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Albert Augustus Newman and Others

                                           NEWMAN, A. A., AND OTHERS.

SOURCE: HISTORY OF KANSAS STATE AND PEOPLE, WRITTEN AND COMPILED BY WILLIAM E. CONNELLEY, SECRETARY OF THE KANSAS STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY, TOPEKA, 1928.
FIVE VOLUMES...VOLUME V, PAGES 2229-2231...EXCERPTS.
ALBERT AUGUSTUS NEWMAN.  Arkansas City, the largest municipality in Cowley County, was laid out in the spring of 1870, a few weeks after the county government was organized, and the town was incorporated in 1872.The Santa Fe Railroad reached the town in 1879, and with the development of water power and other facilities the place enjoyed a steady and consecutive growth. These facts are briefly stated at the beginning of the sketch of Albert Augustus Newman because he was, after the initial event of the layout out of the townsite, the most dominant figure in the growing destiny of the city for a period of half a century.
Mr. Newman, who was attracted to Arkansas City in 1870, was born at Weld, Maine, January 19, 1843, and died July 31, 1922, when in his eightieth year. He was of English and New England Colonial ancestry. His grandfather, Ebenezer Newman, was born at Billerica, Massachusetts, in 1791, son of a Revolutionary soldier, and spent the greater part of his life on his farm in Maine. He died in 1857. His wife, Judith Dowse, was born at Billerica, and also died at Weld. Augustus G. Newman, father of Albert Augustus, was born at Weld in 1821, was a merchant, and died in 1893. Several times he came to Kansas as a visitor. He was a Republican and held local offices in Maine, and was an active member of the Free Will Baptist Church. He married Caroline Beedy, who was born in Maine in 1821 and died in 1895. All three of their sons became prominent in Kansas: Albert A.; George W. Newman, who developed a large dry goods house at Emporia; and Fred C. Newman, who became president of the Citizens National Bank of Emporia.
Albert Augustus Newman was educated in common schools and high school in Maine, attended the Maine State Seminary at Lewiston, and at the age of nineteen enlisted, in 1862, in the Tenth Maine Infantry. He was transferred to the Twenty-ninth Maine Infantry and served in many battles of the war, including Antietam and Chancellorsville, and was with Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley campaign. After the war he was a dry goods merchant at Fayetteville, Tennessee, three years, and in 1868 came to Kansas, locating in the new town of Emporia, where he was a general merchant until he moved to Arkansas City, where he established a pioneer mercantile business. This business from a small beginning developed with the growth of the town to one of the largest department stores in the Southwest. For many years it has been known as the Newman Dry Goods Company, and his two sons succeeded him in its management and control.

Giving Arkansas City a store consistent with the importance of the town as a gateway to the Southwest was only one of Mr. Newman’s many enterprises fraught with public interest. He helped organize the Cowley County Bank, the second bank in Arkansas City, and the first organized under state laws, and was its president from 1874 for a number of years. He was one of the founders of the Home National Bank. He and associates developed the water power of the Arkansas River by means of a canal into the Walnut River. He and associates built the first flour mill in southern Kansas on Walnut River, and the mill furnished all the flour used by the Indians in Indian Territory. Mr. Newman was engaged in freighting flour to Fort Sill and to other army posts during 1876-77. He sold his mill in 1879. Later he was director and president of the Arkansas City Milling Company. He was one of the founders of the Arkansas City Water Company and the Arkansas City Gas & Electric Light Company, and was president of both corporations for a number of years. These public utilities were sold to the Kansas Gas & Electric Light Company in 1915. Mr. Newman was president of the Newman Investment Company, president of the Land & Power Company of Arkansas City, and was president of the Three K Cattle Company, owning and operating an extensive cattle business in old Indian Territory. He was for two terms mayor of Arkansas City. The capital for the building of a great many homes and business structures in Arkansas City came from him. He was a trustee of the Presbyterian Church, and in Masonry was affiliated with Crescent Lodge No. 133, A. F. And A. M.; Bennett Chapter No. 41, Royal Arch Masons; Arkansas City Commandery No. 30, Knights Templar, Wichita Consistory of the Scottish Rite, and Salina Temple of the Mystic Shrine.
He married at Weld, Maine, in 1869, Miss Mary M. Houghton, and on September 6, 1919, they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Mrs. Newman at the age of eighty-one still occupies the old home at 301 North B Street, a substantial house which Mr. Newman built in 1873. She was the mother of three children.
The son, Earl Granville Newman, was born in Arkansas City, October 23, 1879, and exemplified many of the able business qualities of his father. He was educated in public schools and at the age of sixteen went into his father’s store, growing up in the business, and the credit for its later expansion and development is largely due to this young business man. He became manager of the store and vice president, and after his father’s death was made president of the company. The Newman Dry Goods Company in 1917 occupied its new home, one of the best equipped department store buildings in the entire state. Earl G. Newman was president of the company at the time of his death on October 31, 1926, at the age of forty-seven. He was a Knight Templar and thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason, member of Midian Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Wichita, a member of the Arkansas City Rotary Club, Country Club, Chamber of Commerce, Retailers Association, and was also president of the Newman Investment Company and vice president of the Land & Power Company.
Earl G. Newman married June 16, 1908, Miss Gertrude T. Waterhouse, of Quincy, Massachusetts. She occupies a beautiful home at 303 North B Street, adjoining the old Newman homestead, and has taken a prominent part in the social life of the city, being a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Christian Science Church. Mrs. Earl G. Newman has five children: Adeline, born April 21, 1909, and Katherine, born January 25, 1911, both students in the Senior High School of Arkansas City; Earl Granville, Jr., born October 14, 1913, attending the Junior High School; Caroline, born October 6, 1915; and Alice Gertrude, born February 9, 1918.

The present executive head of the Newman Dry Goods Company and of a number of other interests created and developed by the late Albert Augustus Newman is his second son, Albert L. Newman, who was born in Arkansas City, September 9, 1881. He graduated from high school in 1900 and for two and a half years was a student in Kansas University. He then became associated with his father’s dry goods business for two years, but afterwards was made manager of the Land & Power Company, the holding company which owned and operated the electric light and water power until the utilities were sold to the Kansas Gas & Electric Company in 1915, and the Land & Power Company then retained the real estate. Albert L. Newman had executive charge of the Kansas Gas & Electric Company at Arkansas City from 1915 to 1921, For two years following he was in the automobile business, and in 1923 he returned to enact his part in the management of the Newman Dry Goods Company and became its president after his brother died in October, 1926. In addition he is secretary-treasurer of the Newman Investment Company and treasurer of the Land & Power Company. Albert L. Newman is a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason, member of Midian Temple of the Mystic Shrine and the Masonic Grotto, is a member of the Rotary Club, Arkansas City County Club, Chamber of Commerce, and during the World war was chairman of several committees having in charge the patriotic program. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church. On February 19, 1908, he married Miss Mate McMillen, of Arkansas City, where she was born. She attended school there and graduated from high school at Logansport, Indiana, and from the State Teachers College at Pittsburg, Kansas. Mrs. Albert L. Newman is a member of the Shakespeare Club and active in the social life of her home city. They have four children: Albert W., born in Arkansas City, December 2, 1908, a graduate of the local high school, spent two years in Kansas University, and is a member of the Phi Delta Theta college fraternity, of which his father is also a member; George Frederick, born May 20, 1911, attending high school; Harry E., born July 8, 1912, a student in Junior High School; and Rodney Lee, born June 28, 1923.
The daughter of the late A. A. Newman is Pearl N., now the wife of Col. William F. Hase, an officer of the United States Army, formerly chief-of-staff under General Summerall in the Hawaiian Islands and now in command of Fort Winfield Scott at San Francisco. Colonel and Mrs. Hase have two children: Mary Elizabeth and Hilda Houghton.
                                                  Albert Augustus Newman.
Albert Augustus Newman was of English and New England Colonial ancestry. His grandfather, Ebenezer Newman, was born at Billerica, Massachusetts, in 1791, son of a Revolutionary soldier, and spent the greater part of his life on his farm in Maine. He died in 1857. His wife, Judith Dowse, was born at Billerica, and also died at Weld, Maine. Augustus G. Newman, father of Albert Augustus, was born at Weld, Maine, in 1821, was a merchant, and died in 1893. Several times he came to Kansas as a visitor. He was a Republican and held local offices in Maine, and was an active member of the Free Will Baptist Church. He married Caroline Beedy, who was born in Maine in 1821 and died in 1895. All three of their sons became prominent in Kansas: Albert A.; George W. Newman, who developed a large dry goods house at Emporia; and Fred C. Newman, who became president of the Citizens National Bank of Emporia. His sisters were Mary (Newman) Haywood and Hattie (Newman) Purington.

 

Albert Augustus Newman was educated in common schools and high school in Maine, attended the Maine State Seminary at Lewiston, and at the age of nineteen enlisted, in 1862, in the Tenth Maine Infantry. He was transferred to the Twenty-ninth Maine Infantry and served in many battles of the war, including Antietam and Chancellorsville, and was with Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley campaign. Albert A. Newman married at Weld, Maine, in 1869, Miss Mary M. Houghton, and on September 6, 1919, they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Mrs. Newman at the age of 81 still occupied the old home at 301 North B Street, a substantial house which Mr. Newman built in 1873. They had three children: Earl Granville; Albert L.; and Pearl N. (Hase).
This article covers A. A. Newman (the way most people knew him) and his relatives and friends. Daniel Beedy, we believe, was an Uncle. T. H. McLaughlin was a foster brother.  Gather that the other McLaughlin people mentioned are also foster brothers or else brothers of Mrs. Newman. Houghton family related to Mrs. Newman. S. P. Channell was a close friend. He might have been related. Just do not know. Wyard Gooch became a brother-in-law to Newman and also a partner. Am told that Joseph Sherburne was related to Newman. Am only going to cover part of the story involving some of these relatives or friends, as many left Arkansas City in time.
                                                       MAW July 20, 2000.
An article written by Mrs. Albert L. Newman for the book entitled Between the Rivers, compiled by Ruth Norris Berger and Bess Riley Oldroyd, supplies information about the events that happened shortly after the Civil War to A. A. Newman.
“Albert Augustus Newman, age 19, withdrew from Maine State Seminary at Lewiston and enlisted in the Union Army. He came under fire in some of the great battles, and even on his first day of service was ordered to go gather his equipment from one of the dead Union soldiers in a nearby field. He marched up the Shenandoah Valley with Sherman’s gallant men. He tells in his war diary while wintering in Vicksburg of scouting the district for apples and selling them to the other soldiers. He thus manifested early his merchant instinct.
“After coming out of the Army, A. A. Newman, and his foster brother, T. H. McLaughlin, went to Fayetteville, Tennessee, and operated a dry-goods store. But when it became known in the village that they were ‘Damn Yankees,’ they were ordered to leave. Mr. Newman, who was a Mason, was allowed to leave in an orderly manner, but his partner was not. When McLaughlin heard he was to be ‘tarred and feathered’ and ridden out of town on a rail, he climbed out a back window of their living quarters over the store and escaped in the middle of the night.
“In 1868 Mr. Newman made his way to Emporia, Kansas, to open another general store. A brother, George W. Newman, 21 years old, took over the store in 1870 when ‘A. A.’ was attracted to the Indian lands of southern Kansas, and the Indian Territory.” [G. W. Newman turned the store at Emporia into the city’s largest department store; another brother, Fred, became president of Emporia’s Citizen National Bank.]

Much of the early history of Newman, family, and friends is lost to us inasmuch as the period from 1870 to early 1876 is not covered by the local newspaper, Arkansas City Traveler. Starting with the January 26, 1876, issue, the Traveler issues were sent to the Kansas State Historical Society, which had them microfilmed. We have had to rely on other area newspapers and oral history to bridge the gap of information for the early settlers of Arkansas City, Kansas.
From other newspapers and different sources, the following information relative to the arrival of Newman, family, and friends is gleaned.
                                                 NEWSPAPER ARTICLES.
Emporia News, August 21, 1868.
Two gentlemen were here this week from Maine, looking up a business location. They were much pleased with the town and country and will probably locate.
[We believe these gentlemen were A. A. Newman & Houghton. MAW & RKW.]
Emporia News, September 4, 1868.
                                                  NEW DRY GOODS FIRM.
As will be seen by their advertisement in today’s paper, Messrs. Newman & Houghton have purchased the store formerly owned by Mr. Pyle, in Jones’ new building. These gentlemen are lately from Maine, and have had a long experience in the mercantile business. They advertise what they can and will do. All they ask is a fair trial. We hope they may meet with encouragement and have a fair share of the patronage of the public. They go to work as though they understood their business, and as though they intend to do a fair legitimate trade with those who may favor them with their custom. We wish them abundant success.
[NEW ADVERTISEMENTS.]
Emporia News, September 4, 1868.
                                                              NEW FIRM!
                                                      Goods Cheap for Cash!
The undersigned having bought out the stock of W. A. Pyle at a greatly reduced price, would respectfully call the attention of the citizens of Emporia and surrounding country to the fact that they can and will sell
                                                            DRY GOODS,
GROCERIES, BOOTS AND SHOES, CLOTHING, Notions & Queensware, Cheaper than they can be bought elsewhere in SOUTHERN KANSAS.
We buy our Goods at first hand in New York and Boston, and save second profits paid by merchants buying in Chicago, St. Louis, or Leavenworth.
All Goods Warranted as Represented or MONEY REFUNDED.
                                                             Give us a Trial.
                                                 NEWMAN & HOUGHTON,
                                            180 Commercial Street, EMPORIA.
Emporia News, September 25, 1868.
We are glad to know the new firm of Newman & Houghton are doing a lively business. One of the firm is now absent after new goods. They intend to bring on a stock that will not be excelled in quantity or quality.
Emporia News, October 16, 1868.
                                   NEWMAN & HOUGHTON’S NEW GOODS.

The attraction for a few days has been at the new store of Newman & Houghton, in Jones’ building, next door north of Fraker & Peyton’s. On Monday night they commenced receiving their new goods direct from New York, and their store is now one of the best stocked in the place. Their goods must be cheap as they are shipped direct from New York, and they save the profits of western wholesale merchants. Their stock embraces everything in the line of ladies’ dress goods, clothing, groceries, etc. These gentlemen are determined not to be out-done in any respect. They are newcomers, and we hope our people will call and examine their stock and prices before making their purchases, as they hope, by close application to business and fair dealing to merit their share of the public patronage.
[LOCAL NOTICES.]
Emporia News, October 16, 1868.
                                                    Great Reduction in Prices.
Best Green Teas at $1.50 per pound.
Choice Black Ties at $1.25 per pound.
                                                 NEWMAN & HOUGHTON.
Emporia News, October 16, 1868.
                                                           Low Prices Win.
A large stock of fancy cassimeres, satinets, jeans, tweeds, repellants, ladies’ cloth, flannels and linseys, which we will sell at lower prices than the same quality of goods were ever sold in this market. Call and see
                                                 NEWMAN & HOUGHTON.
Emporia News, October 16, 1868.
                                                       Shawls and Balmorals.
Choice styles of ladies and gents shawls; also a splendid assortment of balmorals, the cheapest in the market.
                                                 NEWMAN & HOUGHTON.
[ADS.]
Emporia News, November 13, 1868.
                                                         Cheapest and Best.
The new stock of clothing, boots, and shoes, at 180 Commercial street.
                                                 NEWMAN & HOUGHTON.
                                                             Just Received.
Latest styles of gents hats and caps, ladies’ furs and fur trimmed hoods, breakfast shawls, sontags, nubias, and scarfs; also children’s and misses hoods.
                                                 NEWMAN & HOUGHTON.
Emporia News, December 18, 1868.
Newman & Houghton have just received a large stock of new goods.
Emporia News, January 8, 1869.
AD. Latest Styles in Caps. Fur, fur-bound and all grades cloth caps for Men and Boys, at NEWMAN & HOUGHTON’S.
Emporia News, February 5, 1869.
                          Instruments Recorded During the Week Ending Feb. 4, 1869.
                     Reported from E. P. Bancroft’s Real Estate and Abstract Office.
A. A. Newman to O. P. Houghton, warranty deed for ten lots in Emporia.
Emporia News, February 5, 1869.

The new crop of tea is now on the market, and some of the choicest brands have just been received by NEWMAN & HOUGHTON.
Emporia News, February 5, 1869.
A fine lot of prints and muslins just received by NEWMAN & HOUGHTON.
Emporia News, February 5, 1869.
                                                            Great Bargains.
Shawls, nubias, scarfs, sontags, balmoral skirts, and hosiery are now selling at a great sacrifice at 181 Commercial street. They must be sold in thirty days.
                                              NEWMAN AND HOUGHTON.
Emporia News, March 19, 1869.
Mr. Newman started to Boston and New York on Monday morning to lay in a spring and summer stock for the store of Newman & Houghton.
Emporia News, March 19, 1869.
We are informed that the brother of our townsman, Mr. Newman, of the firm of Newman & Houghton, who arrived here from Maine on Wednesday morning, reports that there was seven feet of snow, on the level, in that State when he left. So badly were the railroads blockaded that he was three days in making fifty miles. Think of that, ye grumblers at the cold weather of Kansas.
Emporia News, April 16, 1869.
Mr. Houghton, of the firm of Newman & Houghton, has let the contract for putting up a business house, 25 x 60 feet, on Commercial street, near B. T. Wright’s hardware store. Messrs. Newman & Houghton have been in business here about a year, and have succeeded in building up a large trade. They are both young men of excellent business qualifications, and possess the energy and perseverance that will succeed anywhere.
Emporia News, April 23, 1869.
                                                            GOOD NEWS.
Newman & Houghton are receiving their extensive stock of goods this week, and those desiring first choice should call early. Their prices are very low. They bought in New York and Boston and shipped direct; therefore, you will not have to pay the profits of the St.. Louis and Leavenworth merchants. Their hats are of the latest styles, in endless variety, and cheap, too. Their Boots and Shoes have to be seen to be appreciated. They can beat the world on ladies’ dress goods. It is useless for us to attempt to enumerate what they have for sale, but will advise all go and see their large stock. All goods guaranteed or money refunded. No trouble to show goods.
[LOCAL NOTICES.]
Emporia News, April 23, 1869.
                NEW GOODS! NEW GOODS!! -AT- NEWMAN & HOUGHTON’S.
                                                Latest Styles and Lowest Prices.
We have just received direct from New York and Boston a large and choice stock of Domestic & Fancy Dry Goods, BOOTS AND SHOES, HATS, CLOTHING, NOTIONS, AND CARPETINGS.
We wish it distinctly understood that we buy at first hand of the Manufacturers and Importers, and will sell at prices to defy competition.

                                                   LOOK AT THE PRICES!!
Best Prints—Merrimac, Cocheco, Spragues, Pacifics, Arnolds, Amoskeng, and Denonels at 12 ½ cents per yard.
Ladies’ Hoop Skirts, 75 cents.
Ladies’ Cotton Hose at $1.50 per dozen.
Boys’ Wool Hats, 50 cents each.
Mens’ Wool Hats, 75 cents each.
Best Imperial Tea, $1.50 per pound.
Best Hyson Tea, $1.50 per pound.
Best Japan Tea, $1.50 per pound.
Best Oolong Tea, $1.25 per pound.
                         All Goods guaranteed as represented, or Money Refunded.
Emporia News, April 30, 1869.
Newman & Houghton have a set of croquet.
Emporia News, May 14, 1869.
Mr. Houghton’s new business house, next door south of Wright’s hardware store, is nearly completed, and will soon be occupied by McMillan & Fox. It will be one of the largest business rooms in the place.
Emporia News, May 14, 1869.
                                                 [Legal entries...E. P. Bancroft.]
S. B. Smith to A. A. Newman, warranty deed w h n w 6 29 11.
Emporia News, June 4, 1869.
                                                  NEW BUSINESS HOUSE.
Messrs. Newman & Houghton have secured a lot on the corner of Mechanics street and Sixth avenue, just east of Gilmore & Hirth’s furniture rooms, and will put up immediately a business house, 26 x 70 feet, two stories high, to be built of brick with iron and glass front, and to be in all respects a first class business house. Business has heretofore been confined almost exclusively to Commercial street, but lots are held at such high figures that men are forced to branch off on the avenues where property is cheaper. We learn that another firm contemplates putting up a business house in the vicinity of this contemplated building.
Emporia News, June 11, 1869.
Newman & Houghton have received direct from New York a choice assortment of fine brown and bleached muslins—[?can’t read first word?], lawns, nainsooks, and jaconets. Also, a large assortment of ladies’ hose, gloves, corsets, hoop-skirts, damask piano and table covers, marsailes and star quilts, lace curtains, oil carpetings, etc., which they are selling at extremely low prices.
Emporia News, August 20, 1869.
                                                       STARTLING NEWS.

Various rumors of bank failures, suspension of work on the railroad, and other exciting stories have been afloat in our community for some days past; but the most startling intelligence has just reached us. It has just been ascertained, for a certainty, that Newman & Houghton’s new goods, direct from New York, have reached Topeka, and next week there will be offered at the old stand of Newman & Houghton the largest and finest stock of dry goods, carpets, hats and caps, boots and shoes, etc., ever seen or heard of in Southern Kansas, which will be sold so low as to astonish all the world and the rest of mankind. Come and see for yourselves.
[AD.]
Emporia News, September 10, 1869.
                                                   WOOL! WOOL! WOOL!
                                                       McMillan & Houghton,
                                     DEALERS IN Wool, Woolen Goods, -AND-
                                                             GROCERIES,
New Store, below Wright’s, near the Court House, EMPORIA, KANSAS.
The motto of this firm shall be “Small profits and quick returns.” We are paying the highest market price for WOOL, either in cash or goods.
Our stock of woolen goods is complete. It Cannot be Equaled West of the JACKSONVILLE (ILL.) FACTORIES. To our stock of Woolen Goods we have added a LARGE & COMPLETE STOCK -OF- GROCERIES.
Emporia News, September 24, 1869.
MARRIED. At the residence of W. R. Bradford, Esq., corner of State street and Fifth avenue, September 18th, by Rev. M. L. S. Noyes, Mr. ORRIN P. HOUGHTON, of this city, to Miss MARIA BISBEE, of Sumner, Maine.
MARRIED. At the residence of the bride’s father, in Weld, Maine, September 6th, 1869, by Rev. A. Maxwell, A. A. NEWMAN, of Emporia, and MARY M. HOUGHTON, of Weld.
Emporia News, October 8, 1869.
Messrs. Newman & McLaughlin have commenced the construction of a new business house, 26 x 70, 35 feet high, on the corner of Mechanics Street and Sixth Avenue. The building is to be of stone, with brick front supported by cut stone columns. It is to be finished and ready for occupancy by next May.
Emporia News, December 24, 1869.
J. S. McMillan, of the firm of McMillan & Houghton, returned from the East a few days ago, where he had been spending some weeks, during which time he purchased a heavy stock of groceries, provisions, and woolen goods, for this market. Look in upon them. They always have a good stock, always sell cheap, and always try to give satisfaction.
Note: Major William E. Sleeth met Newman and T. H. McLaughlin in Fayetteville, Tennessee. He came to Arkansas City in March 1870. MAW
“Major Sleeth was born in Cambridge, Ohio, and served four years in the Civil War, where he rose to the rank of major in the Seventeenth Army Corps of the 78th Ohio Volunteers. After the war he taught school for four years, then spent three years in the lumber business in Fayetteville, Tennessee. It was there that he met A. A. Newman and T. H. McLaughlin, who were in business there. In the year 1869 he came to Emporia, Kansas, later locating in El Dorado. He came to Arkansas City in March 1870. He was a member of the Arkansas City Town Company and was its secretary. (He made the first plat of the town.)”  
Walnut Valley Times, El Dorado, Kansas, Friday, March 11, 1870.

“Emporiaites. A. A. Newman, father and brother, together with a number of others, passed down the Valley on a prospecting tour this week. They admired El Dorado, of course.”
Walnut Valley Times, Friday, March 18, 1870.
“We understand that the Newman outfit took a claim near Creswell whereon to build a mill. Milling is a big thing in the Walnut Valley.”
Arkansas City Traveler, August 24, 1870.
“We in the Walnut Valley have heretofore suffered great inconvenience for lack of a flouring mill. There is no gristmill south of Cottonwood. The price of flour has been high in consequence. But our farmers generally preferred to pay it, rather than haul grain fifty or a hundred miles to mill. Now however a change is at hand. A wealthy and enterprising firm has fully contracted to begin work on a sawmill and gristmill at this point. The water power on the Walnut River is one of the very best in Kansas: sufficient to run four stones the year round. The contract provides that the mill be completed October 1871.”
Emporia News, September 23, 1870.
                                                          MAGNIFICENT.
It was our pleasure to spend a few minutes in the handsome millinery establishment of Mrs. Newman the other day, examining the wonderful works of art in that line. The perfection to which the manufacturer of artificial flowers has been brought is one of the wonders of the age. The delicate tints, brilliancy, and harmonious blending of colors, the imitation of nature in all the minutiae that attached to the natural growth and even accident in the lives of the tender ornaments of the natural world, are so skillfully and tastefully portrayed as to surpass in beauty and form even the flowers they were made to represent. Only the fragrance and microscopic peculiarities of the natural are wanting in the artificial to render them equal in value and attractiveness. The skill of human hands, as demonstrated by the exhibitions of Mrs. Newman and Mrs. Kidder, is not confined to their flowers. We were shown a “perfect love of a bonnet,” which our knowledge of terms peculiar to the world of women and fashion is too limited to attempt to describe. Suffice it to say that it cost sixty dollars, and is the prettiest object of the kind we ever beheld. The point lace collars, gorgeous sashes, etc., with which the fair sex adorn their persons, shown to us on this occasion, excited alike our wonder and admiration. The more substantial necessities of domestic economy are to be found in profusion in the store below. A visit to this establishment, reader, will recompense you for coming miles to see.
Walnut Valley Times, December 9, 1870.
                                                      COWLEY COUNTY.
From the Arkansas City Traveler of November the 30 we take the following.
Mr. Beedy is here, and has commenced work upon his water-power. We shall soon have running at this point the best saw-mill and grist-mill in Kansas. Mr. Beedy is a mill-wright of extensive means, and of many years experience. He has built mills on many rivers, from Maine to Oregon. Our people need not entertain the slightest doubt about the matter. Beedy & Newman mean business.
[AD.]
Emporia News, January 20, 1871.

