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W. O. Johnson

                                                                 Winfield.
Winfield 1880. W. O. Johnson, 29.
Winfield City Directory 1885.
Johnson W O, manager, Shaw’s lumber company, 523 Main, res 715 Loomis.
Note: W. O. Johnson was a brother of Thomas J. Johnson and Ella Johnson Hill, who moved to Wellington.
                                               FROM THE NEWSPAPERS.
Paper should have stated “W. O. Johnson” rather than “O. Johnson.”...
Winfield Courier, September 14, 1876.
O. Johnson, of Indianapolis, Indiana, a brother of our genial friend. T. J., of this township, is out on his first visit to this county. He expresses himself as being well pleased with the West.
Winfield Courier, March 15, 1877.
W. O. Johnson is made happy by the arrival of his wife. They are keeping house next north of the Baptist church.
Winfield Courier, June 21, 1877.
                             W. O. JOHNSON, CONTRACTOR AND BUILDER.
Will contract for all kinds of buildings. Job work done promptly. Shop on Main St., opposite City Hotel, Winfield, Kansas.
Winfield Courier, December 20, 1877.
M. E. SUNDAY SCHOOL. The M. E. Sunday school expect their “ship to come in” Christmas Eve. She will anchor at northeast corner of the M. E. Church. It is said that she will be well laden with beautiful and costly gifts for the children. The seats in front of the landing place will all be free and will no doubt be well filled with happy children expecting an interest in the cargo. The ship will be manned by W. O. Johnson, Joseph Porter, Charles Dever, Frank Robinson, Alvah Graham, Willie Lappin, and Geo. Black, sailors. All expecting friends or gifts on the ship are expected to be at the landing. S. S. COMMITTEE.
Winfield Courier, January 16, 1879.
At a regular meeting of Winfield Lodge No. 479, K. of H., on Monday evening, January 6th, the following officers were in­stalled for the present term by W. G. Graham, G. D. of the State: G. W. Robinson, P. D.; T. R. Bryan, D.; W. O. Johnson, V. D.; David Berkey, A. D.; Hiram Brotherton, Guide; E. W. Holloway, R.; W. C. Robinson, Treas.; A. Howland, F. R.; H. D. Gans, Chaplain; J. F. Snyder, G.; S. H. Myton, S. This lodge is in a prosperous condition, having forty-two members, with many applications for membership.
Winfield Courier, April 3, 1879.
Birth. W. O. Johnson is happy. It’s a boy and tips the beam at eleven pounds. Next!
I. W. Randall and W. O. Johnson???...
[RANDALL AND JOHNSON.]
Winfield Courier, August 14, 1879.

Messrs. Randall & Johnson are putting in the shelving for Hahn & Co.’s dry goods and clothing house, in Manning’s block, and are making a first-class job of it. The shelving for dry goods extends the full length of the building on the south side, and clothing and gent’s furnishing goods will occupy the north side. It will take an immense amount of goods to fill the building.
[REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, September 11, 1879.
Winfield City: D. C. Beach, H. Brotherton, C. Trump, D. L. Kretsinger, Archie Stewart, W. O. Johnson, C. Coldwell, J. E. Saint, D. Long.
The county central committee was chosen as follows.
Township               Member                 P. O.
Beaver             C. W. Roseberry          Tannehill
Bolton                    J. D. Godfrey               Arkansas City
Cedar                     James Utt                     Cedarvale
Creswell                 C. R. Mitchell               Arkansas City
Dexter                    H. C. McDorman         Dexter
Harvey             B. T. Smith             Glen Grouse
Liberty             Justus Fisher                 Winfield
Maple                    J. R. Moore                  Red Bud
Ninnescah              Daniel Pierce                Bushnell
Omnia                    A. S. Crow                  Baltimore
Otter                      C. R. Mills              Cedarvale
Pleasant Valley C. C. Pierce                 Winfield
Richland                 D. C. Stephens       Floral
Rock                      T. S. Green                  Rock
Sheridan                 H. C. Irwin             Tisdale
Silver Creek           A. P. Brooks                Moscow
Silverdale               B. C. French                Silverdale
Spring Creek          A. A. Wiley                  Maple City
Tisdale             S. S. Moore                 Tisdale
Vernon             J. B. Evans             Winfield
Walnut             S. E. Burger                 Winfield
Windsor                 Wright Martin         Lazette
Winfield City          W. O. Johnson       Winfield
The convention adjourned with three cheers for the whole ticket.
Winfield Courier, September 11, 1879.
The county central committee met and organized, electing W. O. Johnson, chairman; S. S. Moore, chairman pro tem, and J. B. Evans, secretary.
[MEETING OF CENTRAL COMMITTEE  88TH REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT.]
Winfield Courier, May 20, 1880.
The Central Committee of the 88th Representative District met in the COURIER office Saturday afternoon, May 15th, after the adjournment of the County Central Committee, and organized by electing W. O. Johnson, chairman, and S. E. Burger, secretary.
The following townships were represented.
Vernon: J. B. Evans.
Rock: T. S. Green.

