum can be obtained.
Reference to “Grandpa Hight”...
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, September 11, 1886. From Tuesday’s Daily.
Our venerable friend, Grandpa Hight, presented us with some mammoth samples of sweet potatoes of his own raising. They were fine ones, as good as we have seen this year.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, September 18, 1886. From Wednesday’s Daily.
Comrades Bishop, Lorry, Dodd, and Hight were among the veterans who went over to Caldwell today on the excursion.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, September 18, 1886. From Wednesday’s Daily.
Council Proceedings.
The council met last evening. There were present Mayor Schiffbauer; Councilmen Thompson, Prescott, Dean, Ingersoll, and Hight.
The first business of the evening was the action upon some bills.
The matter of the Geuda Springs, Caldwell & Western road was laid over.
A motion was made and carried that the city purchase 500 feet of cotton and rubber and cotton hose each. The contract for furnishing hose, carts, suits, etc., was awarded to the Hamilton Rubber Co. The hose will cost 90 cents per foot delivered here. Mr. Quigley, representing the water works company, offered to put in certain extensions of pipes at half service for two years. The offer was accepted. On motion the council adjourned.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 22, 1886.
The council met at a late hour on Monday evening, the session being delayed by the late arrival in town of Councilman Hight. All the business presented by the clerk was disposed of. It will hold another meeting this evening.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, September 25, 1886. From Tuesday’s Daily.
Council Proceedings.
The city council met in regular session last evening. Present: Mayor Schiffbauer; councilmen C. G. Thompson, J. Hight, C. Dean, O. Ingersoll, and A. D. Prescott.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, December 4, 1886. From Wednesday’s Daily.
Jacob Hight came in this morning from out west where he has been building depots, to “loaf” for a day. He informed us that it was no pleasure to take a “day-off” in Arkansas City, because it has gotten so he is unacquainted here notwithstanding he has been out of town only a few weeks. So many people have come here that it seems to him like going into a strange town. As soon as the winter weather comes on, he will come in and get acquainted.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, December 18, 1886. From Thursday’s Daily.
Jacob Hight went out west this morning to finish up his labors on the depots for the St. Louis, Kansas & Western.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.
Jacob Hight, our first ward councilman, came in on Friday, his contract to build passenger stations and division houses on the Geuda Springs and Caldwell railroad being nearly completed. He has built the Geuda Springs, South Haven, Hampton, Hunnewell, Falls station, and Caldwell passenger stations and division houses at the three places first named. These division houses are two story buildings, 16 x 32 feet, with a kitchen 14 x 18. The passenger station of the Frisco road (also built by Mr. Hight), is admired for its excellent finish, and the other stations along the line to Caldwell are of a similar character. Mr. Hight will finish his contract during the present week, then he will come to stay awhile and renew acquaintance with his family.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, January 29, 1887.
Council Proceedings.
The council met in regular adjourned session Saturday night. Present: Mayor F. P. Schiffbauer, Councilmen Prescott, Thurston, Hight, Dean, Davis, and Ingersoll.
The allowance of bills was the first business which came up.
Bill of Tyler Desk Co., furniture, $335.10, allowed.
Bill of R. R. Co., $22.65, allowed.
Bill of Arkansas City REPUBLICAN on motion was referred back to printing committee with instructions to consult the city attorney.
Mr. Quigley asked for the franchise to establish a sewerage system and read an ordinance which he had prepared. It was taken up by sections and passed. Final action was postponed until next meeting in order that the council could become better informed upon the subject.
J. W. French asked for permission to use one-third of 5th Avenue in front of where he was building.
On motion adjourned.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, February 12, 1887. From Tuesday’s Daily.
Councilman Hight and Police Judge Bryant locked horns last evening in the council chamber and gored each other in elegant style. Mr. Hight wanted the police records investigated and made some remarks that Judge Bryant objected to. No blood spilled.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, February 12, 1887. From Friday’s Daily.
Council Proceedings.
The council met in regular adjourned meeting. Present, Mayor Schiffbauer; Councilmen Thompson, Prescott, Davis, Thurston, Hight, Hill, and Ingersoll.
[Note: I am giving in total the very last city council meeting covered by the Republican, I believe. I was told that this was the last issue of that paper by Wagner and Howard, who then took over the Traveler, at which point the Republican ceased to exist. MAW]
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, March 12, 1887. From Friday’s Daily.
Council Proceedings.
The council met in regular adjourned session last evening. Present, Mayor Schiffbauer and Councilmen Thompson, Prescott, Ingersoll, Hight, and Davis.
The allowance of some minor bills was attended to first.
D. L. Means, et al., asked that grade at corner of block 137 be changed; referred to city engineer.
Gamile & Southerland asked for an appropriation of $125 on city work. Granted by motion.
Tom Saymens asked the city to refund part of auctioneer’s license and the suit against him to be withdrawn. Granted.
W. P. Wolfe, et al, asked that a hook and ladder outfit be purchased as a company was organized.
The school board asked the mayor to call an election to vote bonds to the amount of $15,000 to build an addition to Central school building. On motion it was endorsed by council.
Ordinance No. 66, repealing No. 37, liquor ordinance, was passed.
Ordinance No. 65, relating also to liquor ordinance, was debated and laid over.
Ordinance No. 67, for payment of firemen, was adopted. Fireman to receive $1 for each fire attended. Firemen are exempt from poll tax.
On motion the mayor and clerk were instructed to re-issue the bonds of the city to the amount of $11,000 and take up original bonds for same bonds.
A culvert was ordered in on West Central Avenue.
The police Judge reported $380 paid into the city treasury. Approved.
The prisoner in the city jail was ordered released.
On motion adjourned.
-0-
[Note: I have a few items from the 1920s in which “Hight” is mentioned.]
Excerpts...
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, August 16, 1921.
THE SCHOOL SEASON IS CLOSE.
Eighty-two Teachers Hired Here this Year.
Sept. 5 Will See Two Thousand Four Hundred Students Entering For Winter Grind.
With the summer months waning into the early fall, first thoughts are turned to the opening of schools. The first gong of the bells over the city will be heard on September 5. This is about a week earlier than school opened last year.
Teachers are beginning to drift into Arkansas City already. They are starting from their summer retreat prepared for the busy sessions, and coming from points all over Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska. They will be assembled here on September 2 for the first meeting.
Twenty-four new teachers have been signed for the public schools this year. Many of these are filling vacancies made at the close of the last school year. Eighty-two teachers will be in the public school system this year.
Pershing school—Anna Hight, principal; Alta Burkett.
[BIG AD PROMOTING HOME BUILDING.]
Arkansas City Traveler, Thursday, April 27, 1922.
The Hess Real Estate Co., Corner A and 5th Avenue.
C. A. Bahruth, Plumber, 101 North Summit St.
A. C. Houston Lumber Co., W. W. McAdam, Mgr., 214 North Summit.
AD LISTED BUILDING PERMITS ISSUED BY CITY CLERK SINCE APRIL 25, 1921.
Flora and Anne Hight, house: $3,200.00
[THREE YOUNG WOMEN HELD UP BY GUNMAN AT WILSON PARK.]
Arkansas City Traveler, Monday, July 31, 1922. Front Page.
To be confronted by a man carrying a revolver and to have the revolver drawn and pointed in their direction, was the experience of three young women at Wilson Park Saturday night about 9:30 o’clock.
The man who held up the three girls, Miss Cecil Miller, stenographer at the office of the Kininmonth Produce Co., Miss Mary Hight, of North Seventh street, and Miss Elizabeth Hausch, of Nowata, Okla., who is a cousin of Miss Miller, and who is on a visit here, appeared to be a young man, and the ladies say he looked to be about 18 years of age. He said not a word, but simply confronted them, while they were in the northwest corner of the park, and pulled the revolver on them. They say the lad wore a Polar Bear cap.
Of course, the girls were very much frightened and they ran for dear life. They ran in the direction of Mercy hospital and the lad followed them a short distance, they say. Chief Dailey and another city officer happened to be in that vicinity and they made a search for the holdup man, but he could not be found. Two of the nurses at the hospital also saw the alleged holdup man and they assisted the officers in the search for the fellow.
This is the second holdup of the kind pulled off here within a week’s time, the other being in the Second ward last Wednesday night, when a young man suddenly appeared in the sleeping room of Misses Minnie and Olive Childs, at 830 South A street, and after staging a holdup of the two girls, he took from their room a ladies’ watch and $12 in money.
There seems to be no clue to either of these holdups.
Excerpts...
Arkansas City Traveler, Monday, September 11, 1922.
Following is a complete list of the instructors for the city schools of Arkansas City, who will be employed here during the present fall and winter term and who began their duties this morning.
Elementary Teachers.
Edith Mullett, Elizabeth Boyd, Emma Fisher, Lucile Hefley, Mrs. D. E. Smith, Edith Ellenberger, Gladys Perryman, Mary Abbott, Mae J. Peck, Della White, Callie Coyne, Jean Lintecum, Julia Farrar, Mateel Wynkoop, Ferne Reynolds, Helen Comegys, Helen McEvoy, Esther Henry, Maude Ramsey, Ruth Sloan, Marie Lillis, Ida Woolley, Delia Vawter, Emily Hyatt, Irma Suderman, Mildred Mayne, Florence Garringer, Stella Hall, Bella Smith, Alta Burkett, Marie Colburn, Anna Hight, Lucile Phillips, Clara Rothfus, Alice Mellor, Valeria Johnson, Gladys Ecroyd, Elea Christenson, Ruth Catlin, Glenn Sullivan, Lucile Roberts, Lois MacAllister, kindergarten assistant; Emily Main, school nurse.
[Note: At the moment this is all I have on “Hight.”]
I HOPE JEFF CAN GIVE US MORE INFORMATION.
SECOND FAMILY: CHAMBERS.
[Note: I found oodles of Chambers mentioned as I went through the early-day newspapers, and many were not identified as to first name or initials. I really got lost in the maze of Chambers. MAW]
Bolton Township 1878: Chambers, James W., 27; spouse, Mary E., 20.
Bolton Township 1878: Chambers, Mathew, 58; spouse, Mary, 52.