GREAT SLAUGHTER OF DRY GOODS, FURS, DRESS GOODS, FLANNELS, SHAWLS, QUILTS, AND ALL WINTER GOODS! WILL BE SOLD FOR THE NEXT SIXTY DAYS AT AN IMMENSE SACRIFICE!! To Give Room for Our Spring Stock.
                                                   NEWMAN & BROTHER.
Emporia News, January 20, 1871.
There is not a handsomer or better kept stock of dry goods in anybody’s town than can be seen in Newman Bros.’ establishment, this city.
Emporia News, February 17, 1871.
Thirteen singers met Wednesday night at the residence of Mr. A. A. Newman, to rehearse the cantata of “The Haymakers,” with a view of giving a concert some evening.
Emporia News, March 10, 1871.
Newman’s Bro.’s sidewalk was piled high with boxes, the other day, from which people said they had received new goods. They keep the neatest store in Kansas, and if they do not have the best of goods, good taste goes for naught in purchasing, and everybody!—well, everybody says they do keep good goods.
Emporia News, April 14, 1871.
Read the splendid large advertisement of Messrs. Newman & Bro. They have just received as fine a stock of dry goods as has ever been brought to this market. Silks and poplins, prints and ginghams, broadcloths and cassimeres, doeskins and tweeds, boots and shoes, hats and caps, and carpets of all kinds and qualities fill their fine storeroom on Sixth avenue as it has never been filled before. Their stock of millinery is also unsurpassed. It would take all the fine words in the dictionary to appropriately describe the beautiful things Mrs. Newman can show you if you will drop in to see them. Their prices are most reasonable.
[AD.]
Emporia News, April 21, 1871.
                                             NEW GOODS!! NEW GOODS!!
Wholesale and Retail.
                                                        NEWMAN & BRO.
Have just received from the Importers and Manufacturers the largest line of Spring and Summer DRESS GOODS Ever brought to Emporia, and will sell at LOWER PRICES than ever.
Black Silks, All Qualities.
Japanese Silks and Poplins, Striped and Checked.
Plain and Fancy SILKS.
Silk Warp Pongees,
Silk Warp Diagonals,
Silk Warp SERGES,
Silk Warp Epinglines,
French Figured Grenadines,
BLACK HERNANI,
Swiss Mulls,
JACONETS,
STRIPES,

NAINSOOKS,
French Welts, White and Buff.
French and English Prints, French Lawns, Buff Linen Lawns, Buff Linen for suits.
Percales, Marsailes, Piques, French, Scotch, and Chambray Ginghams.
MARL POPLINS, MOHAIR MISTINES, MILLINERY, At Wholesale and Retail,
BOOTS, SHOES, HATS, CAPS, Broadcloths, Cassimeres, Diagonals, Doeskins,  Tweeds, Cottonades, Denims, Etc.
Prints and Muslin by the case, bolt or yard.
                                  LIBERAL DISCOUNTS MADE TO DEALERS.
Emporia News, April 28, 1871.
Read the card of Mrs. Newman and Mrs. Kidder in another column, and then go and examine their stock of millinery.
[Could not find card...above item does confirm that Mrs. Kidder still at Newman store.]
Emporia News, May 5, 1871.
                           MEMBERS OF EMPORIA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.
Life member: L. B. Kellogg.
     LIST OF MEMBERS WHO HAVE FAILED TO RENEW THEIR SUBSCRIPTION.
A. A. Newman
T. H. McLaughlin.
O. P. Houghton.
Emporia News, May 12, 1871.
                                               BEEDY & NEWMAN’S MILL.
Without any noise or ostentation, a great work is going on in our midst. Mr. Beedy, with a strong force, is steadily pushing ahead. The dam is almost completed; the machinery for the sawmill has been ordered; the whole establishment will be in running order by October 1st.
A careful estimate gives, at the lowest stage of water, an available force of 270 horse power. Three powerful turbines will at once be put in position; a grist mill, having three run of stones, a sawmill, a lath and shingle mill, will all be speedily running at this point.
The sawmill is about ready to raise. It is thirty-five by fifty-five feet. The flouring mill is 35 x 40 feet, four stories high.
The water power is amply sufficient to run the above mentioned machinery, leaving a large power available for other purposes; of which, more anon.
We cannot too strongly thank, or highly compliment, the business energy which has thus dared to push out into the wilderness, and rear such costly buildings in advance of all productive industry. It will bring its own reward. The people of Cowley County will certainly owe much to Messrs. Beedy and Newman for the good work in which they are engaged. Arkansas City Traveler.
Emporia News, July 7, 1871.
                                      COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS. July 3, 1871.
Col. J. M. Steele declining to serve as an appraiser of the lots fronting on Commercial street between 3rd and 7th avenue for the purpose of assessing against them the curbing, guttering, and macadamizing of the street, Mr. A. A. Newman was appointed instead.

Emporia News, July 21, 1871.
                                                        DISTRICT COURT.
Eliza J. Bell vs. J. B. Bell; judgment against A. A. Newman, garnishee for $21.39, and accruing costs.
Emporia News, July 28, 1871.
A. A. Newman and wife left for the east Monday, where they will spend several weeks.
Emporia News, August 18, 1871.
Newman & Bro. opened a huge pile of boxes yesterday, and “new goods” is their battle cry. They are selling at prices low enough to draw money out of anybody’s pocket, even in these tight times.
Emporia News, August 25, 1871.
                                                        ARKANSAS CITY.
We [Stotler] spent a few days in this beautiful and thriving young town, which sets upon an elevation at the junction of the Arkansas and Walnut Rivers. We were perfectly delighted with the town and surrounding country. If we were going to change our location in this State, we would go to Arkansas City as quick as we could get there. Its location is good for at least two railroads, one down the Walnut and one through the Arkansas valley. The Arkansas valley is much broader and more fertile than we had expected to find it. We firmly believe the Arkansas Valley soil will excel every section in the State in corn and vegetable crops.
In Cowley and Sumner Counties nearly every quarter section has upon it a bona fide settler. Fortunately the speculators were not allowed to get their clutches on an acre of it. On account of this heavy settlement, Arkansas City is bound to have a good trade. She will also receive a share of the Texas trade.
This town has over 100 buildings. Among the rest, and about the largest and best, is the city hotel, kept by our friend, H. O. Meigs. It is the best kept hotel in the Walnut Valley. The table is supplied with good, substantial food, and what is not the case with all tables, it is clean and well cooked; altogether, this is the cleanest, best ventilated, and most homelike public house we have found in our travels lately.
We found here a large number of old Emporia men in business, among whom we may mention O. P. Houghton, Judge McIntire and sons, the Mortons, Charley Sipes, Mr. Page, Mr. Beck, and others. They are all doing well, and have unlimited faith in their town and county.
Beedy & Newman are building a large water mill near the town. They have already expended $8,000 in the enterprise, and will soon be ready for sawing.
Close to the town we found Max Fawcett upon a beautiful piece of land amid grape vines, trees, shrubs, and flowers. He is testing the capabilities of the soil for all kinds of fruits, and has so far the best encouragement. Wherever he is, Max. will be a public benefactor.
We shall go to Arkansas City again in two or three years on the cars. We shall ride up to Meigs’ hotel in a comfortable bus from the depot, and see a town of two thousand inhabitants. You see if we don’t. Cowley is the prettiest, healthiest, and most fertile county we have seen in the State.
Emporia News, September 22, 1871.

                                                              RETURNED.
We neglected last week to note the return of our popular and wide awake merchant, A. A. Newman, who had been in the east for several weeks, where he bought an immense stock of goods, part of which has already arrived, and the balance will be opened this week. Mrs. Newman accompanied Mr. Newman and purchased heavily for the millinery establishment connected with the store. These goods were expected last evening. This will undoubtedly be good news for the ladies of Emporia.
Emporia News, September 22, 1871.
We learn that the farmers hereabouts are making preparations to sow winter wheat largely this fall. It is the right thing to do. No one should neglect it.
Beedy and Newman will be ready to grind it as soon as harvested. By next fall there will be a heavy demand for flour coming up from the new settlers in the Indian country.
Arkansas City Traveler.
Arkansas City and Winfield are going to hug each other and make it up. The Traveler and Censor are ready to embrace.
Winfield Messenger, November 1, 1872.
                                                                 Grinding.
The Arkansas City Water Mill, on the Walnut, is now in successful operation. Custom grinding at all hours. Shelling and bolting without extra charge.
                                                Beedy & Newman, Proprietors.
      [Note: There is very little information between Nov. 1, 1872, and January 1876.]
RKW wrote the following...
                                                               The Store.
Soon after the mill was in operation, Mr. Newman saw the need for another store and opened one. Then he brought his wife and infant daughter, who had been living in Emporia. Original store carried merchandise, groceries, harness, and even was a bank for awhile. Store grew and expanded...moved 7 times...and each time to larger and better quarters. In 1917 the building at 400 South Summit was erected.
                                                               The Canal.
With a group of interested men, Newman built the five mile canal, and with water power possible, they organized The Electric Light Company, and the City Water Company.
Newman was mayor two times. He was one of the founders of the Home National Bank. He stumped the surrounding district to bring the Santa Fe Railroad this far, much as a political candidate works on his constituents before election, contacting every farmer and citizen to bring his influence to bear.
                                                         Newman Heights.
Newman spent a year planning his home, securing a German architect to build it. The house burned down before it was ever occupied.
RKW made the following note...
“Mrs. Albert (Mate) Newman said that the mill was built with the grain-receiving bin higher up on the bank of the river. The grain slid by gravity down chutes to the grinder. The mill, therefore, was built on the east side of the Walnut River, where Kansas Avenue intersects the river. The dam extended to the west.”

I don’t believe one can rely on the following to determine who were relatives or friends of A. A. Newman. Newman came from Weld, Maine, which no longer exists. The article mentions Phillips (still in existence in Franklin County). It is hoped that Ron McIntire can find out more when he visits Maine. MAW July 20, 2000.
                               VOLUME I, PAGE 113, BETWEEN THE RIVERS.
                                                             Maine Colony.
In the early 1870s there was a group of citizens in A. C. known as the “Franklin County Maine Colony,” all of whom came from the same town, Phillips, in that state.
The pioneers of the Maine group cast their lot in southern Kansas and saw a future in Arkansas City, investing heavily in real estate and business ventures.
The “Maine Colony” threw a party at the home of Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Farrar. Attending this affair was a group of 25 or 30 persons, all former residents of Maine, accompanied by their children. Mr. and Mrs. Albert Worthley were the last to survive. They were the parents of Mrs. Edna Worthley Underwood.
H. P. Farrar, early day banker, came to Arkansas City in 1870. His brother, Fred, came a few years later.
Someone tried to recall group who attended the Farrar party. They came up with the following:
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Farrar.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Farrar.
Mr. and Mrs. Albert Worthley.
Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Newman.
Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Gooch.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Howard.
Mr. and Mrs. George Howard.
Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Prescott.
Mr. and Mrs. S. S. Lambert.
Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Haywood.
Mr. and Mrs. Brad Beal.
Mr. and Mrs. T. H. McLaughlin.
Mr. and Mrs. O. P. Houghton.
Mr. and Mrs. T. K. Houghton.
Some of the descendants:
A. A. Newman: Albert and Earl Newman.
T. K. Houghton: Mrs. Charles Sills.
Charles Howard: Mrs. Frank Vogel.
George B. Howard: Harry V. Howard.
Harry Farrar: Mrs. Lester Mitchell and Foss Farrar.
          Granddaughter: Frances Farrar Guyot.
Also, Between The Rivers, states H. P. Farrar came to Kansas in 1871 from Maine. He prevailed upon his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Byron Farrar, to come out here in 1889. Both are buried in Riverview Cemetery. [RESEARCH OF CENSUS FOR CRESWELL TOWNSHIP REVEALS THAT FARRAR CAME LATER THAN 1871.]

Most of the information we have obtained has been from the newspapers...
Winfield Courier, July 17, 1874.
The contract for furnishing the wild Indians of the Territo­ry with flour for the year ending June 30th, 1875, was awarded at Washington June 11th to J. W. Sleaven of Kansas City for $2.40 per hundred. This flour must be sent over the railroad to Wichita and transported in wagons to various agencies south of here. At this rate the government could afford to pay about $8.00 per hundred for flour in this county.
[ARKANSAS CITY WATER MILL.]
Winfield Courier, September 25, 1874.
                                                     [Item from the Traveler.]
                                                                     Fish.
Since the raise of the Arkansas, large shoals of cat and buffalo fish can be seen on the rocks near, and under, Newman’s Mill. We never saw so many before. The boys amuse them-selves by trying to drop large stones on them as they swim by.”
[ITEMS FROM ARKANSAS CITY TRAVELER.]
Winfield Courier, July 1, 1875.
                                                               New Flour.
J. P. Woodyard purchased 300 bushels of wheat of A. A. Newman last week, at ninety cents per bushel, and will grind it this week.
[EXCERPTS FROM LEAVENWORTH TIMES.]
Winfield Courier, September 2, 1875.
Arkansas City has the most enterprise, the wealthier mer­chants, and one newspaper well supported by her businessmen. Her merchants advertise extensively, and are drawing a large trade which naturally belongs to Winfield. One of her firms, A. A. Newman & Co., have the government contract to furnish Pawnee Agency with 750,000 pounds of flour, delivered at the Agency. This, besides aiding our wheat market, will furnish employment for a large number of teams. The distance is ninety miles.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 26, 1876.         
                                                      Channell & Haywood’s.
More goods given away for less money than at any store in Cowley Co. Groceries, Stoneware, and Woodenware, Shelf and Heavy Hardware, Grainite Water. Agricultural implements of every kind! A carload of Studebaker Wagons just received. 150 Gang and Sulky Plows, and Common Breaking and Stirring Plows, will be in by January 1st, 1876.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 26, 1876.         
                                                               Dry Goods!
                                  A. A. NEWMAN & CO., Arkansas City, Kansas.
Our Fall Purchase of Dry Goods, Clothing, etc., has arrived, and we now offer, at challenging prices, the best line of Dry Goods, Clothing, Carpets, Silks, Hats, Caps, Boots, and Shoes ever put on the market in Southern Kansas.

Our trade is not confined to Arkansas City alone: we are willing to compete with or duplicate the prices of Wichita, Leavenworth, or Kansas City. If you don’t believe it, come and see. Our stock of Dry Goods embraces all the latest patterns in prints, and the very best Dress Goods. We have a fine assortment of Farmers, Boys, and Girls Boots, Shoes, and Rubbers. Also, Ladies’ and Gents’ Sewed Boots and Slippers. In Hats and Caps we have every variety, from the Cheapest to the Finest and Most Fashionable Styles. Buck Gloves, Mittens, Muffs, and Comforts.
White and Colored Shirts and Underwear.
Flannels, Muslins, Sheetings, Jeans, etc.
Prints Seven Cents per Yard!
Every variety of Gents’ and Boys’ Clothing, with prices to suit any. WE CAN GIVE YOU A FULL SUIT FROM $5 TO $50.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 26, 1876.         
                                                            A Rare Chance!
Don’t Fail to be Benefitted By it! $10,000.000 worth of Dry Goods at Cost!
                  For 30 days—From January 20 to February 20, 1876. For Cash Only!
We have on hand a large stock of fall and winter goods purchased in New York and Boston. This Fall, when Goods were Lower than they have been for fifteen years, and we Are Bound to Sell Them To Make Room For Our Spring Stock!  Consequently, we will, as stated above, sell at cost for the time mentioned—namely, 30 days. Come and See for Yourselves!  We will sell you more goods for less money than you ever bought before. Respectfully,
                                                   J. H. SHERBURNE & CO.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 26, 1876.         
                       COWLEY COUNTY BANK, ARKANSAS CITY, KANSAS.
                                              A. A. NEWMAN, PRESIDENT.
                                           W. M. SLEETH, VICE PRESIDENT.
                                                  H. P. FARRAR, CASHIER.
Does a General Banking Business. Interest Allowed on Time Deposits. Domestic and Foreign Exchange Bought and Sold. School Bonds a Specialty.
Collections promptly attended to.
DIRECTORS:  A. A. NEWMAN, WM. M. SLEETH, T. H. McLAUGHLIN, H. O. MEIGS, R. C HAYWOOD.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 26, 1876.         
                                              HOUGHTON & McLAUGHLIN
Have the largest stock of Dry Goods, Hats, Caps, Boots, Shoes, Clothing! And Notions, in the Walnut Valley, which they will sell for the next Sixty Days!  Cheaper than any House in the Valley for Ready Pay. We will trade for Cash, Wheat, Oats, Corn, Furs, and Hides, Cattle, Horses, or Mules. We are going to sell!
Our stock of groceries, as usual, is complete, fresh, and cheap!
[BUSINESS NOTICES.]
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, January 26, 1876.
Below we give a few of the many low prices of J. H. Sherburne & Co.’s. Remember, these prices are good only until February 20th.
Nice Blankets, per pair, $2.00.
Men’s White Drawers, per pair, 35 cents.
Men’s White Undershirts, each, 35 cents.
Cardigan Jackets, each, $1.10.

Fine Calf Boots, per pair, $2.90.
Nubias, from 70 cents to $1.15.
Men’s Wool Shirts, $1.15 to $1.85.
Ladies’ Gaiters, 95 cents per pair.
Ladies’ waterproof, 85 cents per yard.
And all kinds of fall and winter goods in proportion.
Come while these prices last!
Arkansas City Traveler, January 26, 1876.
                                                 For Sale or Trade at a Bargain:
The livery stable, known as the Woolsey barn, on Sixth Avenue. Water at the door. Barn in good repair. Anyone wishing to engage in the livery business cannot find a better location. Inquire of S. P. CHANNELL.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 26, 1876.
                                                       Cowley County Bank.
The annual meeting of the Stockholders will be held at the banking rooms on Tuesday, February 8, 1876, at 3 o’clock p.m. H. P. FARRAR, Secretary.
Arkansas City, January 8, 1876.
Next item covers a letter written January 4, 1876...
Arkansas City Traveler, January 26, 1876.
[A letter dated January 4, 1876, sent to the Lawrence Standard, by  “Observer,” was printed in this issue. It is felt that “Observer” was the Traveler editor, C. M. Scott. A portion of the letter is herewith given.]
On the first day of the new year, Channell & Co. broke ground for a new stone house and every day since except Sunday the men are at work with plows and scrapers cleaning out the cellar; even the water laying in pools from the late rain is not frozen over, the prairies all around covered with wheat fields looking as fresh and green as in early spring. One can scarcely realize that it is now mid winter, that season of the year so faithfully described by the poet Burns in two or three of his pieces commencing:
As cold November’s surly blast,
As January winds were blowing cold,
When biting Boreas fell and doure,
                        harp shivers through the leafless bower.
But such is the fact. I am sitting in my office, writing without a fire. I see men on the streets and around town at work with their ordinary clothes on and some in their shirt sleeves: stone masons and carpenters working away as if it was indeed the spring. To say the least, it looks odd to me.
In my last letter I informed you that Newman & Co. were building a fine brick store room 25 by 100 feet. The fine weather or some other cause has struck S. P. Channell & Co. with the same fever, so that they are now at work digging out the basement, to erect a new brick store room alongside of Newman’s, 25 by 100 feet, same style and finish; and from the way that Houghton & McLaughlin look across the street and see those two splendid brick stores going up, I shouldn’t be astonished if they caught the fever also, and by spring another new brick store will go up on the opposite corner. “Example is a wonderful teacher.”

Pitch in gentlemen, the investment is a safe one, in the opinion of a casual OBSERVER.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 26, 1876.
Ad. Channell & Haywood’s. More goods given away for less money than at any store in Cowley Co. Groceries, Stoneware, and Woodenware, Shelf and Heavy Hardware, Grainite Water. Agricultural implements of every kind! A carload of Studebaker Wagons just received.
[AD.]
Arkansas City Weekly Traveler, January 26, 1876.
                                                               Dry Goods!
                                  A. A. NEWMAN & CO., Arkansas City, Kansas.
Our Fall Purchase of Dry Goods, Clothing, etc., has arrived, and we now offer, at challenging prices, the best line of Dry Goods, Clothing, Carpets, Silks, Hats, Caps, Boots, and Shoes ever put on the market in Southern Kansas.
Our trade is not confined to Arkansas City alone: we are willing to compete with or duplicate the prices of Wichita, Leavenworth, or Kansas City. If you don’t believe it, come and see. Our stock of Dry Goods embraces all the latest patterns in prints, and the very best Dress Goods. We have a fine assortment of Farmers, Boys, and Girls Boots, Shoes, and Rubbers. Also, Ladies’ and Gents’ Sewed Boots and Slippers. In Hats and Caps we have every variety, from the Cheapest to the Finest and Most Fashionable Styles. Buck Gloves, Mittens, Muffs, and Comforts. White and Colored Shirts and Underwear. Flannels, Muslins, Sheetings, Jeans, etc. Prints Seven Cents per Yard!  Every variety of Gents’ and Boys’ Clothing, with prices to suit any. WE CAN GIVE YOU A FULL SUIT FROM $5 TO $50.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 26, 1876.
Ad. HOUGHTON & McLAUGHLIN. Have the largest stock of Dry Goods, Hats, Caps, Boots, Shoes, Clothing!  And Notions, in the Walnut Valley, which they will sell for the next Sixty Days!  Cheaper than any House in the Valley for Ready Pay. We will trade for Cash, Wheat, Oats, Corn, Furs, and Hides, Cattle, Horses, or Mules. We are going to sell!
                         Our stock of groceries, as usual, is complete, fresh, and cheap!
Arkansas City Traveler, January 26, 1876.
WORSE AND WORSE!  Houghton & McLaughlin, of the renown “Old Reliable,” Green Front store, now come out announcing for the next sixty days they will sell, trade, and almost give away their entire stock of winter clothing, hats, caps, boots, shoes, and notions, for less money than any house in the valley. This is not “talk,” but an actual and unprecedented fact, and those who doubt it will do well to come and see. Never before in the history of Cowley county or Southern Kansas, have goods been marked down to the figures they have them at this place, at this day. Carry the news, and let the people have the benefit of it.
Arkansas City Weekly Traveler, January 26, 1876.
Ad. Cowley County Bank, Arkansas City, Kansas. A. A. Newman, President. W. M. Sleeth, Vice President. H. P. Farrar, Cashier. Does a General Banking Business. Interest Allowed on Time Deposits. Domestic and Foreign Exchange Bought and Sold. School Bonds a Specialty. Collections promptly attended to. Directors: A. A. Newman, Wm. M. Sleeth, T. M. McLaughlin, M. O. Meigs, R. C. Haywood.
[UNDER BUSINESS CARDS  - ARKANSAS CITY SCHOOLS.]

TRAVELER, JANUARY 26, 1876.
Arkansas City Schools.
First term begins Sept. 6th:  continues sixteen weeks, and closes Dec. 24.
Second term begins Jan. 8, 1876; continues twelve weeks and closes March 25.
Third term begins April 4; continues twelve weeks, and closes June 24, 1876.
TUITION FEES FOR PERSONS RESIDING OUTSIDE THE DISTRICT:
$1.00 per month, in advance, unless other arrangements are made with the Board.
Rooms can be procured for those wishing to board themselves. Board can be had at reasonable prices.
For admission, apply to E. W. HULSE, Principal.
By order of the Board:  T. H. McLAUGHLIN, District Clerk.
[PUBLICATION NOTICE OF SUIT BY ALBERT A. NEWMAN.]
Arkansas City Traveler, January 26, 1876.
RECAP: Albert A. Newman, plaintiff, vs. Edwin L. Chesney and Lewis H. Gardner, defendants. Sum:  $1,096.35. Order for the sale of lots one and two and the south half of the northeast quarter of section two in township thirty-four south of range three east, in Cowley County, to satisfy said judgment, attorney’s fees, taxes, and costs, according to the three promis­sory notes and the mortgage given by Edwin L. Chesney to Lewis H. Gardner.
                                      E. S. BEDILION, Clerk of the District Court.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 26, 1876.
NEW HOUSES. The cellar for O. P. Houghton’s residence, on the lot south of the First Presbyterian Church, is made.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 26, 1876.
For Sale or Trade at a Bargain: The livery stable, known as the Woolsey Barn, on Sixth Avenue. Water at the door. Barn in good repair. Anyone wishing to engage in the livery business cannot find a better location. Inquire of S. P. CHANNELL.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 26, 1876.
For Sale: 221 acres of land 2-1/2 miles southeast of Arkansas City, well watered; twenty acres in wheat. Also 8 good residence lots, fenced, and trees set out, just south of Col. McMullen’s brick residence; one house and lot on Sixth Street, and my large stock of furniture, which will be sold cheap. Inquire of L. McLAUGHLIN.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 2, 1876.
Mr. Newman and J. L. Stubbs returned from the Pawnee Agency, last Monday, well pleased with their visit.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 2, 1876.
Our Mayor, O. P. Houghton, James Benedict, and R. F. Smith make regular trips to Winfield, once a week, now.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 2, 1876.
                                                                   Scales.
Houghton & McLaughlin have purchased C. R. Sipes’ hay scales, and moved them on the corner near their store.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 2, 1876.
                                                                 Sold Out.

R. A. Houghton has sold his half-interest in the dry goods store to A. A. Newman. Rube says it don’t pay to sell goods on close figures, and then have a man run off every now and then owing him a hundred dollars.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 2, 1876.
A Union Social will be given by Mrs. Newman and Mrs. C. R. Mitchell at Pearson’s Hall, on Wednesday evening, Feb. 9. A cordial invitation is extended to all, and a good time will doubtless be had.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 2, 1876.
The man who stole an iron beam, Canton Clipper stirring plow from Channell & Haywood’s store last Monday night had better return it, and save trouble.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 2, 1876.
FOR SALE. 221 acres of land 2-1/2 miles southeast of Arkansas City, well watered; twenty acres in wheat. Also 8 good residence lots, fenced and trees set out, just south of Col. McMullen’s brick residence; one house and lot on main street, and my large stock of furniture, which will be sold cheap. Inquire of L. McLAUGHLIN.
[COMMUNICATION FROM “J. L. S.” RE PAWNEE INDIANS.]
Arkansas City Traveler, February 9, 1876. Front Page.
                                          ARKANSAS CITY, February 8, 1876.
Editor Traveler:
In company with A. A. Newman, we recently paid a visit to the Pawnee Agency, and at your request, will give you a few items.
We left Arkansas City on Thursday. Owing to the rains of late, and the heavy freights that have passed over the road, it was very much cut up; but it is a natural route, and with a few days’ work, would make the best road in this section. Would it not be a wise move for the citizens of this place to take mea­sures to have some improvements made on it?
We arrived at the Agency Friday afternoon; found Agent Burgess and family comfortably located in their new quarters, and to whom we are under obligations for their hospitality, and for much information relative to the progress of the Indians, their management, etc.
The tribe numbers about 2,400 persons. Their Reserva­tion as contemplated embraces near 600,000 acres of land. While there is sufficient good land for all farming purposes, the proportion of good land is not so great as that between here and there; but it is adapted to stock growing, being well watered and timbered.
A portion of the tribe moved on their Reservation in June last, since which time they have broken 400 acres of prairie, 90 of which is in fall wheat, and looks fine. Thirty buildings have been erected, principally for the use of employees. This in­cludes a large frame barn, with stabling capacity for fifty horses, granaries, etc. A saw mill has also been erected, at a cost of about $5,000, with which they have cut near 200,000 feet of lumber. An office of cut stone is under process of construc­tion, and when completed, will be a very handsome structure. A very superior quality of building stone is found within easy reach of the Agency—mostly sandstone, but there is a sufficiency of limestone for all purposes.