Winfield, 1st ward: Fred C. Hunt.
Winfield, 2nd ward: W. O. Johnson.
Sheridan: C. S. Irwin.
Walnut: S. E. Burger.
Richland: D. C. Stevens.
Omnia: A. L. Crow.
The committee recommended that the townships and wards of the 88th representative district send the same delegates as those elected to the senatorial and congressional conventions, or elect new delegates as they may see fit, but in either case to hold the primaries on the same day, June 16th. It was decided to allow that part of Pleasant Valley township which was detached from old Winfield township, a representation of two delegates. The basis of representation fixed on was the same as that fixed by the County Central Committee: one delegate at large for each township, and ward of the city of Winfield, and one delegate for each 35 and fraction of 14 votes cast for James Harden at the last county election. W. O. JOHNSON, Ch. S. E. BURGER, Sec.
[PROGRAM FOR JULY FOURTH CELEBRATION AT WINFIELD OUTLINED.]
Winfield Courier, June 9, 1881.
The following are the arrangements for the celebration of the 4th of July in Winfield.
1. We appoint the ministers of Winfield to secure speakers.
2. We invite the Mayor and city council of Winfield, the militia of the city, and the soldiers of the late war to join with us to make a big day for Winfield and the county.
3. We appoint W. O. Johnson, T. B. Myers, and A. P. Johnson to secure the services of the city band.
4. We appoint J. L. Horning, G. T. Manser, H. S. Silver, E. P. Hickok, D. L. Kretsinger, N. T. Snyder, and Albert Doane to obtain funds to defray the expenses of the celebration and have control of the fire works.
5. W. O. Johnson and the vice president of the Sunday school association of Winfield will act as marshals for the city Sunday schools.
6. We appoint Mrs. J. E. Platter, Mrs. Holloway, and Mrs. Trimble as a committee to select 38 ladies to ride in the proces­sion and to represent the different states of the Union, and to select the same number of young men as their assistants, the whole number to ride in double file, two ladies in front, and then two gentlemen, and so on in this order.
7. We appoint Mrs. Caton and Miss Melville to select and drill a company of boys to march in uniform with appropriate banners as the Cold water army.
8. We appoint Mrs. E. P. Hickok to select five little girls from each Sunday school in the city, to march in procession as a representation of Kansas Past and Present.
9. We appoint G. H. Buckman as chairman to select and drill singers for the occasion.
10. We appoint Mr. Blair chorister to drill the Sunday school children and to select such assistants as he may desire.
11. We appoint Samuel Davis to read the declaration of Independence.
12. We appoint A. H. Green marshal of the day with power to select his own assistants.