Bolton Township 1880: Chambers, J. W., 30; spouse, M. E., 23.
Bolton Township 1880: Chambers, Matthew(s), 62; spouse, Mary, 62.
Bolton Township 1882: Chambers, James W(esly), 31; spouse, M(ary B.), 26.
Bolton Township 1882: Chambers, M(atthews), 63; spouse, Mary, 63.
Arkansas City 1893: Chambers, C. F., 28; spouse, S. A., 30.
Arkansas City 1893: Chambers, J. A., 67; spouse, S. A., 62.
Arkansas City 1893: Chambers, S. C., 33. No spouse listed.
FROM NEWSPAPERS.
First mention of Chambers in Traveler. Microfilm starts with 1876.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 8, 1876.
LAND SALES.
Within the past few weeks, the following sales of real estate have been made.
E. B. Kager to Mathew Chambers, 160 acres in Bolton Township; consideration, $500.
Robert H. Cox to Mathew Chambers, 130 acres in Bolton Township, $2,200.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 14, 1877.
Cattle Herded. I have a range of 4 miles on the Arkansas River and Territory line, with timber and good water, and will herd cattle for 20 cents per month and colts at 25 cents, and be responsible for the stock. A good Durham bull with the herd. M. Chambers, 9 miles southeast of Arkansas City.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 13, 1877.
MR. CHAMBERS, a member of the Free Methodist church, preached on the street in front of Haywood’s store last Saturday. His sermon was generally well received.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 20, 1877.
ERRATUM. In last week’s issue, we stated that Mr. Chambers (the open air preacher) was a Free Methodist. We have since been informed that such is not the case, but that he is a member of the United Brethren.
[COMMUNICATION: “A. B. C.”—EAST BOLTON.]
Arkansas City Traveler, January 9, 1878.
EAST BOLTON, January 4, 1878.
A social dance at Peter Myers’ house was the event of the new year. All of East Bolton was there. Grouse creek was not represented—Grouse Creek was there in full force.
It was a dance for the hardy sons and daughters of toil, whose cheerful hearts are not to know the fear of soul contracting want. No dainty fingered foppery there from fashion’s beaten walk; no rouge painted faces, contracted waists, or opera airs, to mar the pleasures of the evening; but Nature’s make-up, from the slender waist and curly hair to the full faced and round features of two hundred pounds. At 9 o’clock the dance began.
Many were elaborately dressed, though I mention but one. Miss Mary Myers wore a white Swiss, high corsage, and full sleeves, princess train artistically looped and held up by clusters of flowers.
At ten o’clock came supper, and the table groaned beneath all that any appetite could crave. Sixty took supper, among whom were Mr. and Mrs. Denton, Mr. and Mrs. Weatherholt, Mr. and Mrs. Skinner, Wm. Stewart and wife, O. C. Skinner and wife, Miss Landis, the Misses Chambers and Keys, and a host of young ladies your correspondent did not know. The dance continued until the wee small hours of morn, and in taking leave not one could say, “I am weary of this weary world.” A. B. C.
Excerpt...
[REPORT FROM “A”—“HELL’S HALF ACRE”—EAST END OF BOLTON.]
Arkansas City Traveler, February 27, 1878.
Mr. Chambers, of East Bolton, had a horse cut on the hip, to all appearances with an ax.
[CORRESPONDENCE FROM “ARCANA”—EAST BOLTON.]
Arkansas City Traveler, July 10, 1878.
East Bolton Celebrates.
Did East Bolton celebrate? Of course she did. Patriotism is one of the commendable virtues among the people. As Sol exhibited himself above the boulder-crowned bluffs, many a household was up getting ready for the great day. By 10 o’clock Smith’s grove was full of a patriotic crowd. By noon the number was increased greatly.
After dinner came the exercises of the day. The Declaration of Independence was creditably read by Thomas Armstrong. Never had the accusations against old King George sounded so soul stirring as when coming from the lips of this elocutionist.
A short speech by Mr. Chambers, and an essay by Miss Maggie Myers, entitled “Uses of the Arkansas River,” followed. Miss Myers’ essay was loudly applauded, being full of wit as well as wisdom.
But the crowning event of the day was the speech of Mr. C. Weatherholt. Mr. Weatherholt is a talented speaker, and I would give his oration in full if its length would admit.
Other good things followed. Then the young people enjoyed themselves playing croquet and swinging. A match game of croquet between Misses Mamie Ireton, Ollie Myers, Master Tom Lynn, and Miss Elvie Key, resulting in the victory of the two latter.
That every day must end, the sun sinking behind the hill reminded all, and the good people of East Bolton wandered peacefully home to do “chores” and go to bed. ARCANA.
[BOLTON BACKS HARTSOCK—INVESTIGATING STEAMSHIP PLANS.]
Arkansas City Traveler, July 17, 1878.
BOLTON TOWNSHIP, JULY 14, 1878.
At a meeting held at the Bland schoolhouse, July 13, for the purpose of making arrangements with D. B. Hartsock to carry our produce down the Arkansas River to Little Rock, Capt. R. Hoffmaster was called to the chair, and A. H. Buckwalter was chosen Secretary.
On motion the following six men were appointed to solicit subscriptions in aiding Mr. Hartsock in building a boat: E. Bowen, Lyman Herrick, G. O. Herbert, W. Chambers, Frank Lorry, and Wm. Trimble. Moved and seconded that the proceedings of this meeting be published in the TRAVELER. R. HOFFMASTER, Chairman.
A. H. BUCKWALTER, Secretary.
In connection with the above, we will state that Mr. Hartsock’s plan is to raise money on the wheat solicited from the farmers, and then build or purchase a steamboat at Little Rock, or some other river town where boat building is carried on. Mr. Hartsock is a river man of large experience, having spent most of his life on the water, and if successful in raising the wheat, he will put a boat on this river as soon as one can be built. It will pay our farmers to contribute liberally to this enterprise, as they can more than save the amount of their donations in the price they will get for their grain shipped south. As we said last week, the surest means of success is in unity of action, and the farmers cannot do better than to join in advancing this project. Mr. Hartsock is a thoroughly reliable, honest, and upright man, and has only taken hold of this at the earnest solicitation of numerous friends in Bolton Township, who are alive to the necessity of a water outlet for their grain, and he proves his confidence in the practicability of the scheme from the fact that he puts all his own wheat (the product of a hundred acres) in with the rest.
[DISTRICT COURT OF COWLEY COUNTY: TRIAL LIST.]
Arkansas City Traveler, August 28, 1878.
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. THIRD DAY.
Robert H. Cox vs. Mat. Chambers, et al.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 4, 1878.
The young people of East Bolton number eight young ladies to one young man. Nevertheless we understand that a pleasant time was had at “Picnic Grove,” one day last week, in which Miss Mattie Chambers gained the honor of being the champion croquet player of the day. What are the boys thinking of?
Arkansas City Traveler, May 28, 1879.
MARRIED.
HERBERT - CHAMBERS. At the residence of the bride’s father, in East Bolton, this night, John Herbert and Miss Mattie Chambers. The occasion will require the services of two officiating clergymen.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 8, 1879.
Mr. Chambers, of lower Bolton, is building a large stone barn on his place.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, December 10, 1879.
At a bridge meeting held at Spring Side schoolhouse, it was resolved that our trustee be requested not to expend any more money on the old part of the bridge, as said bridge is regarded as unsafe and in an unsound condition.
MATTHEW CHAMBERS, Chairman. CHARLES WEATHERHOLT, Secretary.
Excerpt from article...
[LETTER FROM “TRAMP”]
Arkansas City Traveler, January 21, 1880. Editorial Page.
Editor Traveler: In tramping over Cowley County, where I propose, when the trumpet blows, to rest my weary bones, as per promise, I will give you my impression of the several townships as I pass them.
EAST BOLTON: MATHEW CHAMBERS.
The first point I struck after leaving the Territory was what is called East Bolton, and at the point where the Arkansas River enters the Territory. There lives Mathew Chambers on a rich first and second bottom farm of two hundred and forty acres, and one has only to partake of his fluid and substantial hospitality; view his one hundred head of brood cows and two hundred stock hogs, to pronounce him a prosperous and successful farmer. He is building a stone barn, 30 x 46, with a two foot Wall. On his farm is located a saw mill, and the yard is filled with oak, walnut, elm, and cottonwood logs, and I was told that it kept four teams constantly running to keep the mill supplied.
East Bolton is a narrow strip south of the river, six miles long and three in width, and yet in that small strip, that has only been settled seven years, there is now in wheat over two thousand acres, and more than one-third of the township.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 28, 1880.
From W. B. Skinner we learn that the Texas fever is getting away with the stock in the southern portion of East Bolton. Mr. Chambers has lost ten head; Mr. Bush seven; and several others one or two, making in all, an aggregate of twenty-five head at this writing.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 8, 1881.
We received a pleasant call from Messrs. Chambers and Skinner, of East Bolton, and Mr. Snyder, of Brooklyn, Iowa, last Monday. Mr. Snyder has for many years been engaged in the raising of shorthorn cattle, and is prospecting with the idea of removing a part of his herd to Kansas. He is very much pleased with this county, and will doubtless decide to cast his future lot in our midst. He is an old-time friend of Mr. Chambers, with whom he is staying.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 15, 1881.
EAST BOLTON.
June 11th, 1881.
Wheat in this end of the township is worthless.
Corn is good where not bothered by the chinch-bugs.
Mr. Snyder, of Iowa, has bought out Mr. Marshall and Mrs. Shoup. He is a fancy stock man, and will ship in, from Iowa this fall, a couple of car loads of blooded stock and hogs.
MARRIED. A man from Missouri came unexpectedly to Mr. Chambers and claimed his daughter, Lizzy, and today they are married and gone. Mr. Chambers says he feels as though he had made an assignment without receiving the profits that usually accompany such a procedure. East Bolton will miss Lizzy.
There is one chance left, however, come on boys.
Weather hot and dry. M.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 15, 1881.
MARRIED.
WEST - CHAMBERS. At the residence of the bride’s father, in East Bolton, Saturday, June 11, by Rev. L. F. Laverty, Mr. Charles H. West to Miss Lizzie Chambers.