Indian labor is employed as far as practicable, and they manifest considerable of skill in the use of tools, etc. Quite a  number of full blood Indians are serving apprenticeships at the different trades, and we were informed by those over them that they take quite an interest in their work, and seem anxious to learn.
A day school is in progress, conducted by Miss Burgess and Mrs. Longshore, with an average attendance of 90 scholars, an equal number of boys and girls—something unusual for Indians, as they are almost universally opposed to the education of their girls, and their prejudices can only be overcome by time and an unlimited amount of patience. It being Saturday, we did not have an opportunity of visiting the school, but were informed that they are easily governed, and learn quite readily, several of them being able to read quite intelligently, having only been in school a little over a year.
A portion of their tribe are on their annual hunt, but meeting with poor success. They draw an annuity of $30,000, $15,000 of which they receive in annuity goods. The balance is paid them in cash, semi-annually.
We were shown Indians, who, two years ago, were the wildest of their tribe, but who are now wearing citizens’ clothes, and are evidently anxious to settle down to farming pursuits and follow the “white man’s road.”
The health of the tribe is not so good as on their old Reservation, owing probably to the change of climate. Their sanitary interests are cared for by Dr. Lamb, a very pleasant gentleman and a thorough practitioner.
Agent Burgess has had charge of the tribe for three years, and under his efficient management it is evident the Indians are making rapid strides toward civilization, which is nothing more than a just recompense for his efforts, as he is heartily engaged in his work, and certainly has a very rational method of dealing with his “children,” and if permitted to continue his administra­tion a few years, we may expect to see them become self-sustaining.J. L. S.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 9, 1876.
                                                       Cowley County Bank.
A. A. Newman, President, W. M. Sleeth, Vice President; H. P. Farrar, Cashier and Secretary. Stockholders Meeting: W. M. Sleeth, T. H. McLaughlin, R. C. Haywood, H. O. Meigs, and A. A. Newman elected Directors for the year.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 9, 1876.
                                                         Railroad Meeting.
A MEETING of the citizens of this place was held at H. O. Meigs’ office, on last Wednesday evening, to elect delegates to the Railroad Convention to be held at Topeka Monday, February 7th, and canvass matters concerning railroads generally.
Judge Christian was elected Chairman, and C. M. Scott, Secretary.
A letter was then read by Hon. S. P. Channell, and remarks made by Rev. S. B. Fleming, Dr. J. T. Sheppard, and others.
On motion S. P. Channell and H. O. Meigs were elected delegates to attend the Convention at Topeka, and L. McLaughlin, Rev. Fleming, O. P. Houghton; T. H. McLaughlin, James Benedict, L. C. Wood, Judge Christian, C. R. Mitchell, C. M. Scott, Wm. Brown, Geo. Harmon, P. J. Davis, J. W. Hutchinson, I. H. Bonsall, and some others, delegates to the mass Convention at Winfield. On motion the Band was invited to go, and a Committee appointed to see that their expenses were defrayed. After some discussing of different projects, the meeting adjourned.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 9, 1876.
S. P. Channell, Mayor of this city, is at Topeka, looking after our railroad interests.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 9, 1876.
BIRTHDAY PRESENT. A number of the friends of Miss Georgie Sherburne gathered at her place of residence last Wednesday evening for the purpose of presenting tokens of appreciation, when to the surprise and gratification of all, a fine, seven and one-fourth octave piano, worth $700 (A. M. McPhall, Boston, Mass., manufacturer) was brought in as a present from her brother, Joseph. The surprise was a complete success, and the presents gorgeous.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 9, 1876.
                                               EXPRESSION OF THANKS.
I wish to express my feelings to the friends who so kindly remembered me on the evening of February 2, 1876, by giving them my warmest thanks for the beautiful gift presented to me on that occasion. To those present when the gift was bestowed, and those absent who were participants in it, I would say I feel certainly highly honored by your kind remem­brance, and shall look back to that evening as one of the happi­est of my life. You all have my best wishes. May much happiness be yours. G. B. SHERBURNE.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 9, 1876.
At the annual meeting of the stockholders of the Cowley County Bank yesterday W. M. Sleeth, T. H. McLaughlin, R. C. Haywood, H. O. Meigs, and A. A. Newman were elected Directors for the year: A. A. Newman, President; W. M. Sleeth, Vice President; H. P. Farrar, Cashier and Secretary.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 9, 1876.
MAYOR: S. P. CHANNELL.
COUNCILMEN: H. GODEHARD, E. D. BOWEN, J. H. SHERBURNE, J. T. SHEPARD, I. H. BONSALL.
POLICE JUDGE: T. McINTIRE.
STREET COMMISSIONER: GEORGE McINTIRE.
CITY CLERK: I. H. BONSALL.
                                                                      ---
SCHOOL BOARD.
DISTRICT NO. 2. ARKANSAS CITY.
H. O. MEIGS.
S. P. CHANNELL.
T. H. McLAUGHLIN.
PROF. E. W. HULSE - PRINCIPAL.
MISS LILLIAN NORTON - ASSISTANT.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 16, 1876.
SEVEN car loads of agricultural implements were received at the depot during the past week. One car load went down into Cowley County. Beacon.
Three cars were for Channell & Haywood, of this place.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 16, 1876.

The Beethoven Society gave one of their musical feasts at the schoolhouse, last Saturday evening, at which many were present. The exercises consisted of vocal and instrumental music of the highest order, and were exquisitely rendered and duly appreciated. PROGRAM LISTED. #15 WAS “HARK!  APOLLO STRIKES THE LYRE.”  PARTICIPANTS:  C. R. SIPES, WILL MOWRY, PROF. HULSE, MRS. C. R. MITCHELL, E. D. BOWEN, E. R. THOMPSON, MISS SHERBURNE, MRS. NEWMAN, MRS. R. A. HOUGHTON, MRS. R. C. HAYWOOD. The receipts of the evening were $18.90, a portion of which will be given to the school bell fund.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 16, 1876.
S. P. Channell returned from Topeka, last Thursday, where he had been as a representative of this place on the Narrow Gauge proposition from Kansas City and Emporia to Arkansas City. On the way he met Mr. J. C. Fuller, who represented Winfield, and the two represented Cowley County. Owing to a bill pending before the House of Representatives in the State Legislature, to amend the bond law, it was deemed best not to organize the company until the result of the bill was known; and the matter, for the present, is postponed. Mr. Fuller states that the people in the northern part of the State express more confidence and assurance that we are to have a road, than we ourselves do, but that is not to be wondered at, as they have not experienced so many buncomb propositions. All agree we are to have a road soon.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 16, 1876.
SHERBURNE & CO.’s thirty days offer, to sell goods at cost, closes next Saturday evening. Make your purchases as soon as possible.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 23, 1876.
Houghton & McLaughlin are sending vast quantities of wheat to Wichita every week.  The firm does an immense trade for the border, and deal largely in grain.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 23, 1876.
MR. NEWMAN has a $225 pony team—the prettiest to be found in this vicinity.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 23, 1876.
The second day after J. H. Sherburne & Co. published their double column advertisement in the TRAVELER, they sold $900 worth of goods. Nothing like advertising.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 23, 1876.
YES WE WILL CONTINUE OUR SALE AT THE EXTREMELY LOW PRICES You have all seen or heard of FOR THIRTY DAYS MORE. COME AND SAVE YOURSELVES 25 PERCENT BY PURCHASING WHAT YOU NEED WHILE YOU CAN BUY SO CHEAP!
                                                   J. H. SHERBURNE & CO.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 1, 1876.
Work continues on Newman’s and Channell & Haywood’s block; it will cost near $7,000 when completed.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 1, 1876.
Men are at work on the foundation of Mr. O. P. Houghton’s house.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 15, 1876.
A correspondent for the Traveler, known as “Observer,” made the following comments concerning some local firms. [We believe Observer was C. M. Scott.]
Some 2,000 bushels of wheat were shipped from our town in one day by Houghton & McLaughlin.

One firm in this city—Channell & Haywood (and they are not Grange agents, either)—
sold during the past summer and fall 25 wagons, 85 plows, 42 reapers and mowers, 45 cultivators, 3 threshing machines, 10 wheat drills, 6 seeders, 15 sulky rakes, 2 sorghum mills, 10 fanning mills, besides a large number of small farming implements. It is no uncommon sight to see 40 or 50 farm wagons in our town in a day.
And every once in awhile, our merchants send large amounts of flour into the Indian Nation to feed the noble red man and his interesting family. In one week, Channell & Haywood, the firm above alluded to, sent over 20,000 pounds of flour to the Sac & Foxes.  Newman & Co., the same week sent 25,000 pounds on an 800,000 pound contract with the Osages.
[COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.]
Arkansas City Traveler, March 15, 1876.
                                           ARKANSAS CITY, March 13, 1876
Adjourned regular meeting.
Present, S. P. Channell, Mayor; J. H. Sherburne, H. Godehard, and I. H. Bonsall, Councilmen.
Report of Finance Committee, on report of Treasurer, re­ceived and accepted, and Treasurer’s report found correct, was, on motion, accepted. Moved and seconded that an ordinance be passed to pay for printing 2,500 circulars ordered by previous meeting; also to appropriate money to pay E. B. Kager for servic­es as city attorney in adjusting back taxes on lots deeded to the city by the Town Company; also an ordinance for general purposes. Carried by unanimous vote. S. P. Channell, Mayor, recommended W. J. Gray for City Marshal. Moved by J. H. Sherburne, seconded by H. Godehard, that he be confirmed on condition that he serve as Marshal without salary further than the fees of the office; carried by unanimous vote. Moved and seconded to adjourn, carried.
                                                   S. P. CHANNELL, Mayor.
I. H. BONSALL, City Clerk, attest.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 15, 1876.
FURNITURE. L. McLaughlin has the largest stock of furniture in Cowley County, and proposes to sell at bottom rates. Call in and see the new styles of parlor furniture and the old style kitchen chairs.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 22, 1876.
A. A. Newman purchased the entire stock of Sherburne & Stubbs last week, and moved all but the groceries to his store room. We learn that R. A. Houghton purchased the groceries of Mr. Newman and intends keeping a grocery store. He has engaged Mr. S. J. Mantor to take charge of the groceries.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 5, 1876.
Mr. Newman and Silas Parker visited the noble nomads of the far West, at the Kaw Agency this week.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 5, 1876.

T. H. McLAUGHLIN went East to purchase their spring and summer stock of goods this morning. Since this firm has adopted the cash in hand system, they expect to offer better inducements than ever before, at rates that will surprise the public. They do an immense business and can handle goods at a very small profit. Their stock is yet large and complete, and for cash, you can buy as cheap or cheaper of them than any house in Cowley County, Independence, or Wichita.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 5, 1876.
MR. A. A. NEWMAN left this morning for New York and Boston, where he will purchase his spring and summer stock of Dry Goods. His present stock is a very large one, and when the new one comes on, it will evidently be the largest in Cowley County. Mr. Newman is a merchant of many years experience, and knows when and where to meet a good market.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 12, 1876.
The dam at Newman’s mill has been in danger for several days past.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 12, 1876.
                                                                 TREES.
The finest lot of fruit and shade trees that our attention has been called to in this vicinity is to be seen in the rear of Houghton & McLaughlin’s store, under the control of Mr. Trissell, agent of the Rose Hill Nursery, of Chetopa. The trees were put on the ground last Monday, being six wagon loads in all, and during the first two days one-half of the lot were delivered. He has the largest growth of one-year-old trees you have seen.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 12, 1876.
J. L. STUBBS is at present clerking in George Newman’s store in Emporia.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 26, 1876.
We noticed two wagon loads of new furniture coming in last Saturday for L. McLaughlin. He can furnish a full outfit of parlor and kitchen furniture.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 26, 1876.
                                                              New Houses.
More new houses are under construction in this place now than we have seen since the second year of its settlement. Newman and Channell & Haywood are building two two-story store rooms, with 50 feet front by 100 feet deep, of brick.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 26, 1876.
O. P. Houghton is building a two-story brick.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 26, 1876.
The ladies of the First Presbyterian Social Society will meet at the house of O. P. Houghton, at 2 o’clock p.m., today. All are invited to attend.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 3, 1876.
                                                STEAMBOAT IS COMING
                                                                   -AND-
                                                  R. A. HOUGHTON & CO.
Are on hand with the Largest Stock of Staple and Fancy Groceries, Provisions, Stoneware, etc., you have seen in the City.
                                              Tobaccos and Teas a Specialty!
Our stock of Teas is the largest ever brought to this market, and will be sold lower than ever before, and cheaper than any house in the Valley. Drop in and see us.

Store at J. H. Sherburne’s old stand, one door south of City Hotel, and opposite the Cowley County Bank.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 10, 1876.
NEW GOODS this week at Houghton & McLaughlin’s and A. A. Newman’s.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 10, 1876.
The Ladies’ Society of the Presbyterian Church will meet at Mr. A. A. Newman’s this afternoon at 2 o’clock.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 17, 1876.
MR. AND MRS. CHANNELL will rusticate this summer in the East. Also, Mrs. Newman.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 17, 1876.
The store room of A. A. Newman is crowded to overflowing with his new stock of goods, and the tongues and heels of the proprietor and three clerks are almost constantly in motion. They have everything in the dry goods line, at prices lower than ever, new hats, new shoes, new dress patterns, new clothing, and all the new spring and summer goods are piled up to the ceiling. Call in before the goods are put on the shelves or stowed under the counter if you want to see a model stock.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 17, 1876.
HOUGHTON & McLAUGHLIN’s new goods have been coming in for the past week by the wagon load, and they now have their counters and shelves full of the late styles of prints, calicoes, and fine dress goods; with an elaborate display of fancy laces, trimmings, and notions. Their stock of clothing, boots and shoes, hats and caps, as usual is very large and will be sold at fair prices.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 24, 1876.
Newman & Co. Sold $500 worth of goods last Saturday.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 24, 1876.
                                                                  Clocks.
Houghton & McLaughlin have a fine assortment of wooded and metal frame clocks, which are curiosities as well as ornaments and valuable time pieces.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 24, 1876.
The dam at Newman’s Mill has been washed around on the west side so that the whole current of the river passes through the break. They are at work on it, and expect to have it repaired soon. With the Walnut River Bridge being gone, things look desolate about the mill at present.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 31, 1876.
R. C. Haywood has been wrestling with an attack of rheuma­tism, or something similar thereto.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 7, 1876.
A crib has been put in at Newman’s mill, and they will grind soon.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 7, 1876.
The crossing is bad and dangerous at the ford at Newman’s mill. We know it.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 14, 1876.

A wagon load of fish was left on dry land when the bank washed out from the dam at Newman’s Mill, last Sunday. Mr. Newman has charge of the Water Mills on the Walnut once more, and will see that all who come with grists are accommodated.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 14, 1876.
Mr. Newman has charge of the Water Mills on the Walnut once more, and will see that all who come with grists are accommodated.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 14, 1876.
GONE EAST. Mrs. Newman, Mrs. Haywood, and S. P. Channell and wife left for oriental quarters this week.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 14, 1876.
S. P. Channell left last Monday for Philadelphia to take in the Centennial Exhibition, in charge of his wife and baby, two ladies, one child, four Saratoga trunks, three bandboxes and baskets, besides parasols, shawls, etc. We sympathize with him at the times of changing cars, and when the demands for cold tea, hot coffee, and the numerous little wants are made known.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 21, 1876.
MRS. SHERBURNE and daughter took their departure for Phil­lips, Maine, last Monday, where they expect to remain some time. They leave many warm friends at this place, who regret their absence.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 28, 1876.
H. P. FARRAR let the contract for his house last week to Embry & Parker. It is to be 20 x 26 feet, and erected on the lot just south of A. A. Newman’s. The builders do all the work and turn over the key ready for occupancy.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 5, 1876.
Channell & Haywood were awarded the contract to supply ten plows, ten sets of harness, and other articles to the Kaw Indians.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 5, 1876.
Channell & Haywood’s new store room will be completed, and the goods moved in within the next two weeks. Mr. Newman expects to move in his new room this fall.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 5, 1876.
40 Head of two-year-old cattle for sale by Houghton & McLaughlin.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 12, 1876.
                                                  REAL ESTATE AGENTS.
C. R. Mitchell and O. P. Houghton have formed a partnership, and this week open an office to buy and sell real estate in this and adjoining counties. We know of no two men we could more fully recommend to the public than these gentlemen. Settling in an early day, they are familiar with the country, and know where to buy cheapest. Mr. Mitchell is a prominent attorney, and Mr. Houghton a thorough businessman of years’ experience. We recommend them to the public generally.
[FOURTH OF JULY.]
Arkansas City Traveler, July 12, 1876.

Animated by that spirit of independence which characterized our patriot sires of old, a small party of Arkansas City Fourth of July-ers turned their backs upon the great show at Winfield, and started for the Territory; where upon the broad prairies, by the sparkling waters of the Shilocco, we might have room to “spread” ourselves, and liberty to partake of the Legislature’s forbidden fruit for which we all had an “orful hankerin’.” Our objective point was the spring—everybody knows where that is. We left town at 8:30, with banners flying, and at 9:15 passed the State line and beyond the limits of the game law. And right here I would like to call the attention of the authorities to a system of lawlessness that exists along the border, which if persisted in will disgrace us as a community, and cause great annoyance to the Government.
I allude to the disgraceful conduct of Polk Stevens et al., in cutting up the State line and using the pieces for well ropes, lariats, etc.
After passing into the Territory, O. P. Houghton, E. D. Eddy, Kendall Smith, Henry Mowry, and others, armed with double barrel shot guns and dogs—I mean dogs and double barrel shot guns—started out to hunt for game, while the rest of the party went to look for the spring, which (everybody knowing exactly where it was) we found immediately. Here we corralled our wagons, and to the tops thereof stretched wagon covers, and soon had a comfortable tent commodious enough to cover our whole party of fifty. The next thing in order was to prepare the “wittles.”  L. McLaughlin’s pony express came in on time bringing a game sack full of game, consisting of young quails, snipes, woodpeckers, and prairie chickens of all ages, from the newly bedged with parts of its late domicile hanging to them to the toothless old hen of “ye olden time.”  Eddy, under the supervision of Mrs. Houghton and Mrs. L. McLaughlin, cooked the game in a very satisfactory manner, while Tyler McLaughlin, as chief cook of the coffee department, covered himself all over with glory and cinders.
Kendall Smith and Jim Benedict roasted three pecks of wormy sweet corn, and Mrs.—candor compels me to say it—Mrs. Meigs ate it. Evidently the author of “Ten Acres Enough” had never seen Mrs. Meigs eat roasting ears. Other parties disposed of grub in the same proportion, but the undersigned sat between Jim Benedict and the “picter” man, and as a consequence, went home hungry, and “Oh! how dry I was.”
After dinner we had a patriotic song by Mrs. Alexander and O. P. Houghton, and an eloquent address by E. D. Bowen, M. D. The toast, “The flag of our Union: long may it wave, from Kansas to Maine and Georgi(e)a,” was responded to by E. D. Eddy. Mrs. Alexander was the life and spirit of the party (she carried the spirit in a bottle). After our patriotism had effervesced, T. H. McLaughlin set up the lemonade, and we started for home. On the way Mrs. L. McLaughlin unfolded some blood curdling panther “tails” of the early days in the backwoods. Just as the Centennial sun sank to rest, we returned to our homes, with a feeling of pity for those people of limited means who could not afford to travel, but were compelled to put up with the skeetery and weedy woods of Winfield.
                                                        ANNIE VERSARY.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 19, 1876.
O. P. Houghton is building a granary, 20 by 30 feet, with a capacity for over 3,000 bushels of wheat.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 19, 1876.
Houghton & McLaughlin intend putting 335 acres in wheat this fall.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 26, 1876.

CHANNELL & HAYWOOD’s new building will be formally opened next Friday night, and a jolly good time will be had. Come one, come all.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 26, 1876.
As is generally known by this time, a harvest dance will be given in Channell & Haywood’s new building next Friday evening, July 28. All persons who take pleasure in tripping the light fantastic toe should avail themselves of this opportunity to enjoy the good social time guaranteed. Numbers can be purchased of Billy Gray for only seventy-five cents each.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 26, 1876.
The money has been subscribed, and a sail and row boat fitted out to go down the Arkansas, with Messrs. McLaughlin and Chamberlain as voyageurs. Their purpose is to meet Mr. Hoyt and the steamboat, and return with them.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 26, 1876.
Last Saturday morning witnessed the departure of one of our most respected citizens. By stage Coony Sherburne and his son, Joe, left for their far-away home in the East. Joe is to be shipped back in the course of a few weeks, which will in a measure reconcile us to the loss of Coony.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 26, 1876.
NEWMAN’S mill is grinding again.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 26, 1876.
Notice. At last! The Arkansas City Water Mills are now prepared to do custom grinding. All work done in short order, and satisfaction guaranteed. Bring in your grists. A. A. Newman.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 9, 1876.
Messrs. McLaughlin and Chamberlain, who left this place in a sail and row boat the 25th of July, arrived at Fort Gibson August 1st. They intend coming back with the “Gen. Wiles.”
Arkansas City Traveler, August 9, 1876.
We are informed that Mr. A. A. Newman has offered to build the piers of the old bridge four or five feet higher if the township will bear the expense of putting a new bridge across.  This is an offer our people cannot afford to ignore, as the expense on their part will be slight—a mere song, in fact—compared with that of building a new one entire. Considerable of the iron and other material of the former structure can be utilized with little work, thus throwing a large portion of the cost on Mr. Newman. Our businessmen should not remain blind to their interests any longer, but see to it that the bridge is built, either through the voting of bonds or private subscriptions, as its absence only serves to drive trade to Winfield. It can hardly be called policy to save at the spigot and lose at the bung.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 16, 1876.
Newman received thirty ponies from the Territory last week.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 16, 1876.
WELL! Who’d ‘a’ thunk? S. P. CHANNELL, our City Pap, returned from the Centennial last Saturday, bringing his large and interesting family with him, much improved by the trip.
      Arkansas City Traveler, August 23, 1876.

We met R. C. Haywood and H. P. Farrar at Wichita last week, on their way East. Mr. Haywood goes to Maine and Mr. Farrar as far as Illinois.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 23, 1876.
L. McLaughlin writes from Little Rock, Arkansas, that they would “fire up and start the boat for this place in one hour.” We suppose that by this time they are well on the way.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 23, 1876.
RUNAWAY. Monday afternoon O. P. Houghton, E. D. Eddy, and Revs. Fleming and Croco, went out in search of what they might annihilate, and found a flock of chickens. Mr. Eddy fired, whereupon the horses took fright, jumped up and down, straddled the pole of the wagon, broke it off, and started to run. Eugene, thinking mother earth a more desirable stopping place than soaring in the air, landed safely. Rev. Croco endeavored to, and partially succeeded. Rev. Fleming, with his usual tenacity, held off until the vehicle crossed a rut, when he got out suddenly. O. P. Houghton held on until the team was checked, when he expressed himself gratified that he had not ended the career of one deacon and two ministers.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 30, 1876.
H. P. FARRAR has returned.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 30, 1876.
The store room of Channell & Haywood is now completed and the goods will be moved in this week. It is one of the neatest stores and comprises one of the largest stocks of hardware to be found in the Southwest.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 30, 1876.
R. A. Houghton returned from Caldwell last week. We noticed his storeroom full of customers last Saturday, and concluded that Rube has all he can attend to at home.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 30, 1876.
O. P. HOUGHTON is a Notary Public.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 30, 1876.
                                                           STEAMBOAT.
Mr. Hoyt, A. Chamberlain, and L. McLaughlin returned from Little Rock last week, and Allen Mowry and the pilot are expected soon. It was found that the boat with its present power could not come farther on account of the strong current over the rapids above Little Rock. A new engine is to be put on and another trial made soon. The pilot reports good water all the way down, and the only difficulty is insufficient power. Parties at Little Rock offer to put on the additional engine, and take an interest in the boat in order to make the enterprise a success, or put a boat of their own on the river as soon as one can be built, and run the two. Mr. Hoyt deserves great credit for the effort made to bring the boat up. His health failing, he was compelled to come home, and is at present down with the Arkansas chills.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 30, 1876.
The Ladies’ Society of the Presbyterian Church will meet on Wednesday, August 30, at 2 o’clock p.m., at the residence of Mr. L. McLaughlin.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 30, 1876.
FALL BARLEY. Some choice fall barley for sale at Houghton & McLaughlin’s and S. P. Channell & Co. Call early and secure it at once.
Winfield Courier, September 2, 1876.
                                            [Item from Arkansas City Traveler.]