13. We request the Vice Presidents of Sunday school dis­tricts, and of each township, and the several Superintendents of the schools to get out their entire forces and all others who will take part with them.
14. We request the District Vice President to march at the head of the district organization and the Vice President of each township at the head of his township organization.
15. We request all the delegations to be in the city by 10 a.m. sharp, and the Vice Presidents to report their arrival to County Superintendent S. S. Holloway, and form into line under his direc­tion.
16. The order and line of march will in due time be reported.
S. S. HOLLOWAY, Chairman Committee; A. C. JOHNSON, Secretary.
[RELIEF FOR THE SUFFERERS BY THE FLORAL CYCLONE.]
Winfield Courier, June 16, 1881.
A considerable number of the citizens of Winfield met on Monday evening on the steps of the Winfield Bank to provide for raising funds for the immediate relief of the sufferers caused by the cyclone Sunday evening. Mr. Crippen called the people together by music from the band.
W. O. Johnson gave $2.00.
[MORE DETAILS RE FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION.]
Winfield Courier, June 16, 1881.
RECAP: Celebration under management and control of the County Sunday School Association. Five minutes to be given each dis­trict Sunday school vice president to represent his district. Outlined obtaining services of the Winfield Coronet band. Outlined 38 men and 38 men to ride in procession on horseback with appropriate costume to represent the 38 states. Thirty little boys in costume under the management of Miss Melville and Mrs. Caton to march as representatives of “The Cold Water Army.”
Fifty little girls from the different Sunday schools of Winfield, under the management of Mr. Hickok, to be appropriate dressed with mottoes, badges, banners, etc., to ride in a wagon drawn by four horses as repre­sentatives of Kansas Past and Kansas Present.
Further, 200 or more of the little ones from the infant classes of Winfield Sunday schools, under the control of their different teachers, to ride in wagons with banners and badges to represent the “Army of the little innocents of Cowley County.”
Best singers, under management of G. H. Buckman, to sing patriotic songs. Also, little Sunday School children, under management of Mr. Bair, assisted by Mr. Jewell and Miss McDonald, to sing for the people.
Declaration of Independence to be read by Samuel Davis [a promising young man of Winfield, just home from college].
Procession to include mayor, city council, county officers, newspaper editors, city/county church ministers, County Sunday School Association officers, etc. Sunday School delegations from the various townships to report on arrival to S. S. Holloway, county superintendent. City schools to be under the management of W. O. Johnson. General Green to act as marshal of the day: forming the procession and the order of marching.

Celebration to be held in the Riverside Park west of the Santa Fe depot, where will be found an abundance of shade, ample room for teams, and an abundance of good water for man and beast. The speakers’ stand consists of one solid stone, donated by Wm. Moore, Winfield citizen. There will be plenty of seats provided so all may be comfortable and happy. There was a postscript telling everyone to “bring an abundant supply of good things to eat.”
Winfield Courier, November 10, 1881.
COAL MINERS WANTED. At the C. V. C. & M. Co.’s coal mines, eight miles south of Grenola, Kansas. (Formerly Binyons mines.)  Inquire of, or address W. J. Hodges or S. H. Myton, Winfield, or W. O. Johnson, Supt., Grenola, Kansas.
Cowley County Courant, December 22, 1881.
S. H. Myton, W. J. Hodges, and H. Silver visited their coal mine in Chautauqua County last Wednesday. They found Superinten­dent Johnson reposing on an oriental divan and smoking Havana cigars, and the coal tumbling out of the mine and loading itself into the wagons; Superintendent Johnson knows how to run a coal mine. W. J. Hodges, the president of the company, came back highly indignant. They made him crawl on his hands and knees about five hundred feet into the mine, and told him it was quite likely the whole thing would tumble in any minute. Those who saw the knees of his pants when he came out thought he had been through a long and earnest season of prayer. . . .
             [CONTINUES IN A LIKE HUMOROUS VEIN ABOUT SILVER ALSO.]
[CANEY VALLEY COAL MINES: W. O. JOHNSON.]
Winfield Courier, December 15, 1881.
GRENOLA, KAS., Dec. 5, 1881.
EDS. COURIER: As time hangs heavily this evening, I thought I would pen you a few lines and extend to you an invitation to visit the Caney Valley Coal Mines, situated nine miles southeast of Grenola. If you are a geologist, you will find many things to interest you. As this is a Winfield enterprise, you are doubt­less interested in its success.
We are beginning to take out coal, and are getting the mines in good condition to put in miners as fast as we can get them. Miners are rather scarce, and right here I will say that prohibition is in part the cause of it. Now don’t go and say that I am talking against prohibition, for I am not. I only wish it was more rigidly enforced. But I must say that it makes coal miners in demand. There is a large local demand for coal, teams coming a distance of thirty miles for coal.
I do not think the coal company will be able to ship any coal this winter as the local trade will consume all that will be taken out at present. Coal sells here for 16_ cents per bushel, and is in great demand.
The country around here is rather thinly settled, and is used principally for grazing purposes, as it is somewhat broken and hilly, although there is very good valley land. It has been rather lonesome for me here. I get the COURIER every week, which is a welcome guest, and read it, ads and all, until I wear the print out. I guess I had better close before I wear you out.
Again, extending to you the hospitalities of our shanty, I subscribe myself.
Very Respectfully, W. O. JOHNSON.
[METHODIST SUNDAY SCHOOL.]
Winfield Courier, January 26, 1882.