The happy twain took the afternoon train for their future home in Missouri, having received, and bearing with them, the congratulations and best wishes of their numerous friends.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 31, 1881.
M. Chambers, of East Bolton, indulged in a kicking spree last week, for which Judge Bonsall mulcted him $25 and costs—some $30 in all.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 18, 1882.
Capt. Siverd, of Winfield, was here a day or two last week, serving summons in Bolton Township. One farmer sued another, on a corn contract. The parties were Mr. Chambers and Peter Myers.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 27, 1882.
STRAYS.
Taken up at F. A. Chambers, on State line, 8 miles southeast of Arkansas City. One sorrel mare and colt, mare has a bell on. One Roan colt branded I on left shoulder. One sorrel blazed face colt.
Excerpts...
Arkansas City Traveler, October 11, 1882.
East Bolton Items.
There being no regular correspondent from this end of the township, I take it upon myself to occasionally drop a few items that may interest some of the many readers of the TRAVELER.
We are made sorry by the loss of Mr. Wesley Chambers and his estimable family as neighbors. He has rented his farm and will move to Ark. City. Mrs. Chambers and children are now on a visit to her parents, who reside in Saline Co., Miss.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 25, 1882.
MARRIED. Mr. Frank Lorry and Mrs. Chambers, both of Bolton township, were united in the bonds of matrimony by Esquire Titus on Sunday last. The TRAVELER tenders its good wishes for their long life and happiness.
Chambers was one of the cattlemen who had problems with the “Sinclair Oil” people from Pennsylvania...apparently a little-known story of the problems encountered in the early days by the cattlemen associations that started then...C. M. Scott went to Washington, D. C., and got this particular matter straightened out.
The Sinclair people branded their cattle “O I L.”
[WIRE FENCE STOPPED: ROBERTS & WINDSOR.]
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, February 21, 1883.
Wire Fence Again. Senator Roberts, of Pennsylvania, accompanied by Mr. Windsor, arrived at this place Tuesday of last week, and remained several days looking up their interests in the stock speculation they are about to engage in, in the Territory south of this place. It was the intention of these gentlemen to fence in all that country west of the Arkansas River, and north of the Ponca Reserve, as far west as the Shakaska River; but another Cherokee, Mr. Mills, laid claim to the range as far east as Bitter Creek, and that portion of it was abandoned. The original intention as suggested by Mr. Gore, superintendent of the company, was to run the fence on the divide between Deer Creek and Chilocco, leaving a strip about four miles wide on the State Line. After losing the Shakaska country, he was overruled in this and the posts were set about one mile below the line, cutting off the ranges of Mr. Chambers, Mr. Hill, Scott & Topliff, Mr. Fox, and Mr. Parvin along the State Line, who had paid the Cherokee tax, besides a number who hadn’t paid, and several in the Territory who had paid. This wanton overriding of the rights of these gentlemen naturally produced trouble and the Secretary of the Interior interfered and stopped it.
Mr. Roberts then came out to see what had been done, and returned with the conviction that the people had not been treated fairly, and with the determination that they should be, and the result is that the rights of all those who have paid the tax will be respected. C. M. Scott’s range will be left entirely out, as well as all of his neighbors, and the fence placed west of the Ponca road and south of Chilocco Creek.
There is a disposition with some to crush out the company entirely, which is wrong. These gentlemen have the same right to the unoccupied range as anyone when they have paid the tax imposed by the Cherokees, and as long as they hold themselves within the bounds of right, without infringing on others, we would rather have them there than not have them. That the Cherokees have a right to impose a tax is recognized by the Department of the Interior, and having that right, it is clearly a matter for them to decide the terms and the parties to whom the grazing permit is granted. Those having paid the Cherokee tax are protected, and we cannot well see what more could in justice be demanded.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 29, 1883.
The board of arbitration, recently in session at Caldwell, allowed Mr. Chambers his range on the state line, but cut the Estus brothers’ range down nearly one-half, as they also did that of Mr. Wicks. Mr. Beach was allowed nearly all of his. We learn that several of the cases will be appealed to the board of directors.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 5, 1883.
Mathew Chambers, of East Bolton, sold his farm to Mr. Klingman last week for $3,000.
[DISTRICT COURT DOCKET.]
Arkansas City Traveler, September 26, 1883.
Trial Docket for the October Term, 1883.
CIVIL DOCKET. SECOND DAY.
15. Matthew Chambers vs. Peter Myers.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 7, 1883.
Chambers & Hoskins are reaping the benefit naturally coming to men who are good workmen. Their blacksmith shop on Sixth street is running almost day and night.
[CHINA WEDDING: SILAS AND MARY KENNEDY.]
Arkansas City Traveler, January 2, 1884.
CHINA WEDDING. On last Thursday, in Southeast Bolton, at the residence of Mr. S. and Mrs. M. Kennedy, was witnessed an occasion of joy and gladness. It was the China wedding of Mr. Silas and Mrs. Mary Kennedy, who had witnessed twenty years of married life. Upwards of a hundred guests were present to see the nuptial, which was performed by the Rev. H. S. Lundy, of Arkansas City. After the ceremony the company was invited to surround the table to partake of the rich viands which it was so heavily laden with. The following are some of the valuable presents received.
A set of plates, ten-set and bread plate, Flance ware, by Mr. and Mrs. M. Chambers, Mr. and Mrs. D. Beton, Mr. and Mrs. B. Masterson, Mr. and Mrs. Creechfeld, Mr. and Mrs. W. Chambers, Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Bayent.
Two cups and saucers by Mr. and Mrs. C. S. Weatherholt.
Match safe by Master Wallie Weatherholt.
Set of vases by Mr. and Mrs. C. Renps.
Two mugs by Mr. and Mrs. Bennett.
One fruit dish by Mr. and Mrs. W. Kay.
Fruit dish, card receiver, and mug, by Mr. and Mrs. F. Chambers.
Two cups and saucers by Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Snyder.
Pair of vases by Mr. and Mrs. E. Bowman.
Two cups and saucers by Mr. Marshall and daughters.
Cup and saucer by Mr. and Mrs. Beatty.
Bread plate and cup and saucer, by Mr. and Mrs. Dr. Carlisle.
Vase by L. Caster.
The guests enjoyed themselves socially, and it was a day long to be remembered by all who were present. May Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy enjoy a long and happy life together is the wish of all who were present to witness the twentieth anniversary of their conjugal life.
Do not think the Chambers mentioned next were local girls...
[ROLLER SKATING RINK.]
Arkansas City Republican, June 7, 1884.
The new rink of this city will be completed in about a week or ten days. It will be opened by Mr. L. Woodcock, Miss Geneva Chambers, and little Bessie Chambers, champion roller skaters; also Mr. Charles Woodman and Master George Israel, champion bicycle riders of the state. It will be opened in grand style and the gentlemanly managers will do all in their power to make it pleasant for all present. The following rules and regulations will be adopted and enforced.
On entering the rink gentlemen will please remove their hats.
The use of tobacco in the rink is strictly forbidden.
Spitting or throwing any substance upon the floor is dangerous, and will not be permitted.
No person without skates will be allowed on the skating surface.
Not more than two should skate abreast.
Skaters must observe a uniform direction, keeping to the right.
All persons who stop skating before the rink closes will return skates at once to the skate room, and none will be allowed to let other parties use their skates.
Pushing, tripping, racing, tagging, or taking hold of others’ garments, or any rude and dangerous actions, are strictly forbidden.
When a march is announced, gentlemen will select lady partners and follow the leader.
THE BELL. The ringing of the bell is to call your attention. More than one ringing is for the skaters to retire from the floor, which should be done at once, and all should keep quiet.
Shouting, whistling, and other rude and boisterous demonstrations are not allowed within, and should be avoided on the streets while going or returning from assemblies, by all who wish to maintain the good name of the institution.
When the time for closing is announced, all skaters will please buckle their skates together, and return them to the skate room.
A cheerful compliance with the above, and a careful regard for the comforts and enjoyment of others is respectfully requested.
Mr. Chambers’ first name is not mentioned...
[R. O. LUTES SPEAKS OUT AGAINST CHAMBERS.]
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 12, 1884.
To the Public.
So many have requested me to make a public statement concerning the difference between Mr. Chambers and myself, that I have finally decided to yield and give the facts. I have no ill will towards that gentleman, but think this explanation is due all parties.
On or about the first of May, young Mr. Chambers came to my stables and requested a team to go to Winfield; to this I consented and at the appointed time gave the team into his charge. From the evidence, the facts are developed that he first drove to Winfield and numerous other places and was seen in the city about dusk, but did not return the horses to the stable until about nine o’clock. When they were brought in, they were terribly jaded and exhausted, and one rapidly grew worse and died next morning. I then desired Mr. Chambers to settle the difficulty amicably, but he preferred to settle by arbitration. To this I agreed, and Messrs. Benedict, Hite, and Hill were chosen. Those gentlemen investigated the matter, and found that at the least calculation the team had been driven 65 or 70 miles, crossing the Walnut in their heated state several times that day. They consequently awarded me $90 damages.
For several days I waited for Mr. Chambers to settle with me, but he so delayed that at last I sent Mr. I. H. Stafford as a friend to treat with him. Mr. Chambers agreed to give me $40 in cash and his note for $50. I again agreed and received the money and the note. Upon presentation of the note at the Cowley County Bank, I ascertained that the note was his son’s, a minor, and valueless, and asked Mr. Chambers to endorse it. He refused, and I was compelled to bring suit before one of the justices of the city. Mr. Chambers procured a change of venue and the case came before Esquire Schiffbauer and six jurymen. The award was adjudged to be just, and while I stand ready to defend my rights, I sincerely hope this may be the last of this vexatious matter. I truly desire to live in peace with my fellow citizens. To my friends and Mr. Stafford, my attorney, I desire to return sincere thanks for kindnesses and favors bestowed. With this explanation, which I feel is due to all parties concerned, to the public I am Respectfully, R. O. LUTES.
Arkansas City, Kansas, July 10, 1884.
Arkansas City Republican, July 12, 1884.