Arkansas City has the most enterprise, the wealthier merchants, and one newspaper well supported by her businessmen. Her merchants advertise extensively, and are drawing a large trade which naturally belongs to Winfield. One firm, A. A. Newman & Co., have the government contract to furnish Pawnee Agency with 750,000 pounds of flour, delivered at the Agency. This, besides aiding our wheat market, will furnish employment for a large number of teams. The distance is ninety miles.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 6, 1876.
                                                            Flour Contract.
Mr. A. A. Newman has been awarded another contract to supply the Pawnee Indians with 30,000 pounds of flour. The contract is not so large this time, but more are expected.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 6, 1876.
CHANNELL & HAYWOOD occupy their new building as a store room now.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 6, 1876.
GONE EAST. T. H. McLAUGHLIN is rusticating about New York and Boston, and laying in a supply of fall and winter goods for this market. We can expect something nice in the goods line, when Mc. returns. He will take in the Centennial before returning.
[HAYES AND WHEELER CLUB.]
Arkansas City Traveler, September 6, 1876.
A meeting was called to form a Hayes and Wheeler club on Friday evening, September 1, at E. B. Kager’s office. Wm. Sleeth was chosen chairman of the meeting. On motion S. P. Channell was elected President of the club; C. M. Scott, Vice President; C. R. Mitchell, Secretary; I. H. Bonsall, Corresponding Secretary; W. S. Hunt, Treasurer.
Wm. Sleeth, E. R. Thompson, and H. P. Farrar were appointed as committee on constitution and by laws.
On motion E. B. Kager, Geo. Allen, Wm. Sleeth, A. W. Patterson, and W. D. Mowry were appointed an executive committee.
On motion E. R. Thompson, H. G. Bentley, and W. D. Mowry were appointed a committee on music, with power to form a glee club.
Moved and seconded that the proceedings of this meeting be published in the TRAVELER; also a notice of the next meeting of the club, and an invitation extended to all Republicans in the country adjoining to join the club.
After listening to remarks from Messrs. Kager, Scott, Rev. Thompson and others, the meeting adjourned, to meet Thursday night, September 7. S. P. CHANNELL, Pres.
C. R. MITCHELL, Sec’y.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 13, 1876.
                                      A HAPPY DAY FOR ARKANSAS CITY.
                   Indian Contracts Awarded to Newman, Channell, and Haywood,
                                          To the Amount of $40,000 and Over.
We learn by letter that the bids of A. A. Newman, Haywood (of Channell & Haywood), and McLaughlin (of Houghton & McLaughlin), for flour and transportation to the different Agencies south of us have been accepted as follows.
For Sac and Fox Agency, delivered there in indefinite quantities, at $2.48 per 100 lbs., and the following quantities to be delivered at the respective agencies:

For the Kiowa, 220,000 lbs. at $3.29.
For the Wichita, 80,000 lbs. at $3.29.
For the Pawnees, 200,000 lbs. at $2.23.
For the Cheyennes and Arapahos, 260,000 lbs. at $2.97.
For the Osages, indefinite quantity, at $2.19 per 100 lbs.
This will give a cash market for wheat at our very doors, freighting for a number of teams, and employment to many men, and build up for the town a business greater than known before.
Mr. Thomas Lannigan, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, has the contract for beef, and will purchase largely in Cowley and Sumner counties. His contract is for beef on the hoof, at $3.73-1/2 for 3,000,000 lbs.; Wichita, 550,000 lbs.; Osage, 500,000 lbs.; Pawnee, 1,500,000 lbs., at $3.56.
With the prospect of the Walnut Valley Railroad, the steamboat that is now on its way, and the general prospects for good crops, we look forward to a bright dawn of the future.
[INDIAN COMMISSIONERS.]
Arkansas City Traveler, September 20, 1876.
St. Louis, Sept. 8. The Board of Indian Commissioners completed their labors here today, and most of them left for home tonight. They will go to New York, where the proposals for clothing, etc., will be received and contracts awarded.
Contracts were awarded here to the following parties.
Beef on the hoof: Thomas Lanigan, Arkansas; Mr. Rosenthal, Santa Fe; Messrs. Park, Armour & Co., Chicago; Castner & Spencer, St. Paul; James E. Page, Sioux City.
Bacon: W. E. Richardson & Co., St. Louis; Armour & Co., Chicago.
Corn: F. H. Davis, Omaha.
Flour: C. E. Hodges, Sioux City; Castner & Spencer, St. Paul; N. P. Clark, St. Cloud; N. W. Welles, Schuyler, Neb.; J. G. McGannon, Seneca; Messrs. Newman, Haywood & McLaughlin, Arkansas City; W. S. Spleidgelberry, Santa Fe; and Newman, St. Louis.
Hardbread: James Gameau & Co., St. Louis.
Soap: Goodwin, Beher & Co., St. Louis.
Transportation: Northern Pacific Railroad; D. I. McCann, Omaha; John A. Charles, Sioux City; M. Brunswick, Chicago; A. Staab, Pueblo; Col. Enagle, Cheyenne; Ed. Fenlon, Leavenworth; D. H. Nichols, Cheyenne; O. Hecht, Cheyenne.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 20, 1876.
                    MITCHELL & HOUGHTON [C. R. Mitchell/O. P. Houghton]
                                       Real Estate Agents and Notaries Public.
                                      Will buy and sell Real Estate on Commission.
We have for sale CHEAP LANDS, TOWN LOTS, AND FARMS. Improved and unimproved; also, business and dwelling houses for sale and for rent. We will loan and invest money and pay taxes for foreign parties, furnish abstracts or titles, make conveyanc­es, and do a general Land Office business. GIVE US A CALL.
                   Office upstairs, opposite the City Hotel, Arkansas City, Kansas.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 27, 1876.

O. P. Houghton sold Houghton & McLaughlin’s half-section farm in Bolton Township last week for $2,500. It has 250 acres broken, and ready for wheat.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 27, 1876.
                                                               Mashed Up.
S. P. Channell and H. P. Farrar had a mash up in their buggy as they left town Thursday evening, to attend the steamboat meeting at Theaker’s. The particulars were something like the following. They started out about dark, and going down the slope near Dr. Leonard’s, the king bolt of the buggy broke, letting the fore wheels from under the front, and throwing the occupants on their heads to the ground. Mr. Channell had one rib broken, and Mr. Farrar was bruised. Silas Ward was riding horseback a short distance ahead, and when the horses were running, could not get out of the way quick enough, and was struck in the back with the buggy pole, and landed on his head. His horse then jumped in a post hole; and it, too, elevated its heels in the air. For a second, three men and one horse were wrong end up and in a bad condition, but finally all settled down with no serious injury, except Mr. Channell, who probably laughed more at the fun then all the rest.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 4, 1876.
Work continues on Newman’s upper story of the brick building.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 11, 1876.        
A. A. NEWMAN returned with his family last Saturday evening.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 11, 1876.        
R. C. HAYWOOD and wife returned last Thursday from the East, taking in the Centennial on their way.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 11, 1876.
Mr. Newman has purchased an immense stock of goods this fall, that he expects to trade for wheat. He says he has a suit of clothes for every man in town.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 11, 1876.
                                                            Cash for Wheat.
Newman, Haywood, and McLaughlin want 20,000 bushels of No. 3 and 4 wheat at once, for which they will pay the cash.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 11, 1876.
                                                                  Fort Sill.
J. M. Jordon started for Fort Sill last Friday with a load of flour to deliver on Newman’s contract. Silas Ward went with him. He expects to remain in the Territory to work.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 18, 1876.
NEWMAN has blocked the sidewalks and half the streets with his new goods.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 18, 1876.
HOUGHTON & MC. have goods, trunks, groceries, and everything piled sky high in and about their store.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 18, 1876.
                                                            FREIGHTING.
NEWMAN, McLAUGHLIN, and HAYWOOD have fifty teams freighting between this place and the Indian Agencies in the Territory. Two or three trips pays for a new Kansas wagon.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 18, 1876.

WOOD! WOOD! Sealed bids for 20 cords of hard wood—oak, walnut, or hackberry—cut and split, two feet in length, will be received at the District Clerk’s office until the 25th of Octo­ber, 1876; said wood to be delivered and corded up on the grounds of School District No. 2, Arkansas City, and measured by the School Board.
                                                       T. H. McLAUGHLIN.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 25, 1876.
S. P. Channell sold his interest in the hardware store to R. C. Haywood last Monday.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 25, 1876.
O. P. Houghton started to Cheyenne Agency, Monday morning, in a light wagon. Rev. Fleming accompanied him.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 25, 1876.
Persons with teams, wanting employment, can find it by calling on Newman, Haywood, and McLaughlin at this place.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 25, 1876.
The crowd at Newman’s store is astonishing. They have worn a hole through the floor where they go in and out, and it is so crowded that goods have to be handed out to customers.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 25, 1876.
The largest sale of merchandise ever made in this place was on last Saturday. Newman, and Houghton & McLaughlin retailed $500 worth each, and in the evening Mr. Newman sold $1,000 worth at wholesale.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 1, 1876.
A yoke of oxen were driven in town last Saturday and offered for sale. As the owner was leading them along, E. B. Kager asked S. P. Channell: “What will you give for those oxen?”  “Sixty-five dollars.” Kager stepped over to where they were and bought them for $60.00; and then turned them over to Mr. Channell, making $5.00 on the sale. Mr. Channell then traded them to Al Woolsey for a mule team, giving some boot, and Woolsey sold them to Mr. Logan for $70.00. The trades all took place in a few hours. Beesness!
Arkansas City Traveler, November 1, 1876.
The firm of Channell & Haywood is this day dissolved by mutual consent. R. C. Haywood will in the future conduct the hardware business, and collect all accounts and pay all indebtedness of the late firm.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 1, 1876.
RETURNED. Joseph H. Sherburne returned from the balmy breezes of the eastern slope last Monday, accompanied by his mother. It will gladden the hearts of many to have the family once more residents of this place.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 1, 1876.
PAY UP!  PAY UP!  All over-due notes and accounts must be paid immediately. We mean this to apply individually. HOUGHTON & McLAUGHLIN.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 8, 1876.
MR. FARRAR, of Phillips, Maine, father of H. P. Farrar, intends spending the winter here to escape the cold, chilly winds of December, of his native State.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 8, 1876.

The Indians are making sad havoc on the pecan trees in the Territory. They cut the trees to get the nuts. Pecans sell from $2 to $3 per bushel, when offered by the Indians. R. C. Haywood has sixty bushels.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 8, 1876.
A. A. Newman bought 1,700 bushels of wheat last Friday, and paid the cash for it. He purchased 1,500 bushels of J. G. Titus, who is to haul it from Winfield.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 8, 1876.
A gentleman asked A. A. Newman what he would take for his house the other day. He said $800. “Make out your deed,” the gentleman remarked. “Well, but, ah, are you in a hurry?” “Yes.” Newman responded, “I guess I don’t want to sell.”
Arkansas City Traveler, November 8, 1876.
From the Bath, Maine, Daily Times, we clip the following:
MARRIED. In Phipsburg, Oct. 11, by Rev. Wm. Hart, Eugene D. Eddy, of Arkansas City, Kansas, and Georgia B. Sherburne of Phipsburg.
In the same issue, is a lengthy article on “The Physical Training of Children,” by Dr. Chabasse. We don’t see that that has anything to do with Eugene’s marriage.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 22, 1876.
The crossing at Newman’s mill is very bad, and should be made better.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 22, 1876.
BORN. On Monday evening, November 20th, to Mr. and Mrs. Haywood, a bouncing boy of 10-1/2 pounds weight.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 22, 1876.
From the top of Newman’s building, some of the finest scenery in the west can be viewed. Go up and take a look.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 22, 1876.
Mrs. Foss, of Portland, Maine, mother of Mrs. Farrar, arrived by stage Monday night. She will spend part of the winter here.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 22, 1876.
E. D. EDDY returned with his wife (nee Miss Georgia Sherburne) last Friday morning, and was complimented by a sere­nade by the Cornet Band on Saturday evening, the members of which he invited into an oyster feast. They spent some time in the East, and before returning, visited the Centennial and other points of interest. The new bride’s unexpected return is a gratification to her many friends.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 29, 1876.
DR. KELLOGG, S. P. CHANNELL, and T. H. McLAUGHLIN are the School Board of District No. 2. The first is Director. The second is Treasurer. The last is Clerk.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 29, 1876.
The man who run his face for $52 at Houghton & McLaughlin’s, under the promise to do freighting, sold all the property he could and started for Texas last week. Wm. Berkey started soon after and succeeded in having the proper papers served that will hold him until he pays the debt.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 29, 1876.
                                                                   Skates.

R. C. Haywood has a large number of different patterns of skates, ready for this winter. Buy a pair and join the party that is to skate from this place to Winfield, the first freeze up.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 29, 1876.
                                                              Dressmaking.
Mrs. R. A. Houghton begs to inform the public that she is prepared to do dressmaking and all kinds of plain and fancy sewing. Work-room at Mrs. Godehard’s millinery store.
[COMMITTEE FOR THE CHRISTMAS TREE AND FESTIVAL.]
Arkansas City Traveler, December 13, 1876.
                                                 MANAGING COMMITTEE.
Mrs. A. A. Newman, Mrs. C. R. Sipes. Mrs. J. I. Mitchell, Mrs. Wm. Newton, Mrs. Wm. Benedict.
                                        COMMITTEE ON CHRISTMAS TREE.
Mrs. C. R. Sipes, Mrs. Dr. Shepard, Mrs. J. Breene, Mrs. R. A. Houghton, Mrs. T. Mantor, Miss M. Thompson, Mrs. L. McLaughlin, Mrs. Kennedy, Mrs. T. R. Houghton, Miss F. Skinner, Mrs. S. P. Channell, W. H. Gray, Mrs. T. H. McLaughlin, Al Mowry, Mrs. James Benedict, L. C. Norton, I. H. Bonsall.
                                                 SOLICITING COMMITTEE.
Mrs. Wm. Benedict, Mrs. C. R. Sipes, Mrs. J. I. Mitchell, Mrs. Dr. Shepard, Mrs. L. McLaughlin, Mrs. Wm. Newton.
                                                NEW ENGLAND KITCHEN.
Mrs. Mary Baker, Mrs. L. C. Norton, Mrs. I. H. Bonsall, Miss M. Houghton, Mr. T. H. McLaughlin, O. P. Houghton, Miss Bowers, Kate Hawkins, Miss Lizzie Ela, J. H. Sherburne, T. R. Houghton, Mr. Ela, J. C. Topliff.
                                                          SUPPER TABLE.
Mrs. S. B. Fleming, Mrs. Dr. Kellogg, Mrs. O. P. Houghton, Mrs. W. S. Ela, Mrs. L. McLaughlin, Mrs. T. O. Bird, Mrs. B. W. Sherburne, Mrs. E. Parker, Mrs. M. Marshall, Mrs. W. B. Skinner, Mrs. T. H. McArthur, Mrs. M. Peede, Mrs. Hartsock, Mrs. Anna Guthrie, H. P. Farrar, J. I. Mitchell, C. R. Sipes.
                                                       TEA AND COFFEE.
Mrs. J. Alexander, Mrs. V. Hawkins.
                                                          FANCY TABLE.
Mrs. E. D. Eddy, Mrs. Wm. Newton, Miss M. Greene, Miss A. Mantor, Miss Delia DeMott.
                                                          OYSTER TABLE.
Mrs. W. J. Mowry, Mrs. Wm. Coombs, Mrs. J. W. Hutchinson, Mrs. L. Theaker, Mrs. W. Packard, Mr. A. A. Newman, Mrs. R. L. Marshall, Dr. Shepard.
                                                              TABLEAUX.
Mrs. H. P. Farrar, Prof. Bacon, Mrs. A. A. Newman, W. D. Mowry.
                                                                 MUSIC.
Ed Thompson, Mrs. R. C. Haywood.
                                                             FISH POND.
Miss M. Mitchell, Miss A. Norton, Miss May Benedict, F. Hutchinson.
                                                      TO PROCURE TREE.
J. W. Hutchinson, J. J. Breene, A. O. Porter.

                                                  TO PROCURE OYSTERS.
R. C. Haywood, R. A. Houghton, E. D. Eddy.
                                                       CONFECTIONARY.
Mrs. Dr. Hughes, O. C. Skinner, E. D. Eddy.
                                                         DOOR KEEPERS.
J. D. Guthrie, Wyard Gooch.
                                                PUBLISHING COMMITTEE.
C. M. Scott, H. P. Standley, E. G. Gray.
Admission fee one pound or ten cents.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 13, 1876.
J. K. “Polk” Stevens traded his farm of 150 acres to S. P. Channell for about $1,800.  Polk contemplates moving into the Indian Territory and starting a ranch.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 13, 1876.
Mr. Newman started for Cheyenne Agency and Fort Sill this morning, in a carriage. He will be absent about two weeks.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 13, 1876.
The average market price of wheat at this place is from 55 to 75 cents per bushel; Newman, Haywood, and McLaughlin are buying.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 20, 1876.
Born, to Mr. and Mrs. S. P. Channell, Sunday, December 17th, a daughter. Weight nine pounds. Dr. Hughes was the attending physician.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 20, 1876.
                                                      The Bridge Proposition.
Next Saturday the people of Creswell Township will be called on to determine whether the Township shall issue $2,000 in bonds to rebuild the bridge across the Walnut River, at or near Newman’s Mill. The petition presented to the Township officers shows one hundred and fifty-four voters in favor of the project, and anxious for the bridge.
There is no doubt but that the bridge is almost an actual necessity, and would not only benefit the farmers both east and west of us, but would add materially to the interests of the town, and the only question to be decided is whether the people of the Township are willing to pay for it. We have experience; the drawbacks of a toll bridge, and those who denounced the ferry. The majority seem to oppose both, more especially since responsible parties have agreed to replace it, in a substantial manner, for $2,000.
[CENTENNIAL FESTIVAL: AT NEWMAN’S NEW BUILDING.]
Arkansas City Traveler, December 20, 1876.

Festival to be held at Newman’s new building, on Christmas night, Monday, December 25, 1876. Everybody and his wife are expected, and cordially invited to come. Besides the Christmas tree, there will be a charade acted by the ladies and gentlemen of Arkansas City; a Yankee kitchen in “ye olden style” with pumpkin pies and baked beans one hundred years old, fresh and nice, and a supper of modern times, with all the luxuries of the season. Fresh fish from the fish pond, caught on the spot, to order, and oysters from the Walnut. Now, young ladies, remember leap year is drawing to a close, and only a few days are left, and you should not lose the last chance you may have for four years to come. Who knows what fate may have in store for you, or what the fish pond may produce? And everybody should remember that but few of us will be on hand to attend the next Centennial festival, and make the most of this opportunity.
Come, everybody, and have a good time. The Christmas tree will be decorated in the afternoon, and persons wishing to have gifts put on the tree will please hand them to someone of the committee before 4 p.m., as there will be too much to attend to in decorating the hall to receive packages after that hour.
The committee appointed to decorate the tree is as follows:
Ladies—Mrs. Sipes, Mrs. Breene, Mrs. T. Mantor, Mrs. T. H. McLaughlin, Mrs. T. R. Houghton, Mrs. Dr. Hughes, Mrs. Dr. Shepard, Mrs. R. A. Houghton, Miss Mattie Thompson, Miss Kennedy, Miss F. Skinner.
Gentlemen—S. P. Channell, W. H. Gray, James Benedict, I. H. Bonsall, L. McLaughlin, Al. Mowry, L. C. Norton.
Anything left at Bonsall’s photograph gallery before the 25th will be taken care of and put on the tree by the committee.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 20, 1876.
HOUGHTON & McLAUGHLIN have again secured the services of JAMES C. TOPLIFF, to assist them in the store, as salesman and bookkeeper. Many friends of Mr. Topliff will be glad to have him back, to trade with.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 20, 1876.
                                                             LAST CALL!
All accounts and notes over due and unsettled on the 23rd of Dec. 1876, will be placed in the hands of the Justice for collec­tion. Take due notice thereof and govern yourselves accordingly.
                                            HOUGHTON & McLAUGHLIN.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, January 3, 1877.
Another grocery is to be opened in Pearson’s building soon after R. A. Houghton & Co. move to their new quarters.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 3, 1877.
                                                                 Sold Out.
A. A. Newman sold his entire stock of dry goods to the old reliable firm of Houghton & McLaughlin last week, and the goods are being moved to the latter’s store until Newman’s building is completed, when Houghton & McLaughlin will occupy the new room and continue as before (in spite of Indian raids, grasshoppers, or Nick himself), to be the “Old Reliable” green front store, known all over Southern Kansas as the cheapest place to buy any and all kinds of dress goods, dry goods, clothing, groceries, queensware, notions, furs, carpets, etc. They have been here from the first, and will remain to the last. Mr. Newman will now devote his whole time to his mill and Indian contracts.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 3, 1877.
                                                                   Bridge.
We learn that Mr. Newman gave a bond agreeing to complete the Walnut River Bridge for $2,000. He expects it to cost him $2,500, but is willing to pay the additional $500 rather than not have a bridge.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 3, 1877.
R. A. Houghton will remove his grocery store to the room formerly occupied by A. A. Newman, and open up another fresh lot of the best brands of sugar, coffee, tea, tobacco, flour, and all kinds of eatables.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 3, 1877.
The Masonic supper and entertainment, held in Newman’s new building on St. John’s Day, was generally acknowledged to be one of the best social gatherings that has been held within the past two years. The installation of officers took place at the church, and the ladies were conveyed to the hall while the members of the order marched thereto. After a few minutes, a bountiful supper was placed upon a table seated by more than 70 persons, and for an hour the feast continued until no one cried for more. Then followed the dance, and different games, partici­pated in by all. For those who did not wish to dance, tables with cards, checkers, and dominoes were provided, so that all could be entertained.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 3, 1877.
There were many noticeable features at the Presbyterian Festival, held on the evening of Dec. 25th. The management and execution of the charades was exceedingly well done, and all performed their parts well. Many persons were the recipients of handsome and valued presents. Among them Will. D. Mowry received a beautiful chromo in a fine frame, from the scholars of the Sunday School of which he is Superintendent, and our editor a tasty book of Whittier’s poems, from the ladies of the Presbyte­rian Society. Rev. Fleming was honored with a number and variety of tokens, and received them with great appreciation.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 3, 1877.
The Methodist Festival held on last Monday evening at Newman’s hall was largely attended by the citizens of town, and residents of the country. Many feared on account of the enter­tainment that had preceded it, that it would not be patronized as it should be, but their fears were soon at rest when they saw the numbers gathered at the hall. Everything passed off pleasantly and satisfactory, and a general good time was participated in. The oyster supper was attended by enterprising waiters, and the bivalvular mollusks served in good condition. The supper table, consisting of turkey, cakes, and numerous good things was well displayed with delicate eatables, and was generally well seated. In one corner was the Art Gallery, conducted by ladies, and in another, the Post Office, where letters could be had by paying ten cents each. The net receipts of the entertainment is esti­mated at $90, and besides being a paying institution, it was also socially a success.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 3, 1877.
The amounts of the receipts of the M. E. Festival, as handed in by one of the committee, was as follows.
Amount received for supper: $54.45.
Amount received for apples: $.90.
Amount received from Post Office: $2.53.
Amount received from cake sold at auction: $1.10.
Amount received from cake voted to oldest resident: $13.20.
Amount received from butter duck sold to highest bidder: $4.00.
Amount received from grab bag: $4.61.

Amount received from art gallery: $9.20.
TOTAL RECEIPTS: $89.99.
A picture was sold for $2.40, and other minor articles, making in all the whole amount of receipts, $92.99. The $13.20 cake was voted to Mrs. Lucy Endicott (oldest resident), and Marshall Felton re­ceived the $1.10 cake, as it was sold to the highest bidder. Mr. Dupey bid off the duck.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 3, 1877.
After the entertainment at Newman’s building, on last Wednesday evening, several persons lost some knives and forks. If they are found by any to whom they do not belong, please return them to the post office.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 3, 1877.
                                                              SOLD OUT.
A. A. NEWMAN sold his entire stock of dry goods to the old reliable firm of Houghton & McLaughlin, last week, and the goods are being moved to the latter’s store until Newman’s building is completed, when Houghton & McLaughlin will occupy the new room and continue as before (in spite of Indian raids, grasshoppers, or Nick himself), to be the “Old Reliable” green front store, known all over Southern Kansas as the cheapest place to buy any and all kinds of dress goods, dry goods, clothing, groceries, queensware, notions, furs, carpets, etc. They have been here from the first, and will remain to the last. Mr. Newman will now devote his whole time to his mill and Indian contracts.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 3, 1877.
GREAT CREDIT IS DUE MRS. A. A. NEWMAN and other members of the managing committee of the festival on Christmas night for the faithfulness with which they discharged their duties, and for their diligence in striving to make it pleasant and entertaining for the great crowd present. The proceeds of the Presbyterian Festival, after all expenses were paid, amounted to a fraction over $100.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 10, 1877.
R. A. Houghton made cash sales last Monday to the amount of over $100. He is now occupying the room one door north of the post office.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 10, 1877.
The large stock of goods of A. A. Newman & Co., some $10,000 worth, recently purchased by Houghton & McLaughlin, is now being removed to the Green Front, until the new brick store is ready for them on the opposite corner.
This, with their own stock of goods, has so crowded their store as to make it almost impossible to get around, and in order to dispose of them before spring, they offer better bargains than any other house this side of Emporia. This firm was well named “Old Reliable,” having commenced here at the first settlement of the town six years ago, occupying a small room in the building now owned by L. C. Wood, and doing mostly their own hauling.

Business began to increase on their hands so rapidly that they were obliged to have an addition to the building, in all 50 feet long. This store was occupied three years, when, their business still further increasing, they were obliged to build the present large business house, known as the “Green Front,” with several store-houses to hold their immense stock of goods, and now for the fourth time they are compelled to look for larger quarters.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 10, 1877.
The supremacy and power of mind over matter were strikingly illustrated during last Sunday’s services by the undivided attention which A. A. Newman’s dog, “Bob,” paid to Mr. Fleming’s remarks. He has evidently been the object of much careful training at home, and knows how to listen respectfully, though his exploring propensities will sooner or later lead him into difficulty.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 17, 1877.
The store house of Houghton & McLaughlin, south of the “Green Front,” has been turned into a meat shop. Henry Endicott, proprietor.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 17, 1877.
A. A. Newman has the entire contract for furnishing flour to the Pawnees, Cheyennes, etc., having purchased Houghton & McLaughlin’s, and R. C. Haywood’s interests.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 17, 1877.
Business was quite lively in town last Saturday, notwithstanding the day was very unpleasant. Houghton & McLaughlin’s store was crowded all day, making it almost impossible to get in or out.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 24, 1877.
                                                    Notice to Bridge Builders.
Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Township Officers at the office of T. McIntire until Thursday, March 1st, 1877, at 12 o’clock m., for the purpose of building the superstructure of a bridge, of either iron or wood, across the Walnut River, at or near Newman’s mill: the bridge consisting of two spans, one ninety-four feet and six inches; and the other forty-five feet and six inches in length. Plans and specifications, with bonds for the completion of the bridge, must accompany each and every bid. The Board reserving the privilege of rejecting any and all bids.
                    T. McIntire, Trustee; W. D. Mowry, Clerk, Wyard E. Gooch, Treas.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 24, 1877.
TO FT. SILL. JOSEPH SHERBURNE left for Fort Sill this morning. He expects to be absent two weeks.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 24, 1877.
75,000 pounds of flour left this place for Fort Sill last week, to supply the hungry Cheyennes and Arapahos.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 31, 1877.
R. C. Haywood has purchased the blacksmith shop formerly owned by A. O. Porter, and later by T. C. Bird. We believe Haywood will endeavor to give satisfaction.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 31, 1877.
C. M. Scott, while idly experimenting with a loaded shot gun, on last Wednesday morning, blew a hole through the partition between the post office and R. A. Houghton’s grocery, resulting in no further damage, however, than a general scare for a minute or two.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 31, 1877.