From the Sunday School Record. The Methodist Sunday School has gone into the publishing business. Last Sunday they issued a beautiful eight page paper, part of the matter for which was written by the scholars and printed for them at the COURIER Job Office. The first page was devoted to local affairs of the church and school, from which we clip the following items of news.
The Ladies’ Aid Society has spent $75 to $100 on stoves, etc., for the church this year.
Mr. S. H. Jennings makes a good Superintendent. He pleases the children and everybody else.
Brother W. O. Johnson has been Superintendent of the School for the past two or three years. As his business calls him away from the city, he was obliged to give up the school, much to the regret and disappointment of all. Brother Johnson was a faithful worker, always present on time. He took a great interest in the children, and did all he could to benefit them. The children miss him very much. When he resigned, Brother Gridley took the school for a few weeks. He soon moved to Douglass, and left the school in the care of the Pastor. During November and December, the school increased from 110 to twice that number, so that, when the Pastor turned the school over to the present Superintendent, there was an attendance of 222.
The Methodist Church is but a little over one hundred years old, and has a membership of over three million in America. It also has some of the best colleges and universities in the country. Many of the prominent educators are Methodists. They are all prohibitionists.
The Ladies” Aid Society has been in active operation for several years. The ladies have done much toward furnishing the church and parsonage. They deserve credit for their untiring energy. Mrs. Dever has been President most of the time that the society has had an existence, and she has been a faithful worker.
Our church had an exceedingly poor job of plastering; it is falling off badly. During the coming year the ceiling must be replastered, or paneled. Paneling would be the most durable, cheapest, and by far, the prettiest. This can be done during the hot weather of the coming summer. The trustees should commence looking after this at once. This subscription must clear the church. Many have paid promptly.
At the commencement of the year there were 155 members in the church. During the year 120 have united with the church by profession of their faith in the Lord Jesus, and have been taken on probation. We have received 35 into the church by letter. Every Sabbath persons are uniting with the church. We have a present membership of 310, all of whom live in and about Winfield. Most of them are active members. We have just doubled our membership during the year. For piety, intelligence, wealth, and influence, those who have come into the church this year will equal almost any organized church in Kansas. There have been more persons received into the church this year by profession of their faith and taken on probation, than have been received during the whole history of the church before. This church was made up, mostly, of those who came here Christians. During the two years previous to this, but seven were received into the church from probation; some were received by letter; before that time, the record is not complete.
Several hundred dollars of the debt have been paid this year. Our penny collection has been good. The treasurer has been able to pay about $50 of the incidental debt of last year, to keep up all the expense of this year, and to have a few dollars in the treasury. This speaks well for the liberality of the people, and also shows a large increase in the congregation.