In the lawsuit of R. O. Lutes against Chambers, before his Honor, Esquire Schiffbauer, judgment was rendered in favor of the plaintiff for the costs and full amount claimed.
Excerpts...
Arkansas City Traveler, August 6, 1884.
Council Proceedings.
C. R. SIPES, Treasurer.
COLLECTION OF WATER RENTS.
I herewith submit my report of the amount of water tax collected up to August 2, 1884.
F. A. Chambers $5.00
Arkansas City Republican, January 17, 1885.
About 4 o’clock yesterday evening, while the south bound train on the Santa Fe was at the depot in this city, a man named Charles Chambers from Arkansas City, while attempting to cross the train between the cars, got his foot badly crushed between the bumpers. The engineer was just pulling up the slack in order to pull a pin so as to cut the train to open the crossing, when the injured man had got between the cars. His foot slipped between the bumpers and was jammed near the instep. No blame is attached to the railroad men. The man is at the European Hotel. Eagle Thursday.
Charlie Chambers is a son of our fellow citizen, Frank Chambers.
Chambers mentioned in next item, but not identified...
Arkansas City Traveler, January 21, 1885.
We see some of our neighboring towns making loud brags about the amount of improvements made in their respective localities. We are candid in saying that it is impossible to ascertain the amount of improvements made here in the last year. The number of dwellings amounted at the very least to 250. We will put them at a very low estimate, $500 each. This makes $125,000. Then we have the Commercial and Hasie Blocks, $75,000; the Cowley County Bank, $25,000, the new schoolhouse, $10,000; the Houghton Block, $7,500; the Mason building, $2,000; Sipes’ block, $7,500; H. P. Farrar, $5,000; addition to the building occupied by Wyckoff & Son, $2,000; Baptist Church, $3,000; Christian Church, $2,500; Free Methodist Church, $1,000; Methodist and Presbyterian Churches, repairs, $1,500; W. M. Blakeney, $1,500; Leland Hotel, $4,000; Newman, building block 69, $1,000; Arkansas City Building Association, $5,000; Skating Rink, $1,500; J. H. Punshon, $1,000; D. W. Stevens and L. Eldridge, $1,000; Beecher & Co. and McLaughlin Bros., $1,500; J. H. Hilliard, $1,000; Thompson & Woodin, $1,000; Chambers, $1,000; J. Alexander, $1,500; Ayres’ Mill and Landes, Beall & Co., improvements, $1,000; DeBruce, $1,000; Park & Lewis and W. M. Rose, $1,000; Kroenert & Austin and Stedman Bros., $1,000; A. Harly, $1,000.
These, which we recall on the spur of the moment, foot up nearly three hundred thousand dollars. We are confident that we are not exaggerating when we place the amount above five hundred thousand dollars, which shows a fair gain for our thriving little city.
Arkansas City Republican, January 24, 1885.
Chas. Chambers, who got his foot mashed between the bumpers of two freight cars last week at Wichita, was brought home Monday.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, January 28, 1885.
Clippings.
Mr. A. B. Chambers, of Sparta, Illinois, was the guest of the Wilsons’ at Capital hill a few days this week. He was on his way to Arkansas City, where he intends to remain for the summer. He was accompanied from here by Will Rolls, who has been staying at Mr. Wilson’s for a few months. If the boys conclude to remain in the City, we speak for the City an addition of two young men of which the people may be proud, as they are very energetic and enterprising young men. Torrance Cur. —Courier.
Excerpts...
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, March 7, 1885.
Bolton Township Items.
S. D. Klingman and Mr. Keller of Arkansas City exchanged farms some time since, and are now preparing to move their effects. Mr. Klingman will move about twelve miles southwest of Wichita. The farm which Mr. Keller now moves on, is the old Chambers’ farm, which Mr. Chambers sold about a year ago for $5,200. Mr. Keller now pays $9,250 for it.
DIED. Matthew Chambers and wife are in Liberty Township attending the funeral of his nephew, Lincoln Caster, who died very suddenly at the home of his father. Mr. Caster leaves a wife to mourn his death. They had but recently been married. Mr. Caster had made many friends in east Bolton. B.
Excerpt...
[BOLTON CORRESPONDENT: “PETER SPRIGGINS.”]
Arkansas City Traveler, March 11, 1885.
Bolton, No. 89.
Clyde Beck, the boy who has been missing so long, is now staying at Mr. Chambers in East Bolton.
Arkansas City Republican, September 12, 1885.
MARRIED. Rev. Lundy united in marriage last Sunday Frank Chambers and Miss Emma Gassoway, Bolton Township. By the transaction the bride will likely gain many Chambers and the groom will have to allow her to Gassoway her natural lifetime.
Chambers mentioned in next item...not identified.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 7, 1885.
BUILDING ACTIVITY.
A Brief Statement of the Building Growth of Arkansas City.
The cry of hard times may be raised, but where building activity continues unabated, there can be no cause for dejection. Almost every day we see new buildings started, all of a permanent and solid character and an evidence of the progress and thrift of the city. In the burnt district foundations are being dug for six new business buildings, two story and basement, each 25 feet by 100. William Gall, the architect, has prepared the plans for four of these buildings, those of J. H. Sherburne, S. B. Pickle, Mrs. Benedict, and Dr. Shepard, and this row of iron fronts, extending 100 feet, with plate windows and elaborate finish, will be an enduring monument to the enterprise and growth of our city. Messrs. Kroenert & Austin, at the south end of the burnt region, intend to erect a one story brick, uniform with the building adjoining it on the south (Mowry & Sollitt’s drug store), and Mr. Bittle, at the north end, is excavating his foundation without having decided fully on his plan.
Just north, the handsome stores of Dr. Chapel and W. B. Bishop have received tenants, and the finishing touches are being given to the upper floors. They are being finished off for dwellings or offices, the doctor retaining a portion of his upper floor for a medical office. On the opposite side T. H. McLaughlin is making progress with his double building, putting in such solid work as to secure the safety against all stress of wind and weather.
Mr. Gall has finished the plans of J. C. Topliff’s new double building south of the Hasie block. This will be in keeping with the elegance of the structure it adjoins, and will be the cause of just pride to our citizens. On the corner just south, the Frick Bros., new building shows off to advantage, and when the upper rooms and basement are finished, will furnish commodious and handsome quarters for the occupants. At the other end of the block, Ed. Grady has begun to dig the foundation for another first-class brick store and residence, and there is talk that Messrs. Chambers, Newman, Hess, and Dunn will join in the erection of three brick stores on the site lately occupied by Mr. Grady as a coal yard.
Mr. C. D. Burroughs’ handsome stone building across the way is likely to be rented for a hotel. It is eligibly situated for such a purpose and has room for the comfortable accommodation of fifty guests.
Hermann Godehard’s new and commodious brick store and G. W. Miller & Co.’s new hardware store are now finished and occupied and are not to be forgotten in enumerating our recent city improvements. O. P. Houghton’s 32 foot extension to his dry goods store still leaves him insufficient room, but as it is now late in the season, we believe he defers rebuilding the main part of his house till the coming spring. The Johnson Loan and Trust Co., have also postponed the erection of their two-story office till after the winter is past. The large extension to the Arkansas City Bank has been completed recently, but the carpet and furniture for the private rooms are not yet in place.
This in addition to the many tasteful private residences that have been built and are now in process of construction, makes a creditable record for Arkansas City, and shows that in growth and business prosperity she keeps fully abreast with her sister cities.
Arkansas City Republican, March 20, 1886.
Chas. Chambers was arrested last Friday by Capt. Rarick for complicity in the horse-stealing affair down in the Territory on Sand Creek ranch, from M. Conroy. It will be remembered that the thief was arrested last week and is now in the Winfield jail, and he connects young Chambers with the affair. From what we can learn, young Chambers was down in the Territory hunting for work. On the night the horses were stolen, he was on his way home and stopped at Mike Roup’s house all night. We are informed the fellow in jail told Chambers he intended stealing the horses, but the latter supposed he was only joking and said nothing about it to anyone. Now, it is alleged that Chambers was to come to the state line and there meet the thief with the two horses and receive one. John Anderson was also arrested as an accomplice and both are now under bonds to appear in U. S. Court April 27.
Arkansas City Republican, March 27, 1886.
In the Traveler this week Chas. F. Chambers, over his signature, says the REPUBLICAN perpetrated a foul slander upon him last week. We print his explanation in full, which corresponds with ours of last week, excepting the portion relating to his arrest.
“I went down to Moses Johnson’s ranch on business; the fellow who stole the horses was working there, and got in a conversation with me. He said he was going to steal Mr. Conroy’s horses that night. I thought strangely of this talk, and went to Mr. Johnson’s foreman and told him the conversation. He said the man was lying, and I thought the same. I then started home, stopping on the way at Mr. Roup’s. Having been invited to attend the Literary at Springside, I put up my pony, and by invitation rode with them in their conveyance to the Literary, and returned with them. I remained all night at Mr. Roup’s house. All of which I am fully able to prove, and that is all there is in it so far as I am concerned.”
It seems to the REPUBLICAN editor that Mr. Chambers has kicked before he was spurred.
Chambers & Haskins...Chambers not identified.
[ADVERTISING DODGES.]
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, August 21, 1886. From Monday’s Daily.
It is wonderful to note how a great number of people continue to get taken in by advertising dodges and frauds. One worked the town this week on a revolving cylinder. But a few cards are correct. Some of the worst blunders ever seen appear in them. For instance, take these of Chambers & Haskins, Central Avenue Hotel, E. L. McDowell, and W. M. Henderson. The first mentioned card says he does “horeshoing,” instead of horse-shoeing; the next says he furnishes the best of “accomadations,” instead of accommodations. E. L. McDowell is the proprietor of the “Cresent” jewelry establishment instead of Crescent, and he makes a “speialty” instead of a specialty. Wm. M. Henderson is a “builer” instead of builder, and so on all through the entire list of cards in the machine. The REPUBLICAN is not complaining, but we hate to see our businessmen taken in this way. They should get value received for their money.
Chambers living in East Bolton and J. T. Hight mentioned...