THE PUBLISHER OF THIS PAPER started for Fort Sill, last Wednesday morning, in company with J. H. Sherburne. They purpose returning in about two weeks, no preventing providence.
               [SKIPPING STORY ABOUT TRIP. IT IS IN THE INDIAN BOOK.]
Arkansas City Traveler, February 21, 1877.
                                                             RUNAWAY.
A lively runaway took place in front of our office last Thursday, creating a little stir for a short time. The team belonged to R. A. Houghton, and took fright while standing alone, untied, running around Houghton & McLaughlin’s store, and strik­ing the hub of another wagon as they passed. A number of persons followed them yelling whoa, whoa. No material damage was done.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 28, 1877.
Houghton & McLaughlin will continue the grocery trade in their old store building after they remove to Newman’s brick.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 28, 1877.
Some thief or thieves stole a rope from Theo. Houghton’s oxen, and appropriated two of A. A. Newman’s poorest ponies last week.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 28, 1877.
                                                                Look Out.
Last week two ponies were stolen from A. A. Newman’s pasture, and a bridle taken from E. B. Kager. Monday evening Charles Roseberry’s mules were loosened rather suspiciously, and a saddle and bridle was found near the rock ford of the Arkansas. Parties have been seen loitering about, with no apparent business, and a few evenings since, someone tried to break into Journey Breene’s house. Dr. Jones took up a pony that was wandering about his place, lately, which had evidently escaped from the rider as the bridle and saddle found near the ford indicate. It is rather early for horse stealing yet, but as soon as the grass is sufficient to afford feed, it will be well enough to keep a look out.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 28, 1877.
Mr. A. W. Berkey traded his farm to Houghton & McLaughlin for $2,200 worth of dry goods and will open a store in Salt City this week. His stock will be about a $3,000 one, and will be a great benefit to the residents of Salt City.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 28, 1877.
MR. FARRAR, father of H. P. Farrar, returned to his home in Phillips, Maine, yesterday.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 7, 1877.
ED. FINNEY and JOE SHERBURNE have returned from Osage Agency.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 7, 1877.
                                                        Walnut River Bridge.

A contract was made last Friday by T. McIntire, Trustee; Wyard Gooch, Treasurer; and W. D. Mowry, Clerk of Creswell Township, with Mr. J. A. Bullene, agent of the Missouri Valley Bridge Co., of Leavenworth, for a wrought iron arch span of 100 feet, and a combination Queen Truss span of 50 feet, over the Walnut River at Newman’s mill, to be completed on or before the second day of June, 1877. The bridge is to be 150 feet long, built in two spans, and have one roadway twelve feet wide in the clear, to be constructed on the Arch and Queen Truss bridge plan, for which the Township Trustee, for and on behalf of Creswell Township, agrees to pay $2,000 in ten years, ten percent, township bonds, and $200 in township warrants payable; one-half on February 1st, 1878, and one-half February 1st, 1879; binding themselves in the penal sum of $1,000 for the faithful performance of every article of agreement.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 14, 1877.
One of Godfrey’s horses fell from the little bridge near Newman’s Mill last week. The harness was cut and the animal dropped into the creek, and it made its way out.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 21, 1877.
Five carpenters all busy finishing Newman’s store room.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 21, 1877.
S. P. Channell has been appointed a Notary Public for Cowley County.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 21, 1877.
MAJOR SLEETH and T. H. McLAUGHLIN visited Elk County last week on matters pertaining to the narrow gauge railway from Kansas City.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 21, 1877.
MRS. NEWMAN is visiting friends in Emporia.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 28, 1877.
A good team, harness, and wagon for sale for cash, on time, on first mortgage security. R. A. Houghton.
[BIDS FOR BREAKING AT PAWNEE AGENCY.]
Arkansas City Traveler, March 28, 1877.
Bids received March 26, 1877, for breaking 800 acres of prairie at Pawnee Agency, Indian Territory, to be completed by the 15th of June.
L. C. LONGSHORE, 800 ACRES AT $2.50.
A. W. PATTERSON, 200 ACRES AT $2.75.
FRANK WARD, 200 ACRES AT $2.50.
BERRY BROS., 200 ACRES AT $2.74.
BERRY BROS., 200 ACRES AT $2.65.
BERRY BROS., 200 ACRES AT $2.50.
THEODORE MOORE, 200 ACRES AT $3.00.
M. E. GARNER, 200 ACRES AT $2.50.
WALTER DOLBY, 200 ACRES AT $3.00.
R. A. HOUGHTON, 200 ACRES AT $2.50.
T. R. HOUGHTON, 200 ACRES AT $2.50.
HOUGHTON & McLAUGHLIN, 200 OR 400 ACRES AT $2.89.
DAVID JAY, 150 ACRES AT $2.60.
W. D. SHOW, 100 ACRES AT $5.60.
J. REED, 150 ACRES AT $2.60.
Several others from Cowley County had previously offered to break at $3.00 per acre.
Breaking to be done in a good and workmanlike manner, and as such accepted by the agent, who will present duly certified vouchers for payment to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs.
The work was awarded to the lowest bidders, in the order of the bids, except the bid of Mr. LONGSHORE, who did not wish to contract for a part only.

Frank Ward, 200 acres.
M. E. Garner, 200 acres.
R. A. Houghton, 200 acres.
T. R. Houghton, 200 acres.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 28, 1877.
A crystal wedding was held at Mr. L. McLaughlin’s last Monday evening at which many of our prominent citizens attended.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 28, 1877.
All unsettled accounts of R. A. Houghton & Co., not settled by April 20th will be placed in the hands of the Justice of the Peace for collection. We mean business and must have money.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 28, 1877.
45 acres of good corn ground for rent on liberal terms. J. H. SHERBURNE.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 3, 1877.
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Creswell Township will issue to the Missouri Valley Bridge Co. on the 1st day of May, A. D. 1877, bonds to the amount of two thousand dollars ($2,000), for the purpose of building a bridge over the Walnut River near Newman’s Mill.  T. McIntire, Trustee; Wyard E. Gooch, Treasurer; W. D. Mowry, Clerk.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 3, 1877.
NEWMAN wants all the wheat he can buy.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 3, 1877.
                                                         CITY ELECTION.
The election of city officers took place last Monday, quietly and peaceably, with the following result.
Mayor: Dr. Kellogg.
Police Judge: Jas. Christian.
Councilmen: James Benedict, H. P. Farrar, James I. Mitchell, H. Godehard, I. H. Bonsall.
There was another ticket in the field, composed of Wm. Sleeth for Mayor, Judge Christian for Police Judge, and A. A. Newman, O. P. Houghton, E. D. Eddy, J. A. Loomis, and J. T. Shepard, for Councilmen; but as one was composed of, or was generally understood to be “license” men, the issue was made “license” and “anti-license,” and the vote stood 70 for the former and 41 for the latter. Both tickets were composed of the best men of the community.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 3, 1877.
In the race for Mayor last Monday, H. D. Kellogg received 72 votes, Major Sleeth 40, and Rev. Thompson 1.
For Police Judge, James Christian received 112 votes, and Rev. David Thompson 1.
For Councilmen, Jas. Benedict received 72, E. P. Farrar 72, Jas. I. Mitchell 72, H. Godehard 71, I. H. Bonsall 71, A. A. Newman 40, O. P. Houghton 40, E. D. Eddy 40, J. A. Loomis 40, Dr. J. T. Shepard 40, Rev. Wingar 1, Rev. Swarts 1, Rev. Will York 1, L. C. Norton 1, J. C. Topliff 3, Sherb Hunt 1.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 3, 1877.

MISS MINNIE HOUGHTON returned to her home in Weld, Maine, last Monday, in company with T. H. McLaughlin.
[RAILROAD REJECTED.]
Arkansas City Traveler, April 3, 1877.
                                         The County to be Deprived of a Railroad
                                                On Account of Local Jealousies.
The following letter from the representatives of the Kansas City, Emporia and Southern Railway, to the committee who were sent from this place to overtake and confer with them, explains itself, and it is plain to all under the present disposition of some parties who claim to represent communities, if their course of action is not changed, the county will be deprived of a railroad.
                                      HOWARD CITY, KAS., March 17th, 1877.
Messrs. W. M. Sleeth and T. H. McLaughlin:
GENTLEMEN: As representatives of the company proposing to construct the Kansas City, Emporia and Southern R. R., we thought it unadvisable to submit the matter to the further consideration of the people of your county, owing to divisions arising from local jealousies. In this view we may be mistaken. As you desire, however, to have an expression of your county, we will say that if you act promptly and favorably upon the proposition, the company will build the road. (Signed) C. V. ESKRIDGE. AND J. K. FINLEY.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 11, 1877. Editorial Item.
                                                         Railroad Matters.
The committee who went from this place to Augusta, learning that Mr. Young and Gov. Eskridge intended going to Winfield to confer with the people of that place, at the urgent request of one of the citizens and a member of the Railroad Committee of Winfield, sent word for a delegation to come up to agree to a new proposition. A number went, but upon their arrival, found that no agreement could be made, as the Committee of Winfield had stated they could not entertain any proposition from the north, as they had one from the east. Mr. Young and Gov. Eskridge then came to this place and submitted the proposition to Creswell Township to build their road down the west side of the Walnut by Township aid. The same proposition will be submitted to Rock, Nennescah, Vernon, Beaver, Creswell, Bolton, and probably Pleasant Valley Townships, and if the aid is rendered, the road will be built.
In the evening a large and enthusiastic meeting was held at the church, during which a stirring speech was made by Mr. Eskridge, and remarks by Mr. Young, Rev. Fleming, Judge Chris­tian, Amos Walton, Mr. Channell, and others, after which a committee of eleven were appointed as follows, as Managing Committee, with power to appoint Finance, Canvassing, and Sub-Committees: Dr. Hughes, O. P. Houghton, C. M. Scott, A. A. Newman, James Christian, J. C. McMullen, S. B. Fleming, M. R. Leonard, Amos Walton, R. C. Haywood and S. P. Channell.
The Committee then elected Dr. Hughes, President, J. C. McMullen, Vice President, Amos Walton, Secretary, and R. C. Haywood, Treasurer. The hour being late, the Committee then adjourned.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 11, 1877.

O. P. Houghton had about eighty rods of fence destroyed by the prairie fire east of the Walnut, last Thursday.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 25, 1877.
T. H. McLaughlin returned from his Eastern trip last Saturday, having found the market to suit him in New York and Boston. He made a large purchase just in the nick of time, before the late advance caused by the European war, and promises to sell lower than ever. The goods will be here by next week.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 25, 1877.
The City Council met and organized last Saturday. Wm. Sleeth was appointed Treasurer and I. H. Bonsall City Clerk. No Marshal or Street Commissioner was appointed. The officers are: Mayor, H. H. Kellogg; Police Judge, Jas. Christian; Councilmen: James Benedict, H. P. Farrar, J. I. Mitchell, H. Godehard, and I. H. Bonsall.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 25, 1877.
There is a particular spot near Wyard Gooch’s place that the lightning strikes almost every storm. During the last month it has set the prairie grass on fire twice. Just as like as not there is a silver mine there, or some other mineral.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 25, 1877.
THE COWLEY COUNTY BANK has just purchased one of the latest improved “time locks,” at a cost of about $400. These locks are set by a clock, and cannot be opened until the time arrives that they are set to.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 25, 1877.
THOSE wishing the chains for the Marsh Harvesters can get the same by calling on me. And anyone wishing repairs for Harvesting Machines, must give their orders now, in order to be sure of them by harvest time. R. C. HAYWOOD.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 25, 1877.
CASH FOR GROCERIES. On and after April 30th, we will give no credit for groceries. Will take all kinds of country produce in exchange. HOUGHTON & McLAUGHLIN.
[RAILROAD MATTERS IN BUTLER COUNTY.]
Arkansas City Traveler, May 9, 1877.
                                              Railroad Matters in Butler Co.
                                                  AUGUSTA, May 2nd, 1877.
R. C. Haywood, Esq.
DEAR SIR: Replying to your letter of the 27th ult., I have to say that the people of the several townships in Butler County, in which propositions are submitted to vote bonds to the Kansas City, Emporia & Southern Railroad Company are generally wide awake and are deeply interested in the result. We shall vote on the propositions in a few days, and shall then know the result beyond any peradventure. But we feel confident that all the townships will vote the necessary aid to this most important enterprise, and that there will be no questions about the road being built to the south line of this county, from Kansas City, Mo., within 18 months from the time the aid is secured along the whole route to Arkansas City. But should your people fail to vote the aid, I am of the opinion the enterprise will either stop entirely, or seek an outlet in Sumner County. I have seen a number of Sumner County people within the last ten days who are very anxious to have the road built through their county.

It is a good route for the people of Southwestern Kansas, giving us easy access to the capital of our State and other Kansas cities, and brings us into close competition with Chicago, St. Louis, Baltimore, and other Eastern cities, at Kansas City, which is now the focus of railways in the West.
We have no doubt whatever of the financial standing of the men who are backing the project, nor of their good faith in the matter. If the people vote the aid along the proposed line, the railroad will be built on time and there is no question. We are as certain of that as we can be of anything that is not a finality.
It is possible one township in this county may reject the proposition; but if that should be the case, it is also as certain that the proposition will be resubmitted and carried.
Maj. E. P. Bancroft, of Emporia, is in the several townships explaining the facts to the people. He meets with great success, carrying conviction to the minds of the people. They have great confidence in his integrity as a man.
Hoping that you will be successful in your efforts to procure the aid proposed, I remain, respectfully, yours, E. L. AKIN.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 9, 1877.
Haywood sold three mowing machines to the Osage Agent this week.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 9, 1877.
                                                     Houghton & McLaughlin.
Almost from the beginning of Arkansas City, the firm of Houghton & McLaughlin has been a familiar household word with the people of Cowley and Sumner counties. Other firms have started, changed hands, and finally gave way to the grasshopper and Indian panics, yet the “Old Reliable Green Front” has pursued its onward course, until now we find them occupying a building one hundred feet long, on one side of the street, filled with dry goods, clothing, and every conceivable article of apparel, while on the opposite side is their grocery and queensware department, almost as large. Their trade is by no means confined to this county alone, but reaches far to the western border and almost to Texas. During the year 1874, their trade with the Osage Indians alone, for four months, amounted to $30,000; and since then, they have been parties to a contract with the Kaws, Osages, Pawnees, Cheyenne & Arapahos, Wichitas, Caddos, and affiliated bands, Kiowas, and Comanches. Having the advantage of buying largely, they buy cheap; and selling a large quantity of goods, they can afford to sell at a smaller margin. Last week their spring stock arrived, and it is now displayed on their avenue shelves. To all who have not seen them, or made a visit to the new store, it will pay to go.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 9, 1877.
Mr. Newman has wheat that has headed.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 9, 1877.
The work on the countering and shelving of Newman’s store room, now occupied by Houghton & McLaughlin, displays workmanship equal to any we have seen in the State. The counters are made with black walnut tops, of one board two feet in width, with oak and pecan finish, giving it a rich appearance and finish.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 9, 1877.
                                                      Worth Remembering.

We have divided our stock of goods, moving all but the groceries, queens, and glassware to the new brick store, and hereafter no groceries leave the old green front until settled for with cash or ready pay. “Please make a personal applica­tion.” Respectfully,
                                              HOUGHTON & McLAUGHLIN.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 16, 1877.
The bridge across the Walnut is to be completed by June 2nd. Work on the piers has begun and the material for the iron span is at Wichita. Mr. Bullene, of Leavenworth, has the contract.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 30, 1877.
Born, to Mr. and Mrs. O. P. Houghton, a daughter, on Thursday, May 27th.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 30, 1877.
Mr. Bullene, of Leavenworth, contractor for the Walnut River Bridge, came down last Thursday. June 2nd is the day specified that it shall be completed, but the recent high waters will detain them.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 6, 1877.
JOSEPH H. SHERBURNE started for Washington last Monday on business pertaining to Indian contracts.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 6, 1877.
WYARD GOOCH started down the Arkansas to Deer Creek last Friday in search of the bridge lately carried away.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 6, 1877.
O. P. Houghton was taken suddenly ill last Friday with a severe cramp and chill, and was considered dangerously sick for awhile.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 13, 1877.
Houghton & McLaughlin are going to put a grocery over the Arkansas. A feed stable would pay there now.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 13, 1877.
GEORGE NEWMAN, OF EMPORIA, retails more dry goods than any other house in Kansas.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 13, 1877.
                                                    Arkansas River Bridge.
BRIDGE. A talk upon bridge matters was had by our merchants yesterday afternoon, but no definite line of action was decided upon. The question of repairing the break in the bridge across the Arkansas, either by means of an iron span (which would cost some $5,000) or a pontoon bridge to join on to the half of the old bridge still standing, was warmly discussed, as was the proposition to build a pontoon bridge west of town. The most feasible scheme would seem to be to repair the old bridge, using whatever of the old timbers that could be recovered.
Mr. Wyard Gooch, the township Treasurer, made a trip down the Arkansas last week to see if any portion of the lost spans could be recovered, and reports that he found at least one-third of the missing timbers that would be available for repairs.
Many of the farmers upon whose land the timbers were left by the flood have offered to return them to the bridge site free of charge if it is decided to use them.

Something should be done in this matter at once, for in some cases portions of the lumber of the wreck have been sold. In this connection we cannot help contrasting the activity of Mr. Gooch, both at the time of the break and since, with the apathy of the Trustee, whose duty it is to look after such matters, and for which he is paid.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 13, 1877.
Notice the large mirrors in Houghton & McLaughlin’s. Mac says they will make a homely man look handsome. The editor has ordered a couple of them placed in his sanctum.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 13, 1877.
HAYWOOD’s harvesting machinery has come on and is now ready for those who want them.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 13, 1877.
THE SAW FRAME OF LIPPMANN’S MILL was lost in the river while crossing in a boat at Newman’s mill last Wednesday.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 13, 1877.
                                               CONTRACT FOR FREIGHT.
Houghton & McLaughlin have been awarded the contract for transporting Indian goods from Wichita to the Pawnee and Kaw Agencies. Edward Fenlow received the contract for hauling the goods for the Osages, and those for the Sac and Fox and their stations was awarded to D. C. Blossom, of Muskogee, Indian Territory.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 20, 1877.
Houghton & McLaughlin have a branch store on the south side of the Arkansas River.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 20, 1877.
BRIDGE. Now that the Walnut is down, we presume that no time will be lost in getting the bridge up at Newman’s mill.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 20, 1877.
Work upon the bridge piers at Newman’s Mill has been resumed and will be pushed forward to completion as rapidly as possible. If everything progresses favorably, we may expect to have the bridge in position by the middle of July.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 20, 1877.
                                                                   Rough.
Theoron Houghton had quite a time getting back to town from the Pawnee Agency, where he had been breaking. It took him ten days to make the trip, and he had to leave his team at that. M. T. Bonar started a little ahead of him, and reached and forded the Red Rock; but when Theoron arrived, an hour later, the waters had risen so that he could not ford. The serious part was that Bonar had no provisions with him and after sticking it out five days in sight of each other waiting for the waters to subside, Theoron returned to the agency and Bonar started west for the cattle trail. Nothing has since been heard of him. A party of men went in search of him on Monday and have not yet returned.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 20, 1877.
The bridge has gone, but Houghton & McLaughlin have a full line of groceries and a full assortment of staple dry goods in their new store, near the old bridge on the south side of the river. Farmers, you can get your Harvest Supplies without crossing the river.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 4, 1877.

JOSEPH H. SHERBURNE returned from Washington City last Monday. He has been absent several weeks.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 11, 1877.
Newman paid $1.57 cash for 86 bushels of old wheat lately.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 11, 1877.
Fifty grists of new wheat were ground at Newman’s mill last week.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 11, 1877.
The work on the bridge across the Walnut is delayed for want of lime.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 11, 1877.
                                                                 New firm.
Houghton & McLaughlin sold their entire stock of groceries to L. McLaughlin yesterday, who will continue business at the Green Front.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 11, 1877.
The picnic in Bolton Township, July 4th, was well attended by an intelligent class of people. R. A. Houghton, Herman Godehard, and E. D. Eddy had stands on the ground and dispensed the lemonade, ice cream, candy, etc. We might go into details, but as we have two communications on the subject, will let it pass.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 11, 1877.
FARM FOR RENT. Bottom land, about 150 acres ready for cultivation; seed furnished; good accommodations; inquire of Houghton & McLaughlin.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 11, 1877.
FOR SALE. 1 mule and harness, also a set of double harness nearly new. 1 John Deere Sulky Plow, breaker and stirrer com­plete;. nearly new, and in good order. Also 1 double harrow very little used. Inquire of Houghton & McLaughlin.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 11, 1877.
“COONEY,” Joe Sherburne’s dog, accompanied him on his return trip from Maine. The young terrier has been East about a year, and gives appearance of having enjoyed the sea breeze.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 18, 1877.
Mr. Haywood desires to thank his friends for the patronage he has received, and retires from business with the best of feelings towards all.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 18, 1877.
Mr. Channell invites all his former patrons to try him again, and assures all he will sell as cheap as anyone in Southern Kansas. S. P. Channell purchased the hardware store of R. C. Haywood yesterday, and is now ready to serve all in need of anything in his line. Mr. Haywood will devote his time to collecting accounts due him, for awhile.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 18, 1877.
CHANGE. MR. L. McLAUGHLIN has purchased the grocery depart­ment of Houghton & McLaughlin’s store, and is conducting the business at the old “Green Front.”
Arkansas City Traveler, July 25, 1877.
The bridge pier on the Walnut washed out last week. It will be rebuilt by Mr. Newman.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 25, 1877.
The chandelier of Houghton & McLaughlin’s store fell to the floor and was demolished yesterday.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 25, 1877.
NEW ADS. L. McLAUGHLIN’s and S. P. Channell’s new adver­tisements appear this week, and Berry Brothers and Houghton & McLaughlin have made a change in theirs.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 25, 1877.
AD: BERRY BROS. Continue the Grocery Business at SHERBURNE’S OLD STAND, -with a full line of- GROCERIES, QUEENSWARE, STONEWARE, AND CUTLERY. Remember the “Opposition Store.” BERRY BROTHERS.
AD: GROCERIES AND QUEENSWARE - L. McLAUGHLIN, HAVING PURCHASED THE ENTIRE STOCK OF GROCERIES, QUEENSWARE AND GLASSWARE.
I invite my friends and the public generally to call at the “Green Front” and see if I cannot save you money in anything in my line. I will endeavor to sell at the lowest prices, and furnish good articles in every line. Give me a call.
AD: This space reserved for S. P. Channell’s announcement of Hardware.
AD: GENERAL STORE. FRANK WALDO.
     Having bought Houghton & McLaughlin’s store south of the old bridge, will keep on hand a general stock of STAPLE DRY GOODS! BOOTS, SHOES AND GROCERIES, Which he will sell at the lowest possible price for cash. Call and see me.
                                                         FRANK WALDO.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 25, 1877.
                                Houghton & McLaughlin At The New Brick Corner.
 Have a large stock of dry goods, notions, ribbons, hats, caps, boots, shoes, clothing, and carpets than any other two houses in Cowley County.
Our facilities for buying are equal to any concern in the State. We bought our entire spring stock on a market from 10 to 25 percent, lower than any other house in this county, and we propose to give our customers the benefit of our great bargains. Each line of goods in our stock is more complete than the same line of goods in any other house in the county, and we guarantee better prices. Come and see, and satisfy yourselves.
                                                     Houghton & McLaughlin.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 25, 1877
A. Chamberlain has purchased the furniture store of L. McLaughlin, and will conduct the business hereafter. Mr. Chamberlain is a licensed auctioneer, and in connection with his store, will have an auction every Saturday afternoon. Bring in what you have to sell.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 25, 1877.
During the high water last Wednesday, the west pier of the Walnut River Bridge was washed away.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 25, 1877.
Mr. Bullene, representing the Missouri Valley Bridge Company of Leavenworth, was at this place last week, and wanted part payment on the Walnut River Bridge. The township officers refused to deliver any part of the bonds until the bridge was completed according to contract. Mr. Bullene has been delayed from building the bridge on account of the piers not being ready and has sustained some loss, but the bonds will not be transferred until the bridge is completed.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 25, 1877.

Mr. Channell has engaged a large space in the paper this week to tell the people what he has in the hardware line. He will go north soon to replenish his stock, and when it arrives, he will have one of the largest supplies of wagons, machines, and farming implements to be found anywhere in the Southwest. Mr. Channell always bore the reputation of selling the best hardware for the least money, and his many friends will be glad to learn that he is again in business.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 25, 1877.
A man came to Joe Sherburne to rent a house a few days ago. Joe said he had no house. “Well, they say it is yours,” said the inquirer. “Oh! You mean my stable?” “I don’t care what you call it. It is the only house I can get in town, and I want it.” Joe told him to move in, and now considers he has a house, sure enough.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 8, 1877.
Work on the pier of the Walnut River Bridge has been going steadily on for the past week. Mr. Buzzi has the contract and is doing good work. Stones two feet wide by four feet long and one foot thick are frequently put in the pier. The abutment on the east bank is also being rebuilt, and both piers being rip-rapped and built four feet higher. Mr. Gooch is overseeing the work during Mr. Newman’s absence.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 8, 1877.
Messrs. Newman and Haywood have been at Lawrence, looking after the letting of Indian contracts. We have not yet learned if they secured the award, but hope it will be let to someone that will buy the wheat in Cowley County. This year will be a risky one for wheat speculators. If the war continues in Europe, wheat will be high priced; if the war lags or ceases, it will be moderate. Parties bidding should figure on large margins.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 15, 1877.
Bids for supplies for the Indians were opened at the Central Superintendency at Lawrence Monday and contracts awarded.
Berry Bros. & Finney, Arkansas City, 2,700 bushels corn, 58 cents.
A. A. Newman, of Arkansas City, 130,000 pounds of flour at Pawnee Agency, Indian Territory, $3.15; 440,000 pounds at Kaw Agency, Indian Territory, $2.40.
Lawrence Journal.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 15, 1877.
                                                     SCHOOL MEETING.
A meeting of citizens congregated at the schoolhouse last Thursday afternoon, for the purpose of hearing the report of the school officers for the year past, and to make a levy for the support of the school the coming year. Dr. Kellogg, by virtue of his office, was legally Chairman, and T. H. McLaughlin, Secretary.
A resolution was then introduced condemn­ing the School Board for making a change of school books, which was afterwards with­drawn.
A resolution was then carried in­structing the Board not to employ any teacher as principal of the school unless he had a first class certificate, which called forth considerable discus­sion and personal remarks, ending in a very unpleasant wran­gle.

The action of many people against the School Board reminds us of a story of an old man, his son, and a mule going to town one fine summer’s day. The boy was riding the mule when they met a stranger, who shamed the boy for riding and causing his poor old father to walk. The boy then got off and let the father ride until another person was met, who growled at the old man for making his little boy walk. The old man and the boy both got on the animal then and rode in comfort until they met another man, who complained of the cruelty to the mule, remarking they should carry the animal rather than the animal should carry them. Their sympathies were excited and they bound the feet of the mule, put it across a pole, and were carrying it over a bridge, when the mule kicked and plunged and finally fell into the river and was drowned. Moral: In trying to please everyone, they damaged themselves and lost the mule.
There seems to be a disposition on the part of many to find fault with every teacher the schools have had at this place and with every member of the School Board. This disposition is growing every year. About a year ago a meeting was held that was a shame to the community, and the one the other day was little better than a row.
If the spirit manifested last Thursday continues, the result will eventually be no school at all. Many persons who complain have never visited the schools at all, and apparently take but little interest in anything but opposing the Board and teachers. If parents would visit the schools more frequently and make an effort to help the jurors and the members of the Board, there would be less dissatisfaction, and the schools would prosper far better.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 15, 1877.
                                                    INDIAN CONTRACTS.
It will be seen by an article copied from the Lawrence Journal, that Berry Brothers & Finney, of this place have been awarded the contract for furnishing 2,700 bushels of corn, and A. A. Newman 130,000 pounds of flour, to be furnished at Pawnee Agency, and 40,000 pounds of flour at Kaw Agency.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 22, 1877.
                                                               Lamp Burst.
 Early Monday evening, Mr. Gates went to the door of Channell’s Hardware Store for the purpose of buying something, and found the door locked and the inside of the store in flames. While it was being talked over how they could get in, T. H. McLaughlin came to the rescue, and planting himself back on his patent leg, gave such a kick that would shame a mule, and sent the whole pane of glass in the door in a thousand and one pieces. This made an opening large enough to get in and out of very easily, and in a few minutes the lamps were lowered and carried out, and the flames smothered. The cause of the disaster was from a lamp bursting. The only damage done was the breaking of the lamp and scorching of a plow handle and the floor. The oil from the lamp had spread over the floor, and had it not been discovered soon after, the building would have been endangered. Only a few persons were present at the time, but among them we noticed two or three candidates.
On August 29, 1877, C. M. Scott, editor of the Traveler, commented that seven years ago last Wednesday, the first edition of the newspaper was sent from the roofless shanty on the corner where Newman’s two story brick now stands.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 29, 1877.