Cowley County Courant, March 16, 1882.
W. O. Johnson has severed his connection with the coal mines of the Winfield company, and intends going to the mountains soon. Grenola Argus.
Winfield Courier, March 16, 1882.
The Caney Valley Coal Co. have leased their mines for the summer and Superintendent Johnson has returned home.
[W. O. JOHNSON: NATIONAL UNION.]
Cowley County Courant, March 30, 1882.
W. O. Johnson, of Winfield, is in our city for the purpose of organizing a Council of the National Union. This society offers a very fair and equitable plan for life insurance. In its territorial extent it excludes all yellow fever sections, which is regarded as a very desirable feature. Both ladies and gentle­men are admitted and allowed to insure for from $1,000 to $5,000. Douglas Index.
Winfield Courier, June 15, 1882.
W. O. Johnson is now sojourning in Wellington, engaged in carpenter work on the new buildings going up there.
[JULY 4TH CELEBRATION.]
Winfield Courier, June 15, 1882.
                                                     FOURTH OF J. U. L. Y.
On Tuesday evening the citizens met at the Opera House to hear the report of the executive committee on 4th of July celebration. The committee reported as follows.
On Finance: M. L. Robinson, J. B. Lynn, J. P. Baden, S. H. Myton, J. C. McMullen.
On Speakers and Invitation: J. C. Fuller, D. A. Millington, A. B. Steinberger, M. G. Troup, and J. Wade McDonald.
On Grounds and seats: A. T. Spotswood, Jas. H. Bullen, A. Wilson, S. C. Smith, W. O. Johnson, and H. Brotherton.
On Police Regulations and personal comfort: D. L. Kretsinger, R. E. Wallis, H. S. Silver, J. H. Kinney, and A. T. Shenneman.
On Music: J. P. Short, E. H. Blair, G. H. Buckman, H. E. Silliman, and R. C. Bowles.
On Old Soldiers: Col. McMullen, Adjt. Wells, Judge Bard, Capt. Stueven, and Capt. Haight.
On Representation of 13 Original States: Mrs. H. P. Mansfield, Mrs. Caton, Mrs. Carruthers.
On Floral Decoration: Mrs. Kretsinger, Misses Jessie Millington, Amy Scothorn, Jennie Hane, Mrs. J. L. Horning, and Mrs. G. S. Manser.
Speeches were made by Judge J. Wade McDonald, Judge Soward, Mayor Troup, D. A. Millington, Capt. Hunt, and D. L. Kretsinger. The City is enthusiastic on the subject and are bound to make this a big Fourth. The committee on speakers will secure the attendance of some of our State’s best talent. Let everyone prepare to come, bring their lunch baskets, and enjoy themselves in the finest park in the State.
Winfield Courier, August 17, 1882.
W. O. Johnson has removed to Humboldt, where he goes to take charge of the Chicago Lumber Co.’s yards at that place.

Ella Johnson, sister of both Thomas J. and W. O. Johnson, gets married...
[MARRIED: ELLA JOHNSON AND C. W. HILL.]
Winfield Courier, December 28, 1882.
MARRIED. A quiet, but very pleasant wedding took place last Thursday evening at the residence of Mrs. J. E. Platter, at which time Miss Ella Johnson was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Mr. C. W. Hill, of Wellington, Rev. J. E. Platter officiating. The ceremony was performed at 7½ p.m., and after partaking of an elegant supper, the happy couple left on the 10 o’clock train for Wellington, their future home, where the groom has resided for some months. Mr. Hill formerly lived in Winfield, and was a member of the hardware firm of George & Hill, and has many friends here. Miss Johnson has grown to womanhood in this place, and by her sweet disposition and pleasant manners, has won a place in the hearts of her friends, who join with us in wishing her every happiness in her new life.
Winfield Courier, July 12, 1883.
Mr. W. O. Johnson came over from Humboldt on the Fourth to celebrate with his many friends here.
Winfield Courier, August 16, 1883.
Mr. W. O. Johnson has returned to Winfield and taken charge of G. B. Shaw & Co.’s yard. Mr. Davis will attend to the grain and coal business of the firm.
Winfield Courier, November 1, 1883.
Mr. W. O. Johnson, of G. B. Shaw & Co.’s lumber yard, sold a bill of lumber to a Mr. Mann, of Arkansas City, the other day. He couldn’t make a dicker with the yards down there.
Winfield Courier, June 12, 1884.
Mrs. Chas. Hill, of Wellington, is visiting her brothers, W. O. and Tom Johnson.
Winfield Courier, August 21, 1884.
DIED. Mr. and Mrs. W. O. Johnson were called upon Sunday evening to part with their youngest, a bright baby several months old. It was sick but a short time.
Winfield Courier, October 2, 1884.
Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Hill and Mr. and Mrs. A. Graff were among the Wellington folks who attended our Fair last week, the former visiting W. O. and Tom Johnson, brothers of Mrs. Hill, and the latter Mr. and Mrs. C. Collins. They were highly pleased with our displays as compared to those of Sumner.
[TUESDAY’S ELECTION.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 9, 1885.
Winfield never experienced an election day like Tuesday. But one candidate had opposition—Capt. H. H. Siverd. Every man on the ticket was such as would honor the position for which he was nominated—representative men selected from the tried and trusted of the city by a non-partisan caucus—a caucus the like of which Winfield never had before and will probably never have again. There was nothing to draw out a full vote. Everything was as tranquil as a May morning. The only riffle was caused by the feeble attempt of a certain element to down the irrepressible Capt. H. H. Siverd. But the Captain didn’t down worth a cent. The colored voters of the city made a mistake in allowing the whiskey mugwumps to cajole them into running their candidate after this honest defeat in the people’s convention. Following is the vote of the several wards.