[CORRESPONDENTS.]
Arkansas City Republican, September 4, 1886.
East Bolton. August 29, 1886.
EDS. REPUBLICAN: As the game has begun, we think it is no more than justice to our district, No. 80, and ourselves to right matters and place the facts before the many readers of the REPUBLICAN. Your correspondent, “voter,” of the 19th states that the first ballot for the office of director disclosed 23 voters present. J. T. Hight received 17 votes and F. Wick-line 6, a total of 23, with a majority of 11 for Hight. C. S. Weatherholt and W. Stewart were nominated for treasurer. The former received 13 votes, the latter 12, a total of 25. Mr. Weatherholt received one majority. We present a list of those in attendance at the meeting: Messrs. Skinner, Loper, Sims, Bell, Pruitt, Liddle, Fletcher, Buchanan, Wickline, Bennet, Myers, Chambers, Kennedy, Judy, Tillson, Snyder, Hight, Whitney, Davis, Beaty, Ireton, Kay, Bond, Weatherholt, Roberts, and Crutchfield. By counting “noses,” we found 26 persons present. The only fraudulent vote cast was by Sims and he voted for Stewart. He is not old enough to vote. Now, I call on all law abiding citizens to join me and prosecute Sims for fraudulent voting. He came in company with “voter,” and Loper to the election; the trio bore “fraud” stamped upon their countenances. Now, in conclusion, we wish to say that that voter simply lied. The above are the facts, which the records of the meeting will reveal. If “Voter” had his just dues, he would now be wearing a convict suit for highway robbery. He is unfit even for thieves to associate with. The records of the Cowley County courts will bear us out in our statements. “FACTS.”
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, October 9, 1886. From Wednesday’s Daily.
F. M. Chambers went to St. Louis this morning on the Santa Fe.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, December 18, 1886. From Wednesday’s Daily.
Judge Kreamer issued a warrant yesterday and had Jas. Chambers arrested for carrying on a game of chance on the streets of Arkansas City. He plead guilty and was fined $20 and costs; total $30.
Skipping to 1891 and 1892...
Daily Calamity Howler, Saturday, October 24, 1891.
Our officers are getting after the gamblers. One, W. H. Chambers, was arrested yesterday and fined ten dollars in Justice Ingman’s court for betting on a game of cards.
Winfield Monthly Herald, June, 1892.
MARRIED. Charles F. Chambers and Surilda Brown, of Arkansas City, were married at the parsonage by the pastor, May 10th.
Now we skip to 1922...
[AD.]
Arkansas City Traveler, Thursday, June 29, 1922.
ASSOCIATED TIRE STORES, JACK HOGAN, MGR., 125 NORTH SUMMIT STREET.
Plays up Kelly-Springfield Tires....comments from customers:
Grover Chambers, 1226 North First Street
R. W. Beeks (farmer), 5-1/2 miles northwest.
George Spruill (grocer), 419 North D Street
Chas. Morrow, 402 North Fifth Street.
[I HOPE JEFF PALMER CAN HELP US OUT WITH FAMILY MEMBERS.]
It could well be that none of the “Palmer” families I uncovered in Cowley County are related to Jeff Palmer. However, I am in high hopes he can solve the puzzle for us. Some of the following lived in Winfield. MAW
THIRD FAMILY: PALMER.
[Note: Years ago R. K. Wortman obtained the story about one of the Palmer families.]
PALMER FAMILY. OSCAR JOHN PALMER.
[Source: Daughter of O. J. Palmer: Mrs. A. H. Abrams.]
Mrs. A. H. Abrams, of West Creswell, gave the following family history at the Grange meeting of April 7, 1924. Her maiden name was Grace Palmer and she was the daughter of Oscar John and Rhoda Palmer.
“I claim the distinction of being one of the youngest old settlers in Cowley County. Of course what I shall say, unless it would be something of your own experience, so it just occurs to me that I should speak of those childhood memories of Kansas.
“My father and mother came from Wisconsin in a wagon. I was a bottle baby of six months, therefore I must need bring my step-mother along, which was a little Airshire [Ayrshire] cow. I (later) learned to milk the cow too. Father was a pine man, he worked at getting out pine in the north, running the logs down to the lake, rafting them there and taking them to the saw mills.
“We got to Arkansas City in June of 1872. Father had come the previous fall. He had arranged to have the cabin built and a well dug. He was here in October before he went to the woods that winter. When I was two years old we experienced one of the terrific prairie fires. Some one came along and asked dad to help fight the fire. Mother grabbed the children and ran for a ten acre tract, which father had prepared for an orchard. She ran back and grabbed a candy pail full of water, and from this the men wet their coats to whip the fire. Presently someone came with a mule team to start a “back-fire.” It was finally stopped a quarter of a mile from our house.
“Mr. Buckwalter was the first man to tell of the healing qualities of the springs at Geuda and my father took the contract to get out stone at the old Peter Andrews quarry to use at the springs. I played with the Andrews children, colored people, while father was at work and I drove a mule team part of the time.
“I remember of taking a drink of that cool sparkling water, which was good, but very salty. In after years my father, in his travels, was asked by many if those water's really had curative qualities. He would say, “I just took one drink and look at me.” He was always a stout and big man.”
The Abrams family story is told in the Cowley County Heritage book.
Until now that was the only “Palmer” we had information on...
PALMER.
Kansas 1875 Census Bolton Township, Cowley County. 3/1/1875
Name age sex color Place/birth Where from
O. J. Palmer 28 f w Maine Wisconsin
R. A. Palmer 26 f w New York Wisconsin
G. M. Palmer 3 f w Wisconsin Wisconsin
M. O. Palmer 3m m w Kansas
Bolton Township 1873: Palmer, Oscar J., 27; spouse, Rhoda A., 24.
Bolton Township 1874: Palmer, Oscar J., 27; spouse, Rhoda A, 25.
Bolton Township 1876: Palmer, O. J., 29; spouse, R. A., 27.
Bolton Township 1878: Palmer, O. J., 31; spouse, R. A., 25.
Bolton Township 1882: Palmer, O. J., 35; spouse, R. A., 33.
Arkansas City 1893: Palmer, C. A., 43; spouse, Mary, 38.
Arkansas City 1893: Palmer, J. M., 24. No spouse listed.
There were other Palmer families listed:
Rock Township 1882: Wm. Palmer, 33; spouse, Annie, 33.
Walnut Township 1882: Thomas Palmer, 27; spouse, S. A., 26.
Winfield 1873: M. L. Palmer, 43; spouse, Fidelia, 35.
Winfield 1880: D. Palmer, 60; spouse, Hulda, 28.
Deloss Palmer. Winfield.
Excerpts...
Emporia News, February 3, 1871.
ON THE WING.
Augusta, Kansas, January 29th, 1871.
Over a week has passed since an opportunity has presented itself for us to forward an account of our wanderings to the NEWS. Within that time we have traveled through the Walnut Valley from El Dorado to Arkansas City, near the mouth of the stream, and returned to this point; a distance of almost 60 miles.
After crossing Big Dutch Creek, a large stream, we found ourself at Winfield, county seat of Cowley County. This town presents an extremely new appearance. In fact, it has been built, with the exception of a very few houses, within the last three months. Some good wooden buildings are being erected. On our road to the mouth of the Walnut, we stopped at the Walnut Valley House at this place. That night was a new experience to us. We have heard of the hair of one’s head being turned gray in one night. Heretofore we were incredulous, but its truth has been demonstrated and we believe it. This house needs “ventilation,” but we will leave that for the citizens of Winfield to do. We found some enterprising men here, and with their excellent location and rich surrounding country, they will have a city of no mean dimension at some future time. Among some of the principal businessmen of Winfield are Maris & Hunt, dealers in groceries; and Deloss Palmer, formerly of Emporia, dealer in hardware and tinware. W. C. Orr is proprietor of the Indiana House; his table is always loaded with the best the market affords and he spares no pains to make his guests comfortable. The present term of the school here is taught by Miss Melville. A. J. Patrick is publishing the “Censor” here. This is a good paper and is becoming extremely popular in Cowley and Butler Counties.
Cowley County Censor, March 18, 1871.
DELOS PALMER, -DEALER IN- HARDWARE, STOVES, AND TINWARE.
Cowley County Censor, May 13, 1871.
Hapgood & Cos. celebrated Casteel Breaking Plows. No more cast iron frogs to break. Sizes from 10 to 16 inches. Kept constantly on hand at Delos Palmer’s stove and tin store: sign of the big coffee pot.
Cowley County Censor, July 1, 1871.
Last Saturday afternoon, during a very severe storm, Mr. Delos Palmer’s Hardware store was struck by lightning. It struck the roof near the front part and passed down the tin to the northwest corner, where a portion of the cornice was torn off, thence, along the north side of the building to the east end, where it entered and passed down the inside to the work bench to the tools used by the tinner. No serious damage was done. The tools are all more or less charged; a small file so much that when applied to a piece of iron, it will almost support itself. Mr. Palmer has the agency for a new lightning rod and he thinks he will use one of them himself. We advise all others to do likewise.
Prof. Palmer.
Cowley County Censor, July 1, 1871.
FOURTH OF JULY PROGRAM.
A military salute will be fired at sunrise.
The procession will be formed on Main Street at 10 a.m., by the Marshal of the day, and march to the grove at 11 o’clock accompanied with a band of music under the management of Prof. Palmer.
Cowley County Censor, October 21, 1871.
COWLEY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Owing to the unfavorable state of the weather during the late fair which prevented a proper exhibition of the articles entered for display, there will be an Exposition of all articles relating to the following classes: farm and domestic products, fruits, flowers, fine arts, textile fabrics, natural history, etc., on Saturday afternoon and evening, October 28th, 1871, in Rodocker’s Hall, Winfield. . . .
SUPERINTENDENTS.
Farm Products: A. T. Stewart.
Domestic Products: Mr. Clingman.
Fruits and Flowers: H. Hawkins.
Fine Arts: Prof. Palmer.
Textile Fabrics: W. W. Andrews.
Natural History: Prof. Hickok.
D. N. EGBERT, Secretary.
E. L. Palmer.
Winfield Messenger, August 16, 1872.