The following is the score of the game of base ball played August 23rd, between the east and west sides of Summit Street, one of the players being A. A. Newman. [Note: Baseball was made into two words at that time.]
East Side: R. Houghton, C. Cline, J. Sherburne, A. A. Newman, Geo. Allen, J. Leonard, F. Swarts, J. Clark, and A. M. Johnson.
West Side: J. Kroenert, A. Davis, Will Mowry, H. Ward, H. Bacon, W. Alexander, Ed. Horn, Will Peed, and P. Woodyard.
Umpire: R. C. Haywood. The East Side won: 25 to 20.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 5, 1877.
While the men engaged in building the middle pier of the Walnut River Bridge were hoisting stone last week, one of the guy ropes broke and let the derrick fall. As it struck the pier, the wheel caught the arm of Richard Work, a colored man generally known as ‘Tobe,’ and cut it severely. Tobe was knocked off the pier into the river, and did not come to the surface for some time.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 5, 1877.
R. A. Houghton sold his interest in the grocery store to M. E. Welsh last week. The firm will be Mantor & Welsh, who will continue to give bargains in groceries, queensware, etc. R. A. Houghton will open a clothing store in the two-story building recently moved to Summit Street opposite the Traveler office in the spring.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 5, 1877.
250 head of stock hogs for sale, or will trade for wheat. A. A. Newman.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 12, 1877.
BASE BALL. An enthusiastic meeting was held Monday after­noon at Pearson’s Hall, for the purpose of organizing a base ball association.
The following officers were elected.
Manager: J. H. Sherburne.
Secretary and Treasurer: H. M. Bacon.
Directors: Rev. S. B. Fleming; A. A. Newman; R. C. Haywood; A. W. Berkey; L. P. Woodyard; Will Mowry.
At a meeting of the directors in the evening, a nine was selected which will play Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock, against the best second nine that can be collected.
A lively game is anticipated, and a general attendance desired. At the close of the game, the association will meet for the transaction of important business, when an opportunity for joining the same will be offered.
It is very desirable that all who are at all interested in athletic sports come at once to the front, and manifest their good will by joining the association.
The boys mean “business,” and should be well backed up. The fall campaign, though a short one, will doubtless be a warm one. Anyway, it will afford lots of fun.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 19, 1877.
                                                              SEE HERE!
All past due notes or accounts not settled before the 1st day of October will be put in the hands of an officer for collection.
                                                   Houghton & McLaughlin.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 26, 1877.

S. P. Channell has returned from Kansas City, where he went to witness the different tests of farming implements and machinery.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 3, 1877.
The piers for the Walnut River Bridge are completed. The next thing now to be built will be the approaches.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 3, 1877.
Haywood has the contract for Government freighting to Pawnee Agency.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 3, 1877.
Rube Houghton paid Caldwell a visit last week.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 10, 1877.
One of the most comfortable and convenient carriages to be seen is Channell’s phaeton that arrived last week.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 3, 1877.
                                                    FEARFUL ACCIDENT.
A few days since, Pearl, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Farrar, took a vial of ammonia from a stand in the room and drank a part of its contents. Her screams soon brought her mother to her, and Dr. Kellogg was sent for. She is now out of danger, but suffering terribly from the effects of it, as her lips and throat are badly burned.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 3, 1877.
O. P. Houghton, Tyler McLaughlin, M. S. Faris, W. J. Mowry, and S. J. Mantor have all been sick within the past ten days.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 3, 1877.
Haywood has the contract for Government freighting to Pawnee Agency.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 3, 1877.
Rube Houghton paid Caldwell a visit last week.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 3, 1877.
WILL TRADE FOR FREIGHTING—An ox wagon, and one sewing machine, and mowing machines. R. C. HAYWOOD.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 3, 1877.
HORSES, OXEN, AND WAGON FOR SALE. HOUGHTON & McLAUGHLIN.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 10, 1877.
The men to erect the Walnut River Bridge will be here in about a week. One of the members of the Missouri Valley Bridge Company was here last week, to see about the erection of the bridge across the Walnut. It will be made to span the river in two weeks.
NEW GOODS: HOUGHTON & McLAUGHLIN.]
Arkansas City Traveler, October 10, 1877.
The new goods of Houghton & McLaughlin have begun to come in, and will be received during the week. They have the greatest variety of prints of the best quality to be seen in any store in the Southwest—Wichita not excepted. For comfort and warmth, they have heavy quilts for $1.75, and winter clothing cheaper than ever. A part of their boots and shoes are on the shelf now, and the balance will be in this week. They have purchased a very large stock, and propose to sell them so as to buy again, before the winter is over. It will pay to look at their stock.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 10, 1877.

Rube Houghton offers the use of his new building, situated between Al. Horn’s and E. R. Kager’s place of business, for any entertainment the young folks want. Especially for a hop.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 17, 1877.
                                                        Proposals for Wood
                                                      School District No. 2.
Sealed bids will be received until Thursday, October 25th, for 20 cords of hard wood, cut two feet in length, and split ready for use. To be corded up on the ground at the schoolhouse, and measured by the District Board. Bids will also be received for forty-foot wood. Right to reject any or all bids reserved. By order of the Board.
                                            T. H. McLAUGHLIN, District Clerk.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, October 31, 1877.
“Born, to Mrs. And Mrs. A. A. Newman, on Tuesday morning, a son, which accounts for the unusual happiness of Mr. Newman.
LADIES’ SEWING SOCIETY: THANKSGIVING FESTIVAL.]
Arkansas City Traveler, October 31, 1877.
The following committees have been chosen by the Ladies’ Sewing Society for their Thanksgiving Festival.
                                         COMMITTEE ON ARRANGEMENT.
Mrs. R. C. Haywood, Mrs. Dr. Hughes, Mrs. Dr. Shepard, Mrs. Dr. Kellogg, Mrs. C. R. Sipes, Mrs. L. McLaughlin.
                                                          SUPPER TABLE.
Mrs. S. B. Fleming, Mrs. V. Hawkins, Mrs. E. Parker, Mrs. E. Weatherholt, Mrs. L. C. Norton, Mrs. Dr. Shepard, Mrs. DeMott, Mrs. S. Pepper, Mrs. J. L. Huey, Mrs. I. H. Bonsall.
                                                 SOLICITING COMMITTEE.
In town: Mrs. Dr. Shepard, Mrs. J. I. Mitchell.
East of the Walnut: Mrs. L. McLaughlin.
Over the Arkansas: Mrs. S. Pepper.
                                                   FOR GETTING TABLES.
O. P. Houghton, S. P. Channell, Mr. Hutchinson.
                                                 DRAMATIC COMMITTEE.
Mrs. H. P. Farrar, Miss Gertrude Lockley, Dr. Williams, W. D. Mowry, H. M. Bacon.
                                                COMMITTEE ON OYSTERS.
To procure them: E. D. Eddy.
To cook them: D. B. Hartsock, W. J. Mowry.
                                                     WAITERS ON TABLE.
W. D. Mowry, J. C. Topliff, J. Sherburne, W. Stewart, Dr. Williams, Miss Pickett, Kate Hawkins, Angie Mantor, Dora Dixon, Mowry Bowers.
                                                          FANCY TABLE.
Mrs. C. R. Sipes, Mrs. Dr. Kellogg, Mrs. Hartsock, Mrs. E. D. Eddy.
                                                             FISH POND.
Mattie Mitchell, Mary Theaker, May Benedict, Annie Norton, Annie Hutchinson, Linnie Peed.

                                                       TEA AND COFFEE.
Mrs. Dr. Hughes, Mrs. Coombs.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 31, 1877.
                                                              Pine Lumber.
I have added pine lumber to my stock of Hardware, lately purchased at Wichita, and will be pleased to furnish the same to anyone wishing to build at Wichita prices—freight added. Call and see me before purchasing elsewhere. S. P. Channell.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 31, 1877.
Mrs. T. H. McLaughlin, who has been visiting relatives in Texas for several weeks, returned Friday evening, accompanied by Miss Mattie Newman, sister of Mrs. Haywood, and A. A. Newman, of this place.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 31, 1877.
                                                            Off For A Hunt.
O. P. Houghton and several others are going down on the Salt Fork to hunt antelope and turkeys. Both are reported very numerous. O. P. is one of the happiest men living when he is poking a double-barreled shot gun behind the gills of a turkey gobbler, or making fifteen feet leaps after a wounded antelope. He is said to be a good marksman, but we can’t help thinking of the 14 shots it took to bring down a squirrel while on a trip to Osage Agency some time ago.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 7, 1877.
The contractors of the Walnut River Bridge now want a guarantee from a number of our prominent citizens that the bonds will be issued to them before they will erect the bridge.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 14, 1877.
Fred. Newman, brother of A. A. Newman, is visiting his relatives at this place.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 21, 1877
Messrs. C. and F. P. Schiffbauer bought the entire stock of groceries owned by L. McLaughlin at the Green Front yesterday, and will continue the business at the old stand. On account of taking an inventory of stock, the store will be closed today and tomorrow. The boys come to us highly recommended, are energetic, thorough-going businessmen, and will doubtless be favored with a large share of the public patronage.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 21, 1877
C. & F. B. Schiffbauer would respectfully call the attention of the public to the fact that we have bought out the stock and stand of L. McLaughlin, at the “Green Front,” consisting of groceries and queensware, and will be pleased to form the acquaintance and patronage of all good customers of that stand, and as many new ones as we can get. Having dealt extensively in goods at Wichita Agency, our facilities for buying are good, as we have always bought from first hands and first-class houses. All we ask is a trial to please our customers, and we will risk selling to them again. Come and see us, one and all. Business transacted in Caddo, Comanche, Wichita, Pawnee, German, and English languages; or, if you are deaf, we will make signs, which we understand perfectly. Don’t forget the place—the “Green Front,” on Summit Street, opposite Houghton & McLaughlin.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 21, 1877.
A heavy grist was turned out at Newman’s Mill this week.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 28, 1877.
The eastern approach to the Walnut River Bridge is nearly completed.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 21, 1877.
                                               Twenty-six Buildings Under Way.
A Building Association was formed a few weeks ago, and entered into by twelve parties, agreeing to build a house each. Since then fourteen more have declared their intention to build. The original twelve were: S. P. Channell, W. M. Sleeth, A. A. Newman, L. H. Gardner, O. P. Houghton, Gardner Mott, H. P. Farrar, Silas Parker, J. L. Huey, R. C. Haywood, James Wilson, and C. R. Sipes. The additional fourteen are: J. C. McMullen, Thomas Baird, J. Dodwell, Mrs. Dean, C. C. Wolf, E. J. Fitch, Mr. Ray, Wm. Speers, T. A. Gaskill, D. Logan, J. T. Shepard, Kendall Smith, Jas. Benedict, and David Finney. Mr. Gaskill has his house almost enclosed, and the foundations and preparations are being made for several others.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 28, 1877.
Channell’s new house goes up this week. He has the lumber on the ground.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 5, 1877.
The Thanksgiving festival last Thursday evening was a decided success, in spite of the extreme cold weather. During the entire afternoon ladies and gentlemen worked with a will—the latter endeavoring to make the room comfortable for the expected crowd in the evening, while the former manipulated great loads of pies, cakes, turkeys, and toothsome delicacies with that graceful ease and dexterity that only the ladies of Arkansas City possess. By six o’clock the edibles were bountifully spread upon tastefully arranged tables, and everything else in “apple-pie order.” It is needless to say the supper gave satisfaction—all suppers do, when the consumers have an appetite sharpened by long expec­tation, and when the articles for consumption are prepared by our ladies. After supper the stage was cleared, and the audience treated to a delightful rendition of the farce entitled “The Two Buzzards,” by J. H. Sherburne, H. M. Bacon, W. D. Mowry, Miss Lockley, and Mrs. Farrar. These ladies and gentlemen deserve great credit for their perseverance in perfecting their respec­tive parts, and for the admirable manner in which the play was rendered—there being no delays or prompting throughout the entire performance. The total receipts amounted to about eighty dollars, which will be devoted to church uses. The ladies of the Presbyterian Society desire to express their thanks to the many outside parties who generously contributed their time and labor for the advancement of the Society’s interests.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 12, 1877.
HOUGHTON & McLAUGHLIN shipped yesterday to the Pawnee Agency 6 loads of bacon, which will make Mr. Pawnee full and happy for a time.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 12, 1877.
                                                           WHAT NEXT?
The Green Front now has in small cans, just the size to lunch on, corned beef, baked pork and beans, roast turkey, and game. It is put up in Yankeedom and warranted to be as fresh and good as though the old gobbler had just given his last kick.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 19, 1877.
Theoron Houghton is the last happy father of a twelve pound boy.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 19, 1877.
                                                              MASONIC.
The following persons were elected officers for the ensuing year, of Crescent Lodge No. 133, A. F. and A. M., at their hall in Newman’s block, on Saturday evening, Dec. 15.
Worshipful Master: Clinton Robert Mitchell.
Senior Warden: Orin C. Smith.
Junior Warden: Sewell Peasley Channell.
Treasurer: Charles R. Sipes.
Secretary: Isaac H. Bonsall.
Tyler: Steven C. Wintin.
The following officers were appointed by the Worshipful Master, on Tuesday evening following.
Senior Deacon: James Benedict.
Junior Deacon: Harry Pearce Farrar.
Senior Stewart: Henry Bear Pruden.
Junior Stewart: William J. Stewart.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 19, 1877.
One of the pleasantest affairs ever witnessed in Arkansas City was the mask party given by Mrs. Haywood last Friday evening in honor of her sister, Miss Mattie Newman. The house was filled with gentlemen and ladies dressed in every conceivable manner, some wearing the most ridiculous and mirth-provoking costumes imaginable, and with one or two exceptions, they were so completely disguised as to be utterly unrecognizable by their most intimate friends. After unmasking, which was an occasion for considerable merriment, the company amused themselves with music, parlor croquet, and other games for an hour or two, when they were served with an excellent supper.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 26, 1877
Houghton & McLaughlin announced a grand clearing sale at the New Brick Corner. Goods to be sold at actual cost, for cost only, for the next sixty days. A list of goods was given: $4,000 worth of elegantly made and latest style cloth-ing; 200 men’s caps; 1,000 yards Cassimeres and Jeans; 500 yards waterproofs; 2,000 yards wool flannels; 4,000 yards dress goods; 400 yards of carpet; 100 suits of underwear; 75 shawls; ladies’ cloaks; felt skirts; 20 Honey Comb and Marseilles Quilts; white blankets; and an endless variety of notions; Alpacas 18 to 85 cents per yard, gray twill all wool flannel, 30 cents per yard; white flannel, 16 cents per yard; bed ticks, 8 cents per yard and upward; men’s suspenders, 15 cents per pair; hats, 40 cents; caps, 30 cents; two-button Kid Gloves, 65 cents per pair; trunks and leather bags.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 26, 1877.
WYARD GOOCH and H. M. Bacon started for the Sax and Fox Agency last Friday.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 2, 1878.
The father and mother of A. A. Newman came all the way from Maine to visit their children.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 2, 1878.

Work began on the bridge across the Walnut last week, and it will be ready to cross on in a few days.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 2, 1878
If England does take a hand in the Eastern war, what a time there will be. Wheat will go up, corn will be more in demand, pork will advance, but Houghton & McLaughlin will continue to sell dry goods at the same low rate.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 9, 1878.
                                                          Final Settlement.
NOTICE is hereby given to the creditors and others interested in the Estate of L. W. Emerson, deceased, that the undersigned, administrator of said estate, will, on the 27th day of February, 1878, at one o’clock p.m. of said day, make a final settlement of said estate.
                                             O. P. HOUGHTON, Administrator.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 9, 1878.
The bridge across the Walnut at Newman’s Mill is complete, but the approach on the west side has not been made yet. The piers are about four feet higher than they originally were, and seem high enough to be out of danger, but the structure of the bridge is very light and should be well tested before accepting it.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 9, 1878.
From last accounts Wyard Gooch and W. M. Bacon were camped this side of the Salt Fork waiting for the water in the river to fall. A load of flour and some provisions for the Pawnee Agency are there also. Bacon has learned to sleep with one eye opened and make a meal of slap jacks.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 16, 1878
A number of young and married folks assembled at the residence of T. H. McLaughlin on Tuesday evening of last week, and passed a merry time. McLaughlin has got into the habit of making a success of everything he undertakes, let it be business or pleasure, and with the help of the amiable lady of the house, nothing was left undone that could in any way minister to the enjoyment of their guests.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 16, 1878.
The wives of members of the Masonic Order are requested to meet at the hall in Newman’s brick tomorrow afternoon at one o’clock. Come prepared to sew carpet.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 16, 1878.
                                                              Social Dance.
One of the most pleasant parties of the winter was held at Newman’s hall on Monday evening, under the direction of two or three good citizens of this place. Music was furnished by C. R. Sipes, James Steiner, and Ret Berkey, and the floor managed by I. H. Bonsall and S. P. Channell. A good number were present, and the company enjoyed themselves exceedingly. It was the best selected audience we have seen in Arkansas City since the good old days of long ago, and the secret of it was there was no distinction made on account of surrounding circumstances. A similar party once every two weeks would add greatly to the social enjoyment of the place.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 23, 1878.

The Walnut raised 12 feet Saturday night, and took out about ten feet of the dam at the mill. Whole trees forty feet in length floated down the river. The approach on the west side of the bridge is made of sand, and will be carried off when the first flood comes, unless it is stoned up on both sides.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 23, 1878.
R. A. Houghton sold his house to Mr. Stanton of Oskaloosa, Iowa, last week, for $700. R. A. Houghton goes into J. A. Stafford’s house, and Stafford goes into Col. McMullen’s house, which Mr. Stafford purchased for $2,500; it is the best dwelling house in this locality.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 23, 1878.
MITCHELL & HUEY will remove to the new rooms over Houghton & McLaughlin’s in a week or two.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 23, 1878
Houghton & McLaughlin have a few more horses and mules for sale for cash, or on time with good security.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 23, 1878.
The Masonic hall has been nicely carpeted, furnished with coal heating stoves, and adorned with a beautiful chandelier.
[TRAVELER ADMITS MISTAKE RE DAM BROKEN AT NEWMAN’S MILL.]
Arkansas City Traveler, January 30, 1878.
ALL RIGHT. In a few numbers of last week’s issue we men­tioned that about ten feet of the dam at Newman’s mill had broken. It looked so while the water was up, but it was a mistake. It is all right and the mill is grinding every day, making the best flour of any mill in the Southwest. The bridge across the Walnut is finished, a wide road has been made in front of the mill, and it is easy of access from every direction. Bring in your grists if you want good flour.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 30, 1878.
Newman’s Mill is grinding every day, making the best flour of any mill in the Southwest. The bridge across the Walnut is finished, a wide road has been made in front of the mill, and is easy of access from every direction. Bring in your grists if you want good flour.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 30, 1878.
                                                          Bridge Completed.
The approach to the Walnut River Bridge was completed last Friday, and teams are now crossing every day. The piers were built about four feet higher than they were, and a good bridge with iron stringers placed on them. No matter whether the river is full to the banks, the public are now assured of safe crossing.
[ARKANSAS RIVER BRIDGE.]
Arkansas City Traveler, January 30, 1878.
Mr. Smith, representing the King Bridge Company, of Cleve­land, Ohio, paid us a visit last week to make estimates on a bridge across the Arkansas River at this place. In company with Mr. T. H. McLaughlin, we went to the ferry crossing west of town, measure the river, and heard the estimate, as follows.

Distance from bank to bank, 900 feet, on a line with Central Avenue; to construct an iron bridge, same as the Topeka bridge, $100,000; to construct a wooden bridge that would last ten or twelve years on piles, twelve feet from low water, spans of sixty feet each, single roadway, two turnouts, $9,900, or $11 per foot. All agreed that it would cost from $2,500 to $3,000 more to build a bridge west of town than it would south. The distance across the river south of town was estimated to be 640 feet. The old bridge had eight spans of 80 feet each. Since then the bank has washed away thirty feet or more. To construct a combination bridge of wood and iron, to join on the remaining bridge, would cost $4,500; of Iron, $7,000. The distance to the remaining span is 425 feet. Mr. Smith said if stone could be reached at fifteen feet, he would build stone piers.
There is no doubt the bridge west of town would secure the most trade to this place, but the item of $3,000 would make a great difference to those who had to pay the bonds. In our opinion, the combination bridge—that is, a wooden bridge with iron stringers—would be the best. It would be folly to attempt to vote bonds enough for an iron bridge at present.
      Arkansas City Traveler, February 6, 1878.
Thomas Mantor has charge of R. A. Houghton’s clothing store while Rube is absent in the country.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 6, 1878.
DIED. On Monday, February 5th, Albert A. Chamberlain; aged forty-three years and six months.
It is with a feeling of regret that we announce to the public the sudden death of our friend and fellow townsman, Albert A. Chamberlain, so long a resident among us.
Mr. Chamberlain came to this county from Wisconsin, in 1870. He followed his trade as cabinet maker and undertaker for several years, then moved to his farm a few miles east of the Walnut, and finally returned to town and resumed his occupation, having recently purchased the furniture store of Mr. Lafayette McLaughlin.
Mr. Chamberlain was a genial gentleman of lively spirits, and all were friends who knew him. But a few weeks ago he called us in to look at his stock of coffins, remarking in his jovial way: “They are a handy thing to have in the house.” How little he thought death would be first to knock at his door. But it is well enough to enjoy life while we may, for tomorrow we may die. The de­ceased was confined to the house since January 29th with catarrh in the head, and paralysis followed. He leaves a wife and three children to mourn his loss.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 13, 1878.
A brother of H. P. Farrar is visiting this place.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 13, 1878.
WYARD GOOCH is making another tour in the Territory, going to Pawnee Agency again.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 20, 1878.
A. A. Newman was awarded the contract at the Pawnee Agency for 65 head of cows, 12 yoke of oxen, 525 bushels of corn, 375 bushels of oats, some pine lumber, and 200,000 shingles. Schiffbauer Bros. were awarded the contract for salt and brooms.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 27, 1878.
A. A. Newman sold 8,000 lbs. of boneless shoulders and smoked hams to James Boice of Lake City, Colorado, for eight cents per pound, and Schiffbauer Brothers furnished him a large quantity of eggs at five cents per dozen. These hams will go up the mountains on pack mules.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 27, 1878.

On Sunday morning about one-third of the west pier of the Walnut River Bridge was discovered to have been washed out. Mr. Newman and James Huey, the Township Trustee, immediately engaged four teams and had them work all day Sunday hauling rock to throw in above the pier to save it. It does not interfere with crossing, and will be permanently repaired when the water lowers.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 6, 1878.
ONE WEEK from today the Masonic Hall will be dedicated, and a supper given afterwards. In connection with the above, a dance will be given, to which all Masons in good standing are invited. Invitations will be issued to friends.
[MASONIC SUPPER AND DANCE.]
Arkansas City Traveler, March 13, 1878.
A supper will be given at the Masonic hall, in the new brick building, over Houghton & McLaughlin’s store, Wednesday evening, March 13, at seven o’clock. Afterwards an opportunity will be given to engage in games and amusements. At 8 o’clock those who desire to dance will retire to the Central Avenue Hotel, where the best of music will be furnished by Prof. Hoyt and three others. Supper $1.50 per couple. Dance $1.00. Tickets for the supper or dance can be had at the hall. None but Masons admitted without invitation.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 13, 1878.
                                                  ATTENTION FARMERS!!
                                                       THE OLD RELIABLE
                                         ARKANSAS CITY WATER MILLS.
                                                A. A. NEWMAN, Proprietor.
                         Are Running on Full Time. Custom Grinding a Specialty.
                       FLOUR, BRAN, AND FEED CONSTANTLY ON HAND.
                              Highest Cash Price Paid for Wheat, Corn, and Rye.
                                            SATISFACTION GUARANTEED.
                                            AND ALL FLOUR WARRANTED.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 20, 1878.
The receipts of the Masonic supper and dance were $70, showing that it was well patronized.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 20, 1878.
R. C. Haywood returned from New York State last Monday. He reports an immense emigration to Kansas.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 20, 1878
Mr. M. E. Welch sold his interest in the grocery store of Pierce & Welch to Mr. L. McLaughlin last week, and then started on a trip for his health to Illinois. His family will remain here. (Mr. Welch arose from his bed Saturday evening, March 9th, while wild with fever, dressed himself, and walked uptown. He was taken to John Williams, and was prostrate for some time.)
Arkansas City Traveler, March 20, 1878.