                                 [The Third Ward was shown first in newspaper.]
                                                          THIRD WARD.
W. G. Graham, Mayor, 142; W. H. Turner, Police Judge, 151; John D. Pryor, City Treasurer, 153; G. W. Robinson, Treasurer, Board of Education, 152; H. H. Siverd, Constable, 112; T. H. Herrod, Constable, 129; Archie Brown, Constable, 55; G. H. Crippen, Councilman, 153; J. H. Bullen, Member, Board of Education, 153. TOTAL: 157.
                                                           FIRST WARD.
Graham, 212; M. G. Troup, 1; W. H. Turner, 234; W. A. Tipton, 1; John D. Pryor, 223; Geo. W. Robinson, 226; H. H. Siverd, 176; T. H. Herrod, 199; Archie Brown, 51; James Connor, 224; A. G. Wilson, 224; W. O. Johnson, 218. TOTAL: 231.
                                                         FOURTH WARD.
W. G. Graham, 93; W. H. Turner, 91; John D. Pryor, 93; Geo. W. Robinson, 94; H. H. Siverd, 74; T. H. Herrod, 84; Archie Brown, 23; J. P. Baden, 91; J. N. Harter, 92; B. F. Wood, 91; W. H. Smith, 90. TOTAL: 92.
                                                         SECOND WARD.
W. G. Graham, 127; Mollie Burke, 1; W. H. Turner, 131; John D. Pryor, 128; H. H. Siverd, 105; T. H. Herrod, 103; Archie Brown, 35; A. H. Jennings, 130; T. B. Myers, 132; G. W. Robinson, 131; J. S. Mann, 128; H. E. Silliman, 25; Archie Brown, 5. TOTAL: 133.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 13, 1885.
W. O. Johnson, of the G. B. Shaw lumber yard, informs us that the building boom is commencing. He has been very busy for the last few days figuring on bills of lumber. Let it come.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 3, 1885.
Miss Sarah McCommon spent several days of last week with Mrs. Chas. Hill, at Wellington, and her brother, Ira, at Caldwell. Mr. and Mrs. Hill returned to Winfield with her Saturday, to remain several days among relatives and friends. Mrs. Hill is a sister of W. O. and T. J. Johnson, and is well known in this city.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 3, 1885.
G. B. SHAW & CO., -DEALERS IN- Lumber, Grain and Coal, 523 North Main Street. Keep on hand a full and complete stock of Lumber, Lath, Shingles, Sash, Doors and Blinds, Fence Posts and Pickets, Mouldings and Battens, Lime, Cement, Plaster, Hair and Building Paper. We also carry a stock of Hard-wood Lumber. Our stock of Ready-Mixed Paints are especially adapted to this climate. We have at all times a full stock of Hard and Soft Coal. We pay the highest market price for Flax-seed, Castor Beans and all kinds of Grain. Call and get our prices. G. B. SHAW & CO. W. O. JOHNSON, Local Manager.
[LAND SLIDES.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 4, 1886.
The following are the real estate transfers filed in the office of Register of Deeds yesterday.
Geo W Parks et al to W O Johnson, lots 1, 5 & 3, blk 260, Fuller’s ad to Winfield: $1,000.

 

 

Cowley County Historical Society Museum