Commissioners Proceedings.
Winfield, Kansas, August 16th, 1872.
Board of County Commissioners met in County Clerk’s office, pursuant to adjournment. Present: Frank Cox, O. C. Smith, and J. D. Maurer.
The following bills were allowed.
E. L. Palmer $6.00
Winfield Messenger, October 4, 1872.
The Cornet Band has engaged Mr. Palmer as teacher during the winter.
M. S. Palmer of Winfield.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 13, 1873.
FLORAL, Cowley Co., Mar. 10, 1873.
Last October the undersigned landed in Cowley County, and took a claim in Richland township, twelve miles northeast of Winfield.
Before coming here I had been induced to believe that this part of Kansas had been settled, to a very great extent, with a rough class of western pioneers, such as generally follow in the wake of the retreating Red man and buffalo. But never was a man possessed of a more erroneous idea. I have had unusual facilities this winter of observing the character and habits of the citizens of a good portion of the county, and I am compelled to say that I have never met with a more agreeable, honest, sober, and intelligent class of people in any country, old or new. And considering the length of time that the country has been open for settlement, the progress made in improvements is entirely beyond precedent. Why, in many places, especially in the valleys, it begins to look like an old country—good houses, barns, and farms.
I had the pleasure of being present at two exhibitions given at the Darien schoolhouse on the Walnut Valley, Feb. 28th and March 5th—at the close of the first term taught in the house—C. L. Rood, teacher. The house although an unusually large one, was crowded early the first evening to overflowing, and quite a number came who were unable to gain admittance. The exhibition was an entire success in every particular. The selections were good and well performed. The essays, and a newspaper gotten up by the students, were such as would do credit to any community. We could not help noticing throughout the performance a tendency among the young lady performers to give the old bachelors a thrust at every available opportunity; that’s a commendable spirit. In fact, I think it would be a good thing for the community to put all the old bachelors up at auction and sell them to the highest maiden bidder, such a proceeding might be a benefit to your humble servant.
But to resume my narrative. Perhaps the most noticeable feature in the entertainment was the music which consisted of both vocal and instrumental—the instruments were an organ, and one tenor and one bass viol. The violin was played by a musician from the vicinity of Dutch Creek, the bass by Mr. Palmer of Winfield. The accompaniment was played by Miss Emma Leffingwell, a member of the school. Miss Leffingwell certainly possesses rare musical talents, and is in a fair way of becoming a great organist.
The second exhibition was given in aid of the school, 20 cents admission, and consisted of almost an entirely new programme. The house was well filled but not so badly crowded as at the first, if not more so. Instrumental music same except that Mr. Palmer was not present. Had some excellent songs sung by Mrs. C. L. Rood, Miss E. Leffingwell, Miss Ida Davis, and Miss Mary Akers. But the feature of the last exhibition was the “String-bean-Band”—we think that Barnum would do well to employ that set of minstrels to travel with his new show next summer. Mr. C. L. Rood is certainly entitled to great praise for the able manner in which he conducted the exhibitions.
I cannot help expressing here my sincere thanks for the kind and hospitable manner in which your correspondent, though a total stranger, was entertained during the exhibitions by Mr. Wm. Grow and his amiable mother, who live in the vicinity of the schoolhouse. Mr. Grow possesses a fine farm and residence, and how he can live a bachelor life among all those blooming maidens that abound in the Walnut Valley, is entirely beyond our comprehension. W. H. S.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 20, 1873.
RECAP. Rock correspondent, “C. L. R.,” mentioned dance held at the Darien Schoolhouse (District No. 25). Among participants: Mrs. C. L. Rood, Mrs. G. H. Williams, Mrs. Hiram Fisk, Wm. Sumner of Cedar Creek, J. F. Williams, M. S. Palmer of Winfield.
M. Palmer.
[COURT PROCEEDINGS CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS EDITION.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 7, 1873.
D. M. Osburn et al vs. M. Palmer: sale set aside.
M. W. Palmer.
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 obtain the grove: E. Freeland and Cora Andrews.
To invite Brass Band: Callie Blandin and Nettie Quarles.
To attend to the dinner: Mrs. Tousey, Mrs. Wm. Marris, McClellan, Blandin, McMaster, Hill, Mrs. M. W. Palmer, Miss M. Bryant.
Minor L. Palmer’s son, J. W. Palmer.
Winfield Courier, December 10, 1874.
Obituary.
MEDICINE LODGE, Nov. 25th, 1874.
EDITOR COURIER: Please announce through the columns of your paper the death of J. W. Palmer (familiarly known as Chubbie), son of Minor L. and Eula Palmer, early settlers and for a long time residents of Winfield.
The deceased came to his death on the 28th day of October, 1874, by the accidental discharge of a shot gun while he was duck hunting. He was seventeen years of age, was a member of Co. A, Barbour County Militia, and took part in the engagements had between the Osage Indians and Company A at Red mounds in Harper County, August 7th, 1874, where he distinguished himself for his bravery in his efforts to overtake the fleeing savages. Though the youngest, yet the foremost in the pursuit.
His remains were escorted to their last resting place by Company A and many citizen friends. His death was a severe blow not only to his parents, but to his many friends and associates, as he was loved and esteemed by all who knew him.
M. W. SUTTON, Co. Atty.
Medicine Lodge, Barbour Co., Kansas.
M. L. Palmer. Winfield.
Cowley County Democrat, Winfield, Kansas, Thursday, July 13, 1876.
HISTORY OF COWLEY COUNTY.
Read at the Centennial Celebration, July 4th, 1876, at Winfield, Kansas.
BY WIRT W. WALTON
Winfield. The first tinner: M. L. Palmer.
Oscar Palmer: Bolton Township.
[BOLTON TOWNSHIP: BANNER WHEAT RAISING DISTRICT.]
Arkansas City Traveler, May 31, 1876.
What Cowley County is to the State, Bolton Township is to Cowley County, the banner wheat raising district. Unless a farmer has over sixty acres of wheat in his field, it is called a “patch.” A. A. Newman & Co. will harvest 200 acres; Reuben Bowers, 187; Henry Pruden, 165; Frank Lorry, 150; E. B. Kager, 150; Oscar Palmer, 150; the Beard Bros., 100; and we don’t know how many farmers 50 and 75 acre fields of the best wheat in the State. The majority of the farmers will use “Headers,” thus saving the expense of binding and shocking the grain. Of course, Bolton wants a railroad. We were told by one of her leading citizens that the township would not cast three dissenting votes to any railroad bond proposition that the Commissioners might submit, whether east, west, north, or south, it matters not to them, they all want a railroad. Courier.
O. J. Palmer.
Excerpt...
[A JOURNEY TO THE INDIAN COUNTRY: BY C. M. SCOTT.]
TRAVELER, FEBRUARY 21, 1877 - FRONT PAGE. And TRAVELER, FEBRUARY 28, 1877 - FRONT PAGE.
A JOURNEY TO THE INDIAN COUNTRY.
Fort Sill, Wichita, Cheyenne, Kiowa, and Cheyenne Agencies.
Tuesday morning we left Wichita Agency for Fort Sill. After we had traveled about five miles, we met George Shearer, Jerome Hilton, Charles Peters, and E. Worther, and at noon we came to where a number more were camped for dinner, on Killpecker Creek, to wit: Frank Hutchinson, A. W. Patterson, Walt Dolby, H. S. Adams, Hank Nelson, Ross Merrick, Cass Endicott, Sam Endicott, John Tolles, Buck Wintin, Frank Wintin, Jack Martin, Frank Johnson, Wagstaff, Jim Burrell, and Benj. Harberson. Hank Nelson had met with an accident and had his arm in a sling, having been thrown from his wagon while trying to get ahead of someone. We were the invited guests of Ross Merrick, and partook readily of his “sow belly,” biscuit, and what the boys called “bovine” gravy. The rain fell in chunks while we were at dinner, and the meal was stowed away as soon as possible.
After dinner we moved along and before long met M. E. Garner, Poke Stevens, Daniel Hunt, Geo. Christy, Mr. Stevens, Dan Fegans, Ab. Christy, O. J. Palmer, Andrew Meisner, J. Clark, D. Pendergrass, and Joe Garner, on their way back from Sill.
O. J. Palmer. Salt City.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 3, 1877.
SALT CITY, March 30, 1877.
Born to Mr. and Mrs. O. J. Palmer, on the 18th inst., a boy, weight 10½ pounds, all doing well.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 8, 1877.
Sealed proposals will be received at Salt City, Sumner County, Kansas, until August 15th, 1877, for the erection of a stone schoolhouse in School District No. 79, Bolton Township, Cowley County, KAS. Plan and specification can be seen at the TRAVELER office in Arkansas City, and at the residence of W. E. Chenoweth, in the above named District. The board reserve the right to reject any or all bids. Bidders are requested to be present at the opening of the bids at 2 o’clock p.m. of August 15, 1877. Job to be paid for in cash when completed according to specifications.
A. M. SHURTZ, Director; W. E. CHENOWETH, Clerk; O. J. PALMER, Treasurer.
School District No. 79, Cowley Co., Kans.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 17, 1878.
The Pruden boys take 700 bushels of wheat down the river this morning on the barge.
MR. O. J. PALMER will go down the river with the Pruden boys on the flat boat.
Winfield Courier, July 18, 1878.
ARKANSAS CITY, KANSAS, July 13, 1878.
EDITOR COURIER: The steamer “Arkansas Traveler” was sold today to the city, and by it sold to Messrs. Pruden & Palmer, of Bolton, who start for Little Rock, Arkansas, with a load of wheat next week.
Winfield Courier, July 25, 1878.
Navigation.
Henry Pruden and O. J. Palmer started from Salt City down the Arkansas River with 700 bushels of wheat in their boat last week Wednesday. The farmers in that vicinity intend to ship their wheat in that way. David Maricle says he intends to ship the proceeds of his 700 acres of wheat on flat boats.
Wm. Palmer. Rock Creek Township.
Winfield Courier, August 8, 1878.
Primary Meeting.