THROUGH the efforts of Mr. O. P. Houghton, the white girl with Pawnee Pete will be taken charge of. Commissioner Hayte has instructed Agent Searing to see that she is cared for. It will be an exception to the rule if she would remain with the whites  as most children, when once accustomed to Indian life, seldom leave it for the ways of the whites. The Indians have already im­pressed her with the idea that the whites are her enemies, and she avoids all conversation with them, often breaking into sobs and tears when urged to tell her history.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 20, 1878.
O. P. Houghton lost a yearling mule in a very singular manner last Friday. The gate between Mr. Houghton’s property and the adjoining timber is one of sliding bars, and it would appear that the mule had approached and attempted to look over the two posts at one end of the gate, but got its head between them, thus seriously interfering with its accustomed ease of locomotion. On trying to extricate itself from this awkward position, the animal’s head became more firmly fastened, and no one coming to the rescue, the poor brute choked to death.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 27, 1878.
Pierce & McLaughlin’s and the Traveler office buildings are being repainted.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 27, 1878.
The contracts for breaking at Pawnee Agency were awarded last week, as follows: W. H. Sims, 250 acres at $1.70 per acre; W. A. Metcalf, of Maple City, 150 acres at $1.74 per acre; Theoron Houghton, 280 acres at $1.87-1/2 per acre, including sharpening of plow. The prices bid were very low; proving the scarcity of money and hard times. Just think of a man going sixty miles to break prairie at $1.70 per acre!
Arkansas City Traveler, March 27, 1878.
                                                       FOR SALE CHEAP!
1 New Champion Dropper, 5 feet cut; 1 New Champion Self Rake, 5 feet cut; 1 Marsh Harvester; 1 Kirby Self Rake; 1 Ox Wagon; 2 Horse Wagons; 1 Spring Wagon; 4 horses; 1 Top Buggy; 2 Sewing Machines; 2 Sets of Single Harness; 2 Saddles.
                                                 Inquire of R. C. HAYWOOD.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 3, 1878.
With two setts of burrs running all day and nearly all night, Newman can hardly keep up to the rush he has for his four X flour, and yet he manages to accommodate all who come with grists to grind.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 3, 1878
The Green Front and Pierce & McLaughlin each have a neat silver mounted cigar case filled with the best of smoking material.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 3, 1878.
There are no vacant rooms in Newman’s brick block on the corner, and had there been a half dozen more, they would have been all occupied. It is well planned, well built, and guarded against fire by a fire wall and iron roof on the top. Newman understands erecting buildings.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 3, 1878.
S. P. CHANNELL sold his hardware store to Agent Williams last week, and will give possession in May or June. Mr. Channell is a man of many friends, and all regret to have him quit business.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 3, 1878.

Another new farm implement is a harrow made entirely of iron. One can be seen in front of Channell’s store, and about forty in his cellar.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 3, 1878.
The election of city officers took place last Monday with the following result.
MAYOR: JAMES BENEDICT, 61; W. M. SLEETH, 37.
COUNCILMEN: J. T. SHEPARD, 63; WM. SPEERS, 59; THOS. BERRY, 63; C. R. SIPES, 58; I. H. BONSALL, 61; S. P. CHANNELL, 40; A. A. NEWMAN, 37; H. P. FARRAR, 37; E. D. EDDY, 37; T. H. McLAUGHLIN, 40.
POLICE JUDGE: JAMES CHRISTIAN, 84; TIMOTHY McINTIRE, 12.
                                                 Total number of votes cast: 98.
It is generally supposed that the officers elected will favor granting a saloon license on a proper petition.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 10, 1878.
                                             Sympathy for the White Captive.
Our notice of the white captive owned by Pawnee Pete, is meeting with sympathizing friends from every quarter. The following is a letter from Mrs. Thomas Nickerson, a Boston lady of wealth and refinement, showing that there is a chance among the best of people for the unfortunate beings of mankind.
                                                 MANITOU, March 28, 1878.
Editor Traveler:
SIR: While coming to this place yesterday from the east, I picked up a Wichita paper in the cars with an item copied from your paper in regard to the white child for sale by a Pawnee Indian. Something ought to be done, I scarcely know what. But cannot your town authorities detain the child until some movement can be made to take care of her?: I am too much of an invalid just now to travel so far, but any communication in further regard to her will be very gratefully received. I would write to your mayor, who whom has control in your city matters, praying them or him by no means to suffer the child to go back with the Indian, for I take it, he is not a resident of your city, but think you are more easily reached. I am Secretary of the Ameri­can Woman’s Home Mission Society, and my husband President of the A., T. & S. F. R. R. Of course, it is against our laws to sell the child, is it not? But she ought to be rescued from the Indian, and I shall be glad to do anything in my power that you may suggest for herself.
                                                            Very truly yours,
                                              MRS. THOMAS NICKERSON.
We answered Mrs. Nickerson’s letter, informing her that the captive had been placed in the school at the Pawnee Agency, through an order from the Secretary of the Interior, obtained by Mr. O. P. Houghton, and would be properly cared for.
Yet while this case has been made a specialty of, and the child cared for, we remember seeing several Mexican and Texas captives among the Kiowas and Comanches several years ago who have not been heeded by private or public citizens.
[PROBATE COURT MATTERS.]
Arkansas City Traveler, April 10, 1878.
O. P. Houghton made a final settlement of Emerson’s estate.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 10, 1878.

J. I. Mitchell and Joseph Sherburne are at Osage Agency looking after contracts.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 10, 1878.
FOR SALE OR TRADE. 80 acres of land, 3 miles north of Arkansas City. Apply to J. L. Huey or W. E. Gooch.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 10, 1878.
PIERCE & McLAUGHLIN pay the highest price for butter, eggs, and potatoes.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 10, 1878.
500 BUSHELS of corn wanted at PIERCE & McLAUGHLIN’s.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 10, 1878.
A part of Houghton & McLaughlin’s clothing has arrived. They have a fine selection.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 10, 1878.
Wanted: 50 domestic cows with calves by their sides. Cash will be paid for the same. A. A. Newman.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 10, 1878.
Ads. Schiffbauer Bros. want corn. Pierce & McLaughlin pay the highest price for butter, eggs, and potatoes.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 24, 1878.
R. A. Houghton will move his clothing to the store one door north of his present place of business, and before the close of the week will have a fine lot of fresh groceries that he expects to sell cheaper than he ever sold before. Rube has many friends, and will have a good trade.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 24, 1878.
In the course of ten days Pierce & McLaughlin will open a large and well assorted stock of gent’s and boys’ clothing, boots, shoes, and furnishing goods, at prices to suit.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 24, 1878.
JOSEPH SHERBURNE left us a specimen bull snake killed by himself, that measured five feet and ten inches. It had been dead too long to keep by putting it in liquor.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 24, 1878.
JUST RECEIVED at Houghton & McLaughlin’s: The largest, best assorted, and cheapest stock of boots and shoes ever offered in the Valley.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 1, 1878.
The friends of Thomas Mantor will be glad to hear that he is again in business, and will hunt him up to trade with him again. He can be found at the new grocery store of Houghton & Mantor.
Ad. New Grocery. Rube Houghton and Thomas Mantor, under the firm name of Houghton & Mantor, have opened a new grocery in the second building south of E. D. Eddy’s, and are offering goods cheaper than can be bought in any adjoining town in the Southwest. They have a fine lot of teas and coffees, and sugar that can’t be beat in quality or price.

Ad. R. A. Houghton and T. L. Mantor. For several months past we have turned our attention exclusively to the clothing trade. In addition to our stock of clothing, we intend to sell groceries. We can do it, for cash, and make a fair profit. Our stock of clothing is new, having been received only last week, and our groceries can’t be beat. Store located two doors north of the post office.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 1, 1878.
Five wagons loaded with salt from East Saginaw, Michigan, drove up to Schiffbauer’s grocery last Sunday, and we have noticed equal amounts left at H. Godehard’s, Pierce & McLaughlin’s, Hoyt & Speers, and Houghton & Mantor will soon have a like amount—and this, too, when salt just as good can be manufactured at Salt City, within nine miles of this place. Someone should engage in the business, as it would surely pay.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 1, 1878.
HOUGHTON & MANTOR will not be undersold by Winfield or any other town—don’t forget it.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 1, 1878.
Houghton & Mantor’s is the only place where you can get 8 lbs. white “A” sugar, 4 lbs. best coffee, and 4-1/2 lbs. good coffee for one dollar.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 1, 1878.
Talking about Groceries, you should have seen the caravan of wagons coming in loaded with sugar, coffee, and flour for Pierce & McLaughlin this week. They have a solid ton of sugar and a solid ton of coffee. Now if you want 9 pounds for $1, give them a call—next door to the post office.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 8, 1878.
The young folks had a May picnic in Sleeth’s woods last Saturday, and a merry time was had. Swings were fixed for those who delighted in such sport, and the boys were ready to swing the fairer ones; a croquet set was on the ground, and the mallets and balls were in constant use—added to which, and of far greater importance, was the bountiful dinner prepared by the young ladies, washed down with lemonade. Though “ye local” did not reach the grounds until long after the dinner hour, he and his friend were left in undisputed possession of the “scraps” in the baskets, and they managed to make out a meal. We would again solemnly declare, however, that, to the best of our knowledge and belief, neither one of the gentlemen swallowed that apron.
P. S. We have been told that there was a fishing party, on the same day, further up the river, near Newman’s mill. They succeeded in catching a bob-tailed fish and shooting a small snake, after six hours of steady application, and are inclined to think the average fishing party a snare and a delusion.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 8, 1878.
HOUGHTON & MANTOR, the new cheap grocery and clothing firm, have a new awning over their windows and door, and a rack to tie to, for the accommodation of all.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 15, 1878.
HAYWOOD sits on his front porch to keep from shaking the house down. He shook so hard last week that rubber had to be placed between his teeth, and pads between his knees, to keep him from injuring himself.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 22, 1878.
ONE NEW CHAMPION COMBINED REAPER and Mower for sale cheap; also, two ox wagons, one horse wagon, and one spring wagon. R. C. HAYWOOD.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 22, 1878.

Lafayette McLaughlin traded his one-third interest in a brick building in Emporia for the building known as L. B. Kellogg’s law office, and forty acres one mile north of town (part of the Coberly tract).
Arkansas City Traveler, May 22, 1878.
Reuben A. Houghton, the popular grocery man, sold the two-story building adjoining Al. Horn’s shoe shop to Artemus Ward Patterson, last week, to be occupied as a saloon. A. W. Patterson has purchased some of the finest chromos of Dr. Loomis’ stock, and will adorn the room in style.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 22, 1878.
                                                                  $13.50.
Gentlemen, Houghton & McLaughlin will sell you best quality blue flannel suits for $13.50; a good blue fallen suit for $9.75—such as all older houses in the county sell at $16 for best and $12 for second quality. All other goods in our line at equally low rates.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 22, 1878.
New turnips, radishes, and lettuce at Houghton & Mantor’s.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 22, 1878.
H. P. FARRAR and JAMES HUEY returned from Wichita last Sunday. They report eight cases of small pox in the city—two cases at the Tremont House, where they both stopped. Proper attention is being paid to it, and there is but little chance of the disease.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 22, 1878.
Our town at this time faithfully illustrates the lines of the Irish poet:
“The rich may ride in chaises,
 But the poor must stay at home, be J____s.”
During the past week some ten of our leading businessmen’s wives have gone east and north to spend the summer: Mrs. O. P. Houghton, Mrs. J. L. Huey, Mrs. R. C. Haywood, Mrs. A. A. Newman, Mrs. H. P. Farrar, Mrs. M. Rexford, Mrs. David Thompson, Mrs. Ed. Thompson, Mrs. Wm. Sleeth, Mrs. S. P. Channell.
In about a month from now, what a rich harvest it would be for a traveling show to come along that had attractive female performers. The poor women that are left will have to confine themselves to such home pleasures as picnics and yachting up and down the river on Speers & Walton’s elegant little steamer, while their more favored sisters are inhaling the cool breezes of Lake George and the St. Lawrence River, and feasting on codfish and New England herring.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 5, 1878.
We have quite a number of good improved farms which we will sell at a bargain. Call soon. Houghton & McLaughlin.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 5, 1878.
Anyone wanting a $90.00 sewing machine for $35.00, nearly new, on time, with good security, discount for cash. Inquire at O. P. Houghton.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 5, 1878.
HOUGHTON & MANTOR are selling 10 lbs. good N. O. Sugar and 8 lbs. A Sugar, and 4 lbs. best Coffee and 4-3/4 lbs. good Coffee for $1.00; best 60 cents. Japan tea for 50 cents, and good Japan tea for 49 cents.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 5, 1878.
GENTLEMEN, we will sell you the best all wool flannel suits for $10.50, and all wool blue flannel suits for $9.00. Don’t fail to call and see our stock of Clothing which is all new and twenty percent lower then ever. HOUGHTON & MANTOR.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 5, 1878.
A number of teams started for Pawnee Agency yesterday, loaded with flour from Newman’s mill.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 5, 1878.
There were 27 persons on Speers’ and Walton’s steamboat, “Arkansas Traveler,” last Tuesday week. They were conveyed to the river in a wagon, and from the ford at Harmon’s went to the large island about three miles below the mouth of the Walnut. The trip was enjoyed by all. A. A. Newman and R. A. Houghton unfortunately were tipped from the small row boat into the river while attempting to get on the boat.
[LIST OF ADVERTISING BUSINESS HOUSES: ARKANSAS CITY & WINFIELD.]
Arkansas City Traveler, June 12, 1878.
                           List of Advertising Business Houses of Arkansas City
                                                             and Winfield.
Houghton & McLaughlin, Dry Goods, etc.
James Wilson, Dry Goods, etc.
M. S. Faris, Dry Goods, etc.
Boyer & Wallis, Winfield, Clothing.
Schiffbauer Brothers, Groceries, Queensware.
Hermann Godehard, Groceries, Queensware.
Hoyt & Speers, Groceries, Queensware.
Houghton & Mantor, Groceries and Clothing.
E. D. Eddy, Drugs, Oils, Medicines.
J. A. Loomis, Drugs, Oils, Medicines.
L. H. Gardner, Drugs, Oils, Medicines.
Peter Pearson, Furniture, Picture Frames.
Schiffbauer Bros. & Co., Hardware, Machines.
C. R. Sipes, Stoves and Tinware.
Finney, Stanton & Hopkins, Livery.
W. H. Walker, Livery.
Harter & Hill, Winfield, Livery.
Albert Horn, Boots and Shoes.
A. A. Newman, Water Mills, Flour and feed.
Grimes & Woolyard, Steam Flour and Saw Mill.
E. Birnbaum, Winfield, Cigar Manufacturer.
T. A. Wilkinson, Winfield, Lumber Dealer.
Cowley County Bank: W. M. Sleeth, President; H. P. Farrar, Cashier.
Citizens’s Bank, Winfield: J. C. McMullen, Pres.
F. N. Earl, Blacksmith and wagon maker.
Sifford & Hutchins, Blacksmith and wagon maker.

Kendall Smith, Blacksmith and wagon maker.
Sheppard & Reed, Physicians.
Dr. J. H. Griffith, Physician.
Dr. A. Trim, Physician.
John A. Alexander, Physician.
Mrs. D. B. Hartsock, Millinery Goods.
Mrs. E. Watson, Millinery, dress making.
J. D. Pryor, Winfield, Loan Agent.
Curns & Manser, Winfield, Loan Agent.
A. J. Mosley, Winfield, Loan Agent.
Huey & Mitchell, Loan Agents.
J. A. Loomis, Loan Agent.
C. R. Mitchell, Attorney and Counselor.
James Christian, Attorney and Counselor.
Amos Walton, Attorney and Counselor.
HOTELS.
Central Avenue, Newton Cox, Proprietor.
Arkansas City House, Williams & Maricle, Proprietors.
Williams House, Winfield.
Central House, Winfield.
Tremont House, Wichita.
Richey House, Wichita.
Valley House, Wellington.
JEWELERS.
James Ridenour, Jeweler and Engraver.
E. E. Bacon, Winfield, Jeweler and Engraver.
L. H. Hope, Winfield, Jeweler and Engraver.
BUILDERS.
William Wolfe, Builder and Contractor.
W. W. Alexander, Builder and Contractor.
OTHERS.
Will. J. Peed, Saddles and Harness.
I. H. Bonsall, Photographer.
George D. Allen, Painter and Glazier.
A. C. Wells, Plasterer and Bricklayer.
John A. Alexander, Dentist.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 12, 1878.
HOUGHTON and McLAUGHLIN’s cheap table always offers bargains.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 12, 1878.
                                                          $8.50 and $10.00.
A new lot of Blue Flannel suits at the above figures. $10.00 cash will buy the best, and all other clothing in propor­tion at Houghton & McLaughlin’s.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 19, 1878.

                                                                Small Pox.
O. P. Houghton received word from his wife in Sumner, Maine, this week, that their youngest daughter, Cora, was down with small pox, contracted on the train while traveling East.
[FOURTH OF JULY PICNIC PLANNED.]
Arkansas City Traveler, June 19, 1878.
                                                       FOURTH OF JULY!
                                         A Grand Union Sunday School Picnic.
A general invitation is extended to the Sunday schools in this vicinity and surrounding country to unite in holding a basket picnic in Sleeth’s woods, on July 4th. The committee on general arrangements appointed the following committees, who are requested to enter at once upon their respective duties.
Committee on preparing and arranging grounds.
J. M. Maxwell, Mr. Hunter, Frank Hutchinson, L. C. Norton, H. Carder, C. M. Swarts, Sam Endicott, Will Gray, Jerry Adams, and C. Hollaway.
Committee on Programme.
Wm. Sleeth, Miss Clara Finley, Miss Ella Grimes, Miss Eva Swarts, Mrs. Wm. Wilson, Mrs. Alexander, Mrs. L. McLaughlin, Cal. Swarts, R. J. Maxwell, and W. L. Mowry.
Committee on furnishing swings, croquet sets, boats, etc.
W. J. Peed, Will Alexander, Charles M. Swarts, J. C. Topliff, Mr. Knight, William Parker, R. Turner, James Pierce, Frank Schiffbauer, Edmund G. Gray, Frank Speer, E. D. Eddy, and I. H. Bonsall.
Committee on conveyance.
L. Finley, L. C. Norton, Dave Finney, J. W. Hutchinson, Rev. Swarts, Wm. Wilson, S. B. Adams, P. F. Endicott, and Mr. Kirkpatrick.
Committee on programme are requested to meet at the M. E. Church on Friday evening at 8 o’clock, to arrange programme for the day.
Committee on preparing grounds will meet on the grounds Wednesday afternoon, June 26th, at 2 o’clock, p.m.
The invitation to the picnic includes any and all who may desire to join in having a general good time. Remember well filled baskets are appreciated. The programme will be published next week in full.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 19, 1878.
At the recent opening of bids for Indian supplies, in New York City, Mr. A. A. Newman obtained the contract for 1,000,000 pounds of flour, and R. C. Haywood has the contract for furnishing wheat and corn, to be delivered at the several agencies. This will make a good market for wheat and corn at home.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 26, 1878.
Newman’s Mill is grinding again and running on full time. They have been held back by back-water from the Arkansas.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 3, 1878.

The floor of the bridge over the Walnut River is becoming exceedingly shaky, and should be attended to immediately. It will soon be unsafe for teams to cross, as many of the boards are loose or nearly worn through.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 10, 1878.
                                                                   50,000
Bushels of wheat wanted at Newman’s Mill. No wheat bought unless in good condition.
                                                         A. A. NEWMAN.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 10, 1878.
H. P. Farrar and S. P. Channell started for the East last Saturday morning: Mr. Farrar for the State of Maine; Mr. Channell for the province of Canada. They expect to return in a couple of months, with their families.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 10, 1878.
GO to Houghton & Mac’s and buy a pink grenadine at 10 cents per yard.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 10, 1878.
HOUGHTON & MAC, will sell you a nice Japanese stripe at 10 cents per yard.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 10, 1878.
See that job lot of hats at Houghton & Mac’s, cheaper than you can steal them.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 10, 1878.
Mr. A. A. Newman returned from the East last Friday night, where he has been for the past six weeks looking after his flour contracts for the several agencies in the Territory. He reports that times are not much better there than here, and complaints of the stringency of the money market are as loud and frequent there as in the West. Mr. Newman’s contracts call for 1,216,500 pounds of flour, as follows: Cheyenne & Arapaho Agency, 600,000 lbs.; Wichita Agency, 100,000 lbs.; Kiowa & Comanche Agency, 300,000 lbs.; Ponca Agency, 150,000 lbs., Sac & Fox Agency, 66,500 lbs. He also has the contract for freighting Indian supplies from Wichita to the Ponca Agency, a distance, probably, of 85 or 90 miles. The awarding of the above contracts to Mr. Newman will create a good home market for a large portion of the wheat raised in Cowley and Sumner counties, and he says he will pay cash for what he buys and for the freighting also. This is business, and we guarantee our farmers a better market here than they can get by hauling their grain 60 or 70 miles to Wichita, or by paying 20 or 25 cents per bushel to have it hauled.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 10, 1878.
O. P. Houghton arrived at Revere, Massachusetts, on Sunday, 31st of last month, and wrote that though his child was yet alive, there were little hopes of her recovery. In addition to this affliction, his wife has been taken with the same dreadful disease—small pox—and is lying very low. This is sad news, and our friend has the heartfelt sympathy of our entire community in this trial. That his wife may be spared to him and her family, is the wish of their many friends here.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 10, 1878.
MR. NEWMAN’s family will return as soon as we are favored with cooler weather, as will also the family of Mr. Haywood. They will be welcomed by a large circle of friends.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 17, 1878.

The editor desires to thank Mr. and Mrs. Houghton, of Arkansas City, and Mr. and Mrs. Gallotti, of Winfield, for the sumptuous dinner with which he regaled himself at their tables. Though he didn’t hide quite such a quantity as Standley and Gray, of the TRAVELER did, yet he did justice to the viands spread before him, and will long remember his hosts and hostesses with gratitude. Telegram.
Well, we didn’t eat any more than we wanted, and we are sorry that you ate so much that you feel called upon to apologize.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 17, 1878.
OUR ARKANSAS CITY FRIENDS desired us to visit their “sea­port” and the “Aunt Sally,” to see for ourselves that the Arkan­sas River was navigable. Well, we went down, and they took us a-riding on the Walnut River, and not on the Arkansas at all. So we did not learn anything new, for we always knew the Walnut was navigable. Courier.
NOT ABOVE NEWMAN’S MILL, IT ISN’T.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 24, 1878.
We are glad to state that the wife and child of O. P. Houghton are almost recovered, and that if no more of his family are taken sick, they may be expected home in the course of a week or ten days.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 31, 1878.
HATS. Odd lots of hats at Houghton and Mac’s from 1/4 to 1/2 what they cost.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 31, 1878.
HOUGHTON & MAC have just received an invoice of boots and shoes 25 percent cheaper than ever brought to this market.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 31, 1878.
CLOTHING. Houghton & McLaughlin have marked down their entire stock of clothing from 25 to 50 percent, in order to close it out and make room for a new stock. Go and see them. There are big bargains.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 31, 1878.
I WILL TRADE the following articles cheap for wheat, oats, corn, hauling, or cash.
1 Champion Mower-dropper attached; 2 Ox Wagons; 1 Horse Wagon; 1 Spring Wagon; 1 two-horse Grain Drill; 1 Sewing Machine. R. C. HAYWOOD.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 7, 1878.
J. H. SHERBURNE has taken the contract for furnishing oats at Fort Reno, Indian Territory, from R. C. Haywood.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 7, 1878.
R. C. Haywood went to Osage Agency last Sunday, and will return the latter part of this week, when he will commence buying wheat.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 7, 1878.
Mr. C. E. Udell, of St. Louis, has been in town for the past week. He is sent by the Government to inspect the flour furnished by Mr. Newman to the agencies below. The flour is to be delivered in monthly installments, and Mr. Udell, or some other gentlemen, will make monthly trips to inspect the flour.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 7, 1878.
At the primary election last Saturday the following persons were elected delegates to the convention at Winfield next Satur­day: J. H. Sherburne, Geo. McIntire, R. A. Houghton, George Allen, I. H. Bonsall, Jerry Tucker, and E. G. Gray.
[COWLEY COUNTY BANK ROBBED OF $2,000: IS IT THE JAMES BOYS?]

Arkansas City Traveler, August 7, 1878.
At five minutes after 12, just after Major Sleeth, president of the bank, had gone to dinner, a man stepped into the bank and requested Mr. Fred Farrar (who, in the absence of his brother, H. P. Farrar, acts in the capacity of cashier) to change a twenty-dollar bill. Mr. Farrar seeing that the bill was genuine, turned to make the change, when the man exclaimed roughly: “Here! Hand that bill back!” Naturally a little surprised, Farrar looked up, only to see the muzzle of a large seven-shooter staring him in the face; and before he could recover from the shock, two men, each with their revolvers cocked and pointed at him, stepped around the counter and politely invited him to come into the back room. Realizing in a moment that resistance was more than useless, Mr. Farrar coolly replied: “All right, sir,” and walked back, when one man guarded him, while the other went through the safe, taking all the money that he could find, the third man standing guard at the door. By the time the money was taken, the fourth man, who had been standing with the other two horses on the corner some fifty yards south, walked into the bank, and two of the robbers waited with Mr. Farrar while the other two went for the horses. Bringing the horses up to the door, they all mounted, turned to Farrar, and with a polite “Good day, sir,” they galloped off. The whole proceedings in the bank had not occupied over five minutes’ time.
Mr. Farrar immediately gave the alarm, and in an instant all was confusion. Men rushed up and down the streets in search of horses and fire arms, seemingly bereft of their senses. C. R. Mitchell and J. A. Stafford were first in the saddles, and started after them in the direction of Salt City. Stafford caught a glimpse of them, and cutting across the country, came near enough to them to fire, which he did. The leader looked around at him and coolly remarking, “You G_d d____d son-of-a-b___h,” leveled his gun and returned fire, the bullet singing past Stafford’s ear, but not striking him. As all the party stopped, Stafford thought he had better go behind a small mound of sand, and just as he dropped down, another bullet from the robbers threw the sand all over his face. Mr. Stafford returned this shot, when the men touched up their horses and galloped easily off. By this time a crowd of our citizens had arrived on the spot and all joined in the chase.
After they had passed the “jack oaks” northwest of town, the pursuers could find no trace of them, and concluded they were hiding in the oaks, when they turned back and sent word to town for more men and guns—that they had the robbers corralled in the oaks. . . .
Arkansas City Traveler, August 7, 1878.
After the bank robbery last Wednesday, there were numerous brave men who were loud in their assertions of what they would have done if they had been there. As has been wisely observed, such men rarely get there. Mr. Farrar acted sensibly, and was probably as cool and collected as many older men would have been under the circumstances.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 14, 1878.
A. A. Newman has been confined to his home with fever for several days past.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 14, 1878.
The string from Newman’s block to Benedict’s upper story is the conductor of the telephone. You can put your ear at one end and your mouth at the other and hear everything that is said.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 14, 1878.