The Republican voters of Rock Creek Township met at Darien schoolhouse Saturday, August 3, 1878. Reuben Boothe was chosen for chairman, G. H. Williams, Secretary. The following named gentlemen were chosen to represent the township at the Republican County Convention, to be held in Winfield, Saturday, Aug. 10, 1878.
For delegates: Sam’l. P. Strong, Chas. H. Eagin, Reuben Boothe, Wm. J. Funk.
Alternates: E. R. Evans, Geo. H. Williams, Frank Akers, Wm. Palmer.
REUBEN BOOTHE, Chairman.
GEO. H. WILLIAMS, Secretary.
[BARGE LOADED WITH WHEAT FROM A. C. REACHES FT. SMITH.]
Arkansas City Traveler, August 28, 1878.
A New Interest.
On Thursday evening a barge arrived at our wharf loaded with wheat from Arkansas City, Kansas. Arkansas City is situated on the Arkansas River, near or at the mouth of the Walnut Creek, some three hundred miles above this place. The boat was in charge of Messrs. Pruden and Palmer, and the wheat is a part of the cargo purchased for the Aunt Sallie, and left by her, because of some unknown influence, and is being transported down to fill the contract made with Mr. Shearholtz for Eisenmayer & Co., of Little Rock. Mr. Pruden says he started with 650 bushels, and finding shoal water at Ponca Agency he had to store 250 bushels. His boat draws fifteen inches light, but with his load, from Ponca down, he had no trouble. He was on the way since July 16, and laid up six days on the trip.
Much credit is due to the pluck of Messrs. Pruden and Palmer, and they should be encouraged. This trade may prove a valuable one to this section, and the people of that part of Kansas are so anxious to establish it, we should give them all the aid and all the encouragement in our power. We will refer to this subject again. Ft. Smith Herald.
[MORE ABOUT PRUDEN AND PALMER, FLAT BOAT CREW.]
Arkansas City Traveler, August 28, 1878.
H. B. Pruden, O. J. Palmer, and the flat boat crew returned from Little Rock last Saturday. They came to Ft. Smith by steamboat, thence by stage to Muskogee, thence by rail to Independence, thence by private conveyance home.
They say they found no less than three feet of water in the channel all the way down, and that the river from this point to Fort Smith is as deep as from there to Little Rock. It is the opinion of Mr. Pruden that flat-boating is practicable, and will pay if the barges can be brought back.
Winfield Courier, September 5, 1878. Editorial Columns.
A NEW INTEREST.
On Thursday evening a barge arrived at our wharf loaded with wheat from Arkansas City, Kansas. Arkansas City is situated on the Arkansas River, near or at the mouth of Walnut Creek, some three hundred miles above this place. The boat was in charge of Messrs. Pruden and Palmer, and the wheat is a part of the cargo purchased for the Aunt Sally, and left by her because of some unknown influence, and is being transported down to fill the contract made with Mr. Shearholtz for Eisenmayer & Co., of Little Rock. Mr. Pruden says he started with 650 bushels, and finding shoal water at Ponca Agency he had to store 250 bushels. His boat draws fifteen inches light, but with his load, from Ponca down, he had no trouble. He was on the way since July 16, and laid up six days on the trip. Much credit is due to the pluck of Messrs. Pruden and Palmer, and they should be encouraged. This trade may prove a valuable one to this section, and the people of that part of Kansas are so anxious to establish it, we should give them all the aid and all the encouragement in our power. We will refer to the subject again. Ft. Smith Herald.
Mrs. Anna Palmer.
Winfield Courier, November 28, 1878.
There will be a festival held at Darien schoolhouse, in Rock Township, on the night of the 28th of November, for the benefit of Rev. Mr. Graham. All are invited to come.
By order of Committee. Mrs. Anna Palmer, Mrs. H. Grow, Mrs. Brown.
Excerpt...
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1879.
NAVIGATION OF THE UPPER ARKANSAS RIVER.
Soon after the “Aunt Sally” returned South, Henry and Albert Pruden and O. J. Palmer, of Salt City, Sumner County, started for Little Rock with a “ferry-flat” loaded with seven hundred bushels of wheat. The wheat was sold at a good round figure, and the gentlemen returned, reporting a successful trip and a good stage of water.
Palmer, Lumber Dealer. Winfield.
Winfield Courier, April 3, 1879.
We called on Messrs. Palmer & Drew, our new lumber dealers, last Monday and found them “head over heels” in business. They are live, enterprising men, and know how to run a lumber yard.
O. J. Palmer. Bolton.
Winfield Courier, August 21, 1879.
The following is the list of Jurors drawn to serve at the next term of the District Court, which convenes next Monday.
O. J. Palmer, Bolton.
Devore Palmer. Winfield.
Winfield Courier, October 21, 1880.
Devore Palmer is building a fine brick residence up east on 9th avenue.
Winfield Courier, November 11, 1880.
Mr. Palmer’s new brick residence on 9th avenue toward the mound is nearly completed, and makes a substantial show.
Palmer. Pleasant View.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 5, 1882.
J. A. Scott sold to Mr. Palmer last week three head of calves for $22.50.
LEAN CONTRIBUTOR.
M. L. Palmer. Formerly from Winfield.
Cowley County Courant, May 25, 1882.
M. L. Palmer, an old Winfield timer, has two hundred head of Texas colts on his range in Barbour County.
Wm. H. Palmer, Jr. [Arkansas City?]
Arkansas City Traveler, July 19, 1882.
ARKANSAS CITY, JULY 13TH, 1882.
We, the undersigned, saw the Centennial washer tested this morning at Mr. Bryant’s Restaurant, and can conscientiously say that it will do a washing without any rubbing, in less time, with less soap, fuel, and labor than any machine we ever saw on the market.
NAMES: Charles Bryant, Mrs. Chas. Bryant, Wm. H. Palmer, Jr., Myrtle Bryant, J. A. L. Romine, L. H. Teets, Charlie Clark, J. N. G. Gibson, G. W. Miller, John J. Clark.
W. M. Palmer. Fairview.
[COMMUNICATION FROM “WILLIAM” - [ROCK] FAIRVIEW ITEMS.]
Cowley County Courant, June 8, 1882.
C. D. Hanlen, of Kansas City, is here visiting his sister, Mrs. W. M. Palmer, and other relatives.
W. M. Palmer and J. B. Hanlen are getting a new steam thresher of the latest improvements. They propose to thresh hell all out of Walnut valley.
Rock, Kansas, June 2nd, 1882.
Lizzie Palmer. Cambridge.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 30, 1882.
We have here a full list of our teachers now enrolled in our County Normal, with grade and post office.
CAMBRIDGE.
GRADE B. Lizzie Palmer.
Winfield Courier, September 14, 1882.
Teacher Items.
Miss Lizzie Palmer goes to Summit, 105, this fall.
O. J. Palmer. Bolton Township.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 13, 1883.
Old Soldiers of Bolton.
The following list of our soldiers of Bolton Township were furnished us for publication by Gus Lorry, trustee of that township.
O. J. Palmer, corporal, Co. G, 34 Wisconsin Infantry.
D. Palmer & Co. Winfield.
[EDITORIAL CONVENTION HELD AT WINFIELD.]
Winfield Courier, May 17, 1883.
The following are the cash contributions to the general editorial entertainment fund. More was raised than was used and those who subscribed first took more than their share, so that others had to be somewhat limited in their contributions to give others a chance.
D. Palmer & Co., $1.00.
W. M. Palmer. Winfield [?]
Winfield Courier, December 6, 1883.
OFFICIAL COUNT -OF- BRYAN & LYNN’S PEAS!
Number of peas in jar 13,242. Prize awarded to Mr. John Shields, of New Salem, his guess being 13,247.
Ten next nearest guesses are:
W. M. Palmer: 13,160
Lizzie Palmer. Cambridge.
Winfield Courier, January 10, 1884.
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.
CAMBRIDGE.
District Teacher Amount
15 Lizzie Palmer 33.00
O. J. Palmer. Bolton.
Winfield Courier, February 21, 1884.
From the Kansas Farmer stray list, we see that T. R. Corson, of Richland Township, has taken up a 3-year-old red steer branded X on left hip. L. A. Bass, of Bolton, a white pony branded R. T. on left thigh, and a bay horse colt fore foot and hind foot white. O. J. Palmer, of Bolton, a yearling mare mule, and a yearling brown horse colt.
Miss Lizzie Palmer. Cambridge.
Winfield Courier, February 28, 1884.
Moving Comment.
The writer had the pleasure on last Saturday afternoon of accompanying a bright party of Winfield people to Cambridge. The day was clear and calm and many things were observed along the way which are worthy of note. We had been feeling very good over the rapid improvement of the queen city of the valley, Winfield, but a drive over this beautiful country revealed forcibly the vast strides being made in other parts of Cowley in the way of permanent improvement. Almost every farm shows new buildings, of one kind and another, a corral full of cattle and hogs and a general air of thrift. Some of Cowley’s best land and many of her wealthiest farmers are between Winfield and Cambridge. New Salem, the first town we strike, has the appearance of having come out of winter quarters in good spirits. Several new houses were noticed and the number of cars standing on the side track at the depot would denote quite a shipping trade. The little city over on the hill, Burden, has done itself proud during the past few months. On approaching the town we counted forty nine houses newly built or in course of erection. The place presented a business like appearance, the merchants were busy, and the streets were crowded with teams. We called around to see Brother Henthorn, but found nobody but the post office in. The Enterprise has several times accused the COURIER of being inimical to the interests of Burden, which it knew was a mistake, and we wanted to see its good looking and efficient young editor, J. W. Henthorn, and inform him of our intention to give the Enterprise and Burden a puff. The COURIER has always claimed that Burden was a remarkable little town, and while the railroad and splendid country around it have done much, there is no doubt that the town owes more of its prosperity to the Enterprise than to anything else. It has advertised and made Burden: the town never could have been what it is without a good local paper. Torrance has made but few recent changes. The most prominent thing is its fine schoolhouse, which is a very creditable structure. In traveling through Cowley, in any direction, the schoolhouses are a noticeable feature. At New Salem the schoolhouse would do honor to a much larger town. Burden’s schoolhouse is the finest building in the place, while that at Cambridge is superior to any outside of Winfield, Arkansas City, or Burden. It is a two story stone structure, 30 x 60 feet, is splendidly furnished, and has a fine bell. Mr. Will C. Barnes, a Winfieldite, to whom the company are under many obligations for courtesies extended, is principal and Miss Lizzie Palmer, well known to many Winfield people, is assistant. They are among Cowley’s most capable teachers and are giving good satisfaction. Of course, we called on the Cambridge News, and found the proprietors, Messrs. S. B. Sherman and H. F. Hicks, at home. One of them was busily engaged trying to explain to a rural gentleman that the News had ten times as many subscribers as that “vile sheet,” the Burden Enterprise, and that their list had increased until it contained one-fiftieth as many as the Winfield COURIER, the oldest and most reliable paper in the county. He must have been correct. Mr. W. G. Seaver, the energetic, intelligent young editor of the News, was at his post, but instead of writing narrow gauge editorials, he was making selections of type from a specimen book, with which to start a paper at Dexter in a few weeks. He thinks he can make a paper pay at that place. He is a racy writer and was at one time connected with the St. Joe Gazette. Should he start a paper at Dexter, it will undoubtedly be a success in point of excellence, the only uncertain thing being a sufficient patronage. We supposed that no Satanic angels ever visited a sequestered spot like Cambridge, but they do. A man with a grip and twenty-five cents worth of soap done up in little wads, opened out there during our stay. His lusty voice drew a crowd around him, and after placing five and two dollar bills in some of the wrappers and rolling them up, he commenced to dispose of the soap to persons who were anxious to get five dollars for two. After clearing fifty dollars, twenty of which came from a young man who seemed illy able to make such a contribution, he quietly slid out of town. There are always men ready to fall into such traps, and the only lamentable thing about it is that experience dost seem to teach them anything. We were pleased to meet at Cambridge Miss Tirzah A. Hoyland, who has been the regular correspondent of the COURIER from New Salem for many years. She is one of Cowley’s most intelligent ladies and has written many good things for this paper. She was visiting friends there. In and around Cambridge are many substantial, intelligent men, and other than those already named, we might mention F. S. Coons, proprietor of the Cambridge House, W. H. Palmer, Thos. S. Griffin, J. B. Lukens, L. B. Carter, J. P. Craft, J. S. Bernard, James B. Rowe, and others whose names we did not get. It is also the home of County Commissioner, J. A. Irwin.
Lizzie Palmer, Teacher, and Blanch Palmer. Cambridge.
[CAMBRIDGE CORRESPONDENT: “CLYDE.”]
Winfield Courier, March 6, 1884.
School is going off finely and the youths of this vicinity are learning rapidly under good instruction from Prof. Barnes and Miss Palmer. They seem to give universal satisfaction.
Miss Blanch Palmer has returned from her protracted visit in your city, to the joy of her friends here.
Mrs. W. H. Palmer and Lizzie Palmer. Cambridge.
Winfield Courier, April 17, 1884.
Mrs. W. H. Palmer and daughter, Miss Lizzie, of Cambridge, spent last week in Winfield visiting relatives and friends.
Lizzie Palmer Marries James S. Tull.
Winfield Courier, June 5, 1884.
The following MARRIAGE LICENSES have been granted by the Probate Judge since our last issue.
James S. Tull and Lizzie Palmer.
Winfield Courier, June 5, 1884.
TO BE MARRIED. Mr. Jas. S. Tull and Miss Lizzie Palmer, of Cambridge, will be married in that place this evening at the home of the bride. A party of young folks from this city will be present, composed of Misses Ida McDonald, Anna Hunt, Jennie Lowry, Leota Gary, and Mrs. Bishop; and Messrs. James Lorton, Lewis Brown, Will C. Barnes, Frank Robinson, and Frank H. Greer.
Winfield Courier, June 12, 1884.
MARRIED. A bright and happy party of Winfield’s young people attended the marriage of Mr. J. S. Tull and Miss Lizzie Palmer at the home of the bride, near Cambridge, last Thursday evening. Rev. W. J. Tull, brother of the groom, came especially from Illinois to officiate at the wedding, and the ceremony was pronounced at eight o’clock. After hearty congratulations from those present, refreshments were served, the excellence of which are seldom equaled. It was one of those happy occasions which only come to the parties most interested, once in a life time, and true enjoyment reigned supreme under the agreeable hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Palmer and their pleasant family. The bride and groom are among Cowley’s most intelligent, substantial young people and start on the matrimonial journey very auspiciously, with the well-wishes of a large number of friends.
Blanche [Not Blanch] Palmer. Cambridge.
Winfield Courier, June 26, 1884.
Cambridge Crumbs.
Blanche Palmer has gone to Winfield to learn the milliner trade.
D. Palmer. Winfield.
Winfield Courier, July 24, 1884.
Mr. D. Palmer is confined to his home by sickness.
Winfield Courier, August 7, 1884.
Mr. D. Palmer is just out after a severe tussle with malaria.
Winfield Courier, August 7, 1884.
CAMBRIDGE CRUMS.- “CLYTIE.”
Blanch [Blanche] Palmer has returned from her visit in Winfield.
Winfield Courier, December 11, 1884.
The Houses of the City to be Numbered.
Mr. D. Palmer has a petition ready for presentation to the City Council asking that the houses of the city be numbered. The plan proposed is that in vogue in St. Louis and several of the larger cities, beginning each block from a basis of one hundred, numbering alternately. The petition is signed by nearly every businessman and prominent property owner of the city, and will, of course, be carried out, as it should be. Nothing so adds to the convenience of a city as properly numbered buildings. And then it gives us a metropolitan air, which we can now bear with easy grace.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, October 3, 1885.
Bold Burglars.
As the Winfield Courier predicted the other day, the town is full of thieves and roughs. Last Thursday night they got in their work on D. Palmer and Irve Randall. About 1 o’clock Mr. Palmer was awakened by someone touching the side of his face. He looked up immediately and asked who it was, and what they were doing there. The fellow was after Mr. Palmer’s watch, which was in his vest pocket under his pillow. As soon as Mr. Palmer spoke, however, the burglar made a rush for the door, Mr. Palmer close onto his heels, but Mr. Burglar was too quick for him. He dashed through the door and pulled it shut after him, catching Mr. Palmer’s hand and bruising it up pretty badly. An investigation followed, and it was found the thief had got away with the watch—a two hundred and fifty dollar one—which Mr. Palmer had carried for years. No clue has yet been found that will lead to the identity of the thief, but the officers are on a sharp lookout, and every available means will be used to run the rogue in. Mr. Randall, the second victim, also lost a watch and ten dollars in money. He retired early and knew nothing of his loss until morning. It is supposed that there is a gang of these fellows infesting the town, and while one or part of them were at Mr. Palmer’s, some of the rest were at Mr. Randall’s. Winfield Courier.
ABSTRACT OF COUNTY AUDITOR’S REPORT.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 19, 1885.
Abstract of the monthly report of the County Auditor of Cowley County, Kansas, of claims certified to the County Clerk, on the First Monday of March, 1885.
[Showing Amount Allowed Only.]
D. Palmer & Co. pauper claim: $5.00
Wm. Palmer Family. Cambridge.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 30, 1885.
Mrs. William Palmer, accompanied by her son and daughter, Rev. James Tull and wife, came in from Cambridge this morning, on their road to Udall, where Mr. Tull is now stationed and will reside.
Wm. Palmer. Winfield.
ODD FELLOWS.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.
The following are the officers installed by the District Deputy Grand Master, J. H. Vance, at the last meeting of the I. O. O. F., to serve for the ensuing term.
George D. Headrick, N. G.; Jos. O’Hare, V. G.; J. M. Reed, R. S.; J. P. Stewart, P. S.; S. J. Hepler, T.; W. H. Dawson, R. S. N. G.; A. Snowhill, L. S. N. G.; J. W. Chancey, W.; M. B. Shields, Con.; Samuel Dalton, C.; M. Hahn, L. S. S.; A. B. Taylor, R. S. V. G.; Walter Harris, L. S. V. G.; Wm. Palmer, L. G., H. C. Callison, O. G.
The Lodge is one of the best in the State, as is proven by its financial condition. The trustees have secured the upper story of the new Morehouse building for a term of five years, which will be fitted up especially for lodge purposes. Mr. J. H. Vance, the financial manager of the institution, is entitled to much credit for his management of the affairs of the Lodge.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 27, 1885.
James Vance, A. B. Taylor, J. H. McClellan, George Lierman [?Liermann], H. M. Zimmerman, Frank L. Crampton, John Craine, and Wm. Palmer, of the Odd Fellows Lodge, of this city, went over to Burden today to cross bats with a nine composed from Burden’s Lodge. Will Kirkwood and others went along.
CAMBRIDGE. “H.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 3, 1885.
Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Hill, of Udall, visited their parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Palmer, last week.
CAMBRIDGE. “H.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 17, 1885.
Miss Blanche Palmer and her brother, Clarence, returned home Friday, after a two week’s visit near Winfield, with their sister, Mrs. Charlie Davis.
D. Palmer. Winfield.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 15, 1885.
Mr. Daniel McConn, of Ft. Madison, Iowa, arrived here Monday to visit Mr. D. Palmer. They are friends of long standing and this visit is most enjoyable.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 29, 1885.
The reporter mounting a steed sallied forth early Friday morning to take an inventory of the improvements and new buildings which have gone up since the season opened, and the ones under construction at the present time. Being rushed, we are satisfied many have been overlooked. The valuation given is below the market value rather than above. The following list we know will surprise our own citizens.
D. Palmer, barn: $500
OTTER VALLEY. “JESSE.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 21, 1886.
Charley Davis and wife, of Winfield, have been visiting Mrs. Davis’ parents, Mr. and Mrs. Palmer, the past week.
[Note: I am still at work trying to learn more about all three families.]
Can anyone help Jeff Palmer?
If you have information on the three families listed above (Hight, Chambers, and Palmer), please send to Dr. Bottorff’s e-mail address, <bbott@ausbcomp.com>.
Mary Ann Wortman