OATS. Houghton & McLaughlin will take sound, clean oats in exchange for goods.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 14, 1878.
HATS. Odd lots of hats at Houghton and Mac’s from 1/4 to 1/2 what they cost.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 14, 1878.
We will take wheat in exchange for goods.
                                              HOUGHTON & McLAUGHLIN.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 14, 1878.
J. H. SHERBURNE has the contract for 8,000 bushels of oats, to be delivered at Fort Reno, Indian Territory, 125 miles from this place. He is paying 15 cents per bushel.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 21, 1878.
                                                         No custom grinding.
Owing to the fact that Mr. Newman has a very large Indian contract to fill, and already has every available space filled with grain, no custom grinding will be done for a few days. Notice will be given when they begin to grind again. Grimes & Woodyard will have their steam mill ready before many days, and can accommodate a great many customers.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 28, 1878.
N. J. Dixon has purchased the interest of R. A. Houghton in the pioneer store at Caldwell, and becomes successor to the late firm of Dixon & Houghton.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 28, 1878.
Haywood has been paying 60 cents per bushel for wheat delivered at Osage or Pawnee Agency.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 28, 1878.
                                                            FREE SHOW.
One week from next Saturday, E. J. Hoyt, of the firm of Hoyt & Speers, will walk a tight rope stretched from the top of Houghton & McLaughlin’s brick store to the green front building. He will also give some trapeze performances on the rope, and do various other things interesting and amusing. Joe has traveled with many circus troupes, and is an excellent performer. Come in and watch the fun, which is to commence at 1 o’clock, Saturday, September 7, 1878.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 28, 1878.
Mr. Samuel A. Ely, Agent of the Pawnee Indians, situated 65 miles south of this place, with his wife and two children, made a pleasant call this week. Mr. Ely came up to purchase 40,000 pounds of flour, eat a few peaches, see the town, and have a little recreation. Mr. Haywood furnished the flour, the peaches were supplied, and they found plenty of room to recreate in, and returned home well pleased with their visit, which we hope will be repeated before many days.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 4, 1878.
                                                        ROPE WALKING.
Next Saturday Joe Hoyt gives us a free show, walking a rope stretched from Houghton & McLaughlin’s building to the green front opposite. Come in and see the fun, as it costs nothing.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 4, 1878.
                                           FREE SHOW NEXT SATURDAY.

Given by an old timer, who chal­lenges competition in all of his undertakings. He will give, free of charge to the public, a tight-rope performance that will astonish the aborigines, if not the more enlightened race. Old “Buffalo Joe” is well known far and wide as a “high-flyer” and a good one generally, and will give a Blondin rope walk on a rope 1-1/2 inch in diameter, stretched from the top of Newman’s high brick to the top of the old green front. The brass band will play a polka, which will be danced by Joe on the rope. He will also run a wheelbarrow across, free for any boy to ride, and will walk blindfolded in a sack. He will give his sensational act on the flying bars and ropes below, fall off and break his neck, etc. So you see you shall not be disappointed.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 11, 1878.
                                                          Boots and Shoes.
Houghton & McLaughlin have now in stock a full line of Chicago-made, warranted men’s, boys’, women’s, misses’, and children’s boots and shoes. We warrant these goods.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 11, 1878.
As Lippmann’s log team with six yoke of oxen attached was crossing the log bridge near Newman’s Mill, yesterday, the bridge gave way, and upset the wagon in the creek, and pulled one steer in with it. The boys cut the bow of the one that was hanging by the neck, and saved the rest from being pulled in. Mr. Lippmann thinks he will sue the township for damages.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 11, 1878.
New machinery and new bolts are being put in at Newman’s mill.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 11, 1878.
R. C. Haywood pays 60 cents cash for wheat delivered at Osage Agency.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 11, 1878.
Custom grinding will be resumed at Newman’s mill as soon as there is sufficient water.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 11, 1878.
Houghton & Mantor tell the people this week that they have a new lot of clothing of the latest and best styles. Clothe yourselves for the winter.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 11, 1878.
O. P. Houghton had to go East to attend the funeral of his lovely child, and many others who have anticipated enjoying themselves by returning East have met with sorrow.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 11, 1878.
H. P. Farrar was informed of the bank robbery while rusti­cating; and S. P. Channell has been down with fever.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 11, 1878.
Last Saturday was a lively day in Arkansas City. Prof. Hoyt walked the rope, wheeled a wheelbarrow over it, performed a number of feats on the trapeze, and entertained the crowd with one of the best shows the public has ever been treated to. There was hardly room to get by on the streets for the wagons, and the sidewalks were crowded with people. It should be made an object to get Mr. Hoyt to walk again, and have a general gathering every once in a while.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 11, 1878.

Joe Hoyt drew a larger crowd last Saturday to witness his performance on the tight rope than any circus ever did in this town; and as a consequence, business was lively in all the stores, and the merchants reaped the benefit. It would pay some of our sister towns to engage Joe for a like performance, as he is good in everything he undertakes, and never fails in giving satisfaction.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 11, 1878.
As Lippmann’s log team with six yoke of oxen attached was crossing the log bridge near Newman’s mill, yesterday, the bridge gave way, and upset the wagon in the creek, and pulled one steer in with it. The boys cut the bow of the one that was hanging by the neck, and saved the rest from being pulled in. Mr. Lippmann thinks he will sue the township for damages.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 18, 1878.
It was stated last week that the child of O. P. Houghton had died in Maine. Such was not the case and it will probably recover.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 18, 1878.
Joseph Sherburne has been appointed trader at the Ponca Agency. Joe will soon make friends with the red men, and they will be honestly dealt with.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 25, 1878.
The small bridge near Newman’s Mill has been repaired so that teams can cross with safety.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 25, 1878.
An accident of quite a serious nature happened to Mr. A. A. Newman last Monday morning, at his flouring mill on the Walnut. It would appear that Mr. Newman was superintending the loading of some teams. While standing with his back to the pile of 100 lb. sacks of flour from which the loads were being taken, the stack toppled over upon him, crushing him to the ground. He was quickly rescued from his perilous position and was laid upon the mill floor. An examination was made and very luckily nothing more serious was discovered than several bad bruises and a severely sprained ankle. He was, however, so badly shaken as to be unable to stand for several hours and could not be brought to his home until late in the afternoon. At this writing he is progressing favorably.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 25, 1878.
                                                   CLOTHING FOR SALE.
Now is the time to buy your Clothing cheap. Houghton & Mantor have just received a large stock of Fall Clothing cheaper than ever has been offered in Cowley Co. before. Good suits from $6.50 to $7.50 and $8.00. Do not fail to call and see them before you purchase.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 25, 1878.
NEW GOODS. Houghton & Mantor blockaded the sidewalk Monday with their late arrival of new groceries, clothing, boots, and shoes. The boys are doing a lively trade.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 25, 1878.
H. P. Farrar, with Mrs. Farrar, and their daughter, Pearl, returned from the old Pine State last Monday evening after an absence of four months or more, looking in the best of health and spirits. They enjoyed their visit remarkably well and are now content to winter in Sunny Kansas, the garden spot of the world.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 2, 1878.

O. P. Houghton and S. P. Channell returned from the East last Friday afternoon, with their families.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 9, 1878
                                                 Dissolution of Co-Partnership.
Notice is hereby given that the partnership heretofore existing between O. P. Houghton and T. H. McLaughlin, is this day dissolved by mutual consent, O. P. Houghton continuing the business of said firm; and T. H. McLaughlin has the collecting of all notes and accounts due the firm.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 9, 1878.
The store of Houghton & McLaughlin will be closed from October 8 to October 11, when it will be opened with a new and seasonable stock, to be sold Strictly for cash or its equivalent—so low! Oh, my! come and see. O. P. HOUGHTON,
                                           Successor to Houghton & McLaughlin.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 9, 1878.
                                                        SPECIAL NOTICE.
                                                           L. McLaughlin,
Having purchased J. H. Pierce’s interest in the late firm of Pierce & McLaughlin, together with the accounts, we would re­spectfully call the attention of his friends to the fact that they can buy      GROCERIES, BOOTS, SHOES,
                                              Earthenware, etc., at the old stand,
                                               one door north of the Post Office,
                                     and do as well by buying of him as of anybody.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 9, 1878.
                                                WANTED IMMEDIATELY.
As I have bought the accounts of Mantor & Welsh and Pierce & Welsh, they can be settled with me at the old stand, before the 1st of November; after that date they will be left with an attorney for collection. L. McLAUGHLIN.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 9, 1878.
Mr. L. McLaughlin has purchased the entire interest in the grocery next to the post office, and has lately added to his stock of boots and shoes. He invites his old customers, and as many new ones as may desire good, cheap goods, to come in and try him.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 16, 1878.
L. McLaughlin has a new advertisement, new goods, new change in the firm, and is going to sell at new figures.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 16, 1878.
FRESH CRANBERRIES at L. McLaughlin’s.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 16, 1878.
Four nickel cigars for one dime at L. McLaughlin’s.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 16, 1878.
Corn and Oats for sale at L. McLaughlin’s.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 16, 1878.

NEW GOODS. O. P. Houghton has opened out a large new and well assorted stock of goods in the store recently occupied by Houghton & McLaughlin, and offers the same at prices hitherto unknown. His stock is too large and varied to be described, and must be seen to be appreciated. Give him a call.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 16, 1878.
The largest boxes of clothing ever seen in this place are piled in Houghton’s store.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 16, 1878.  
F. W. Farrar returned from his trip to the Ponca Agency Sunday night, and, as he says, had a perfectly gushing time.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 16, 1878.
                                                        PONCA TRADER.
J. H. Sherburne, trader at the above Agency, commenced his building, 18 x 45 feet, on Monday last. He calcu­lates to accommodate the travel on the road, and already has a good stable capable of stabling eight horses. He has engaged the services of R. A. Houghton as clerk, and if there is any trade to be done, these gentlemen will be sure to get a liberal support, as they will spare no pains to gain and keep the support of any who patronize them.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 16, 1878.
Al. Newman gets about on crutches since his ankle was strained by the flour sacks falling on him.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 16, 1878.
Mrs. Newman, with her two children, Pearl and Earl, returned from a protracted visit to Maine last week, accompanied by her sister, Miss Hattie Houghton, who is gladly welcomed back by the many friends she made on her former visit to this place.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 24, 1878.
Those flour sacks fell over again last week at Newman’s Mill, and broke a man’s ribs. They are now piled up for another local.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 24, 1878.
The best and cheapest sewing machine in the world can be had at
                                                      O. P. HOUGHTON’S.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 24, 1878.
O. P. sells goods cheaper than any man in the valley for pay down only.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 24, 1878.
FOR big bargains in winter goods, go to “O. P.” at the
                                                         BRICK CORNER.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 24, 1878.
THE largest and cheapest stock of boots and shoes can be seen at
                                                      O. P. HOUGHTON’S.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 24, 1878.
                                                      NO MORE CREDIT.
I’m sorry that some people are getting offended at my way of conducting business.
Now I have no old axe to grind or any special favor to grant any particular individual. But shall endeavor at all times to see that every man “rich, poor, black, or white,” gets the full worth of his dollar, and will try and be as courteous and atten­tive as our crabbed nature will permit.
Call and see our goods and get prices. “Don’t ask for credit.” Respectfully,
                                                        O. P. HOUGHTON.

Arkansas City Traveler, October 31, 1878.
Rube Houghton made $1,000 Monday night, or at least he thought he had, when he was made aware that he was the father of another boy.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 31, 1878.
                                                        GOODS STOLEN.
Some thieves came into town Monday night and stole one pair of boots, one pair of shoes, and a box of sweet potatoes from Houghton & Mantor, and relieved Lafe McLaughlin of a can of oysters and three pair of gloves. They then adjourned to Frank Schiffbauer’s and helped themselves to a set of harness, curry comb, and brush. The men were seen in the early part of the evening, and will probably be identified.
             [SOME PERTINENT NOTES FOLLOW RE SCOTT/HUGHES, ETC.]
Arkansas City Traveler, October 31, 1878.
In a few weeks, the TRAVELER office will be moved to the basement of Newman’s brick on the corner.
[Note: C. M. Scott resigns as editor and manager of the TRAVELER; and Dr. Nathan B. Hughes becomes publisher on November 6, 1878.]
Arkansas City Traveler, November 6, 1878.
Corn and oats by the bushel or single feed at L. McLaughlin’s, next door to the Post Office.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 6, 1878.
More clothing and groceries at Rube and Tom’s this week.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 27, 1878.
An ox train of twelve wagons passed through town on Friday evening, on their way to Ft. Sill. They were loaded with flour that our enterprising townsman, A. A. Newman, had contracted to supply the Indian service. After taking on a quantity of grocer­ies at Schiffbauer’s, they camped on the south side of town. Now is the time to strike for the Santa Fe railroad.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 4, 1878.
                                            Wheat wanted at Newman’s Mill.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 4, 1878.
See the real estate card of Channell & Houghton.
AD: S. P. CHANNELL.                                  T. H. McLAUGHLIN.
                                             CHANNELL & McLAUGHLIN,
                         REAL ESTATE, LOAN AND COLLECTION AGENCY.
                           Pay taxes for non-residents. Correspondence solicited.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 4, 1878.
We have moved the TRAVELER office into new quarters in the Newman block. We think our office will compare favorably with most others in the Southwest, and we extend a welcome to the friends of the TRAVELER.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 4, 1878.
                                                            FURS! FURS!
I will pay the highest market price for all kinds of furs at the Brick Corner.
                                                        O. P. HOUGHTON.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 11, 1878.
                                               NEW REAL ESTATE FIRM.
S. P. CHANNELL and T. H. McLAUGHLIN have formed a partnership, and last week opened an office in the building formerly occupied by the Tonsorial man. We know of no two men we could more highly recommend to the public than these gentlemen. They came here in an early day, and are familiar with the county, and consequently know where the cheapest and best lands are. Messrs. Channell and McLaughlin are both thorough businessmen, and we can safely recommend them to the public generally.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 11, 1878.
The following officers of Crescent Lodge, No. 133, were elected at the last regular meeting, Saturday evening, Dec. 7th, 1878.
Sewell P. Channell, W. M.; James Benedict, S. W.; Jas. I. Mitchell, J. W.; Henry P. Farrar, Treasurer; Isaac H. Bonsall, Secretary; Lafe McLaughlin, Tyler.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 25, 1878.
We are informed by the farmers that A. A. Newman is paying better prices for wheat than they can realize at Wichita, after deducting expense of delivery.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 8, 1879.
Our enterprising townsmen, Channell & McLaughlin, have issued from the TRAVELER office a Real Estate Bulletin, giving quite a complete list of farms for sale in this locality, and also a general description of Cowley County.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 15, 1879.
The dry goods trade at Houghton’s store is simply immense. From morning until night it is one constant tramp and the way people carry goods from there for cash is proof that the times grow better.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 15, 1879.
We called on Houghton & Mantor the other day and found their store crowded with people purchasing dry goods and groceries. The boys are doing a good trade, and are very attentive to business. The store will soon be moved into C. M. Scott’s building, formerly occupied by the Post Office. Give them a call.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 15, 1879.
I will exchange dry goods for good corn and wheat. O. P. HOUGHTON.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 15, 1879.
SPECIAL NOTICE. All accounts due us must be settled within the next thirty days. Do not forget it HOUGHTON & MANTOR.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 22, 1879.
The following were duly installed as officers of the Knights of Honor for the ensuing six months on the first Tuesday in January, 1879.
James Benedict, P. D.; S. P. Channell, D.; I. H. Bonsall, V. D.; Thos. L. Mantor, A. D.; O. P. Houghton, Chaplain; T. H. McLaughlin, F. R.; E. R. Thompson, R.; Manson Rexford, Steward; I. M. Ware, Guardian; G. Mott, Sentinel.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 29, 1879.
R. A. Houghton, one of the traders at the Ponca Agency spent a few days in the city last week.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 5, 1879.
Messrs. Wolf and Winton are fitting up the Green Front for T. H. McLaughlin. It will be occupied by Dr. Loomis as a drug store.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 5, 1879.
We copy extensively this week from the Real Estate Bulletin, published by Channell & McLaughlin, of this city.
                                         [From the REAL ESTATE BULLETIN.]
As the result of a seven years orchard planting, the statis­tics of the county show 196,554 peach and 5,754 bearing apple trees.
Now is the time to buy land in this vicinity, for as we shall have a railroad and a line of steamers within a few months, the price of property of all kinds cannot help but materially
advance.
While, of course, there are some farms to rent in this county yet, as is invariably the case in new countries opened up under similar circumstances, improved places are, as a rule, occupied by the owner.
Sheep raising has been followed extensively in the county with success. Our seasons are as a rule dry, and consequently the finest wool can be obtained at the minimum of cost. Foot-rot is unknown, and if anything goes wrong, the owner, and not the country are to blame.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 19, 1879.
                                                     CUSTOM GRINDING
                                                    AT NEWMAN’S MILL.
                                                        February 1st, 1879.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 19, 1879.
Dr. Loomis has removed the People’s Drug Store into the Green Front, formerly occupied by Houghton & McLaughlin. He has a neat room and a fresh supply of medicines.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 26, 1879.
R. A. Houghton is up from the Ponca Agency.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 26, 1879.
We wish to call the attention of parents to a bad practice followed by some of the town boys. The window lights in the TRAVELER office, also the lights in the stores occupied by both Schiffbauer and O. P. Houghton have recently been broken by boys throwing shot from slings carried for amusement.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 12, 1879.
BORN. At Arkansas City, March 9th, to T. H. McLaughlin and wife, a daughter.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 12, 1879.
Joseph Sherburne informs us that the contract to furnish the Ponca’s with cows and calves was awarded to him, and not to A. A. Newman, as published in last week’s TRAVELER.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 19, 1879.
T. H. McLaughlin is preparing to build a dwelling on the corner directly south of Frank Schiffbauer’s.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 19, 1879.

W. D. Bishop has purchased the vacant corner west of Rube Houghton’s and will build a residence this summer.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 19, 1879.
A new building for the Cowley County Bank is to be erected on Houghton & McLaughlin’s corner lot, directly opposite the TRAVELER office.
[CITIZENS TICKET, ELECTED ON MONDAY WITHOUT OPPOSITION.]
Arkansas City Traveler, April 9, 1879
                                                     VOTE AS FOLLOWS:
MAYOR: JAS. I. MITCHELL, 117
COUNCIL.
J. T. SHEPARD                 118
I. H. BONSALL                116
H. GODEHARD                113
GEORGE ALLEN       116
WM. SPEERS             116
D. SIFFORD                         2
T. H. McLAUGHLIN      1
POLICE JUDGE.
L. KNIGHT                       115
O. P. HOUGHTON               1
Arkansas City Traveler, April 16, 1879.
Tyler McLaughlin’s new dwelling house is completed.
      [APRIL 16, 1879, MARKED THE END OF THE FIRST ROLL OF MICROFILM.]
The July 30, 1879, issue of the Arkansas City Traveler stated: “Charles H. Searing purchased A. A. Newman’s Mill last Saturday, and will hereafter run the same. He will supply the flour necessary to complete Mr. Newman’s contract for the Indian Agencies.”
Believe this tells me that it is time to stop incorporating Newman with his relatives. About this time Joseph Sherburne became a trader and is found many times in the Indian Book. I hate to be redundant.
Under c:\aapeople\people\Houghton.wpd...KAY MADE NOTES ON THE HOUGHTON FAMILY. I AM INCLUDING SOME OF THEM NEXT.
                                                      MAW JULY 21, 2000.
                                                       HOUGHTON FAMILY.
Sewell Houghton and Maria Jones were married in Maine, where they both were born.
One daughter, Mary M. Houghton, was born November 3, 1846, in Maine. She married A. A. Newman in 1869.
Another daughter, Hattie Houghton, married Wyard Gooch.
                                 [See File c:\aapeople\people\GoochFamily.wpd]
Arkansas City Traveler, April 28, 1880.
W. E. GOOCH.                 ESTABLISHED 1871.                   A. A. NEWMAN.
A. A. NEWMAN & CO., Wholesale Dry Goods, Clothing, Boots, Shoes, Hats, Caps, Notions, Carpets.

We would respectfully announce to the citizens of Arkansas City and vicinity that we have now opened and are receiving the largest and most complete stock of Dry Goods, Clothing, Boots, Shoes, Hats, Caps, and Notions ever brought to this market. It is our hope that, by strict attention to business, fair dealing and lowest prices, we shall merit and obtain a liberal share of your patronage.
Kansas City, St. Louis, and Chicago prices duplicated.
Thanking you for past favors, we are, very respectfully, yours, A. A. NEWMAN & CO.
Back to the Houghtons...
One son was Reuben A. Houghton, born in 1848.
Another son was Theoron H. Houghton, born in 1844.
O. P. Houghton is also a family connection.
(Note - He is either a younger brother of Sewell Houghton, or a child of Sewell Houghton by a first wife.)
Other Houghton Family members  who came to Arkansas City in the early days were O. P. Houghton, Theoron K. Houghton, and Reuben A. Houghton.
The first Cowley County census of Feb. 1870 does not list any Houghton’s.
R. A. Houghton, 23, was listed in the Bolton Township census of 1873.
R. A. Houghton was listed in the Tisdale Township census of 1876.
R. A. Houghton was born in 1848 and either deceased or buried May 6, 1894, in Riverview Cemetery, Lot 3-23-L. He left his wife and 13 children.
T. R. Houghton, 46, and his wife H. J. Houghton, 40, were listed in the Arkansas City census of 1893. Theoron Russell Houghton was born April 18, 1844 and died Mar 26, 1926. He is buried in Riverview Cemetery in Lots 1 & 3-2-K. His wife, Helen T. Houghton, was born in 1851 and died April 22, 1912. She is buried in Riverview Cemetery, Lot 2 & 4-2-K. (NOTE - There were no obit’s in the Traveler.)
O. P. Houghton, 34, and his wife Marie B., 32, were listed in the Cresswell Township census of 1874.
O. P. Houghton, born in 1831, died Dec. 21, 1907, at Corpus Christi, Texas. Age 68. He was buried in Riverview Cemetery on Dec. 27, 1907. Lots 1 & 2-10-J. The information was provided by J. C. Topliff and H. H. Swafford. His wife, Marie B. Houghton, died in Dustin in the Indian Territory. She was buried in Riverview cemetery Dec. 23, 1906.
                             (NOTE - There were no obit’s printed in the Traveler.)
                                                                 * * * * *
                                                    HOUGHTON FAMILY.
From “Between Two Rivers” we learn the following facts about the Houghton family.
Theoron K. Houghton came to Kansas in 1871; his wife, Helen Josephine Houghton, came one year later from her home in Weld, Maine, to join her husband. Theoron K. Houghton was a brother of Mrs. A. A. Newman. He stayed with Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Newman until joined by his wife, meeting her in February, 1872, at Emporia. Helen Josephine Houghton was 18 years old, stopping at Emporia for two weeks visiting relatives. Mr. Houghton met her with a team and driver, and they made the trip to Arkansas City, a distance of about 150 miles, in a covered wagon loaded with household goods and provisions. “After a week’s journey by land, mud, and water, we arrived at the land of promise,” she stated.
The Houghtons had two daughters: Mrs. C. E. Sills of Arkansas City and Mrs. William May of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

After she arrived in Arkansas City, they proceeded to look for a house. They found a two-story frame, consisting of two rooms, one below and one above, without plaster or paint. “It stood where the Baptist church now stands.”
She commented: “As we were passing the first house east of the old Central Avenue Hotel, which is a rooming house now but was a carpenter shop in 1872, someone made the remark that the man the Indians had beheaded was lying in there.”
                                  [No explanation is given as to identity of this man.]
Mr. and Mrs. Theoron K. Houghton took in two boarders: Mr. Loveland and Mr. Topliff. They remained until spring. The Houghtons then moved to a farm east of the Walnut River. “Mr. Houghton purchased three horses, and we began moving our household goods and provisions which had been purchased for the coming year. These he had hauled from Emporia, as everything in the provision line was very high: potatoes three dollars per bushel, and everything else in proportion. We had moved the last load to the farm, and Mr. Houghton had started back to the city. He had gone about a mile, when he looked back and saw our house in flames. He turned back; but when he reached there, everything was in ashes or past saving.
The fire started from a prairie fire caused by some person’s carelessness. . .  .
All that we had left was our horses and cow and the clothes we had on our backs. These were indeed trying days. We had to borrow money at 25 percent compound interest. Lumber was almost impossible to get at any price, but we built a little house with two rooms, just shells we would call them, as plaster and paper was not the style.”
She continues: “The winter of 1873 Mr. Houghton and I went to Mr. Henderson’s, a neighbor whose wife died and left a family of seven.”  Mrs. Houghton ended up cooking and looking after a family of nine.” [Sounds like she stayed with Henderson family and Mr. Houghton elsewhere.]
She tells a story about a son of Mr. Henderson, working on Dean’s cattle ranch at Red Rock, wherein he was confronted with 12 Indians, who admitted they had killed 12 of the cattle he was tending. [Page 52, Vol. I.] He ended up facing them and got away unharmed. At another camp five miles distant they rapped at the door and the colored cook opened it; they struck at him with a knife and shaved the side of his head. He rushed out of the back door and jumped into the creek, escaping to the States.
                                                        MAINE COLONY.
The big mystery...
From Vol. 1, page 113: Maine Colony.
Mr. and Mrs. O. P. Houghton and Mr. and Mrs. T. K. Houghton are mentioned.
                  [STILL UNKNOWN! RELATIONSHIP OF O. P. HOUGHTON!]
                                                      MAW JULY 21, 2000.
More Newman items...starting in 1880. Gathered by RKW.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 27, 1880
On Tuesday evening of last week, a gathering of old settlers was held at the residence of T. H. McLaughlin, in honor of Mrs. Meigs and Mrs. Bowen, who have been visiting their friends in this vicinity. They returned to their homes in Harper County last Saturday.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 1, 1880.

Miss Delia Newman, of East Wilton, Maine, arrived in this city yesterday, and proposes making an extended visit with her relatives, Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Newman.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 1, 1880.
Mr. Pratt and wife, of Minneapolis, are visiting the family of A. A. Newman. They contemplate remaining throughout the winter months, Mr. Pratt’s health necessitating a change from the cold climate of Minneapolis.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1880.
The public are invited to notice the great bargains which O. P. Houghton’s closing-out sale offers to all, either by paying cash or trading stock, produce, etc. Mr. Houghton has been one of our best businessmen for the past ten years and is well known by all. While we regret that his health necessitates a change of occupation, we trust he will remain in our midst, and his many patrons can in no way better serve their own interests than by calling at the Green Front as soon as possible.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 27, 1881.
                                         Article re Water Works in Arkansas City.
Messrs. O. P. Houghton, W. E. Gooch, and Maj. Sleeth have already laid the water into their residences. . . .
Arkansas City Traveler, June 15, 1881.
O. P. Houghton traded the one-half of the Cowley County bank site to Messrs. Farrar and Sleeth for a house and two lots in the northwest part of town.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 22, 1881.
R. A. Houghton returned from the Territory last Thursday, where he had been for some time attending to the rounding up of his stock. [He failed to recover 40 head.]
Arkansas City Traveler, June 29, 1881.
Mrs. T. H. McLaughlin is visiting her old-time friend, Mrs. H. O. Meigs, at Anthony, Harper County, Kansas.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 7, 1881.
Mr. Bowen, an old-time resident of this city, is in town with his family upon a visit to Mr. and Mrs. T. H. McLaughlin.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 21, 1881.
Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Newman, of Weld, Maine, arrived in the city, last Friday, to pay a visit to their son, A. A. Newman, and other relatives and friends in this vicinity. They were accompanied by Miss Annie Haywood, of Fredonia, New York, a sister of our townsman, R. C. Haywood.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 4, 1882.
A little social gathering was held at the residence of Wyard E. Gooch, Saturday evening, Dec. 24th, the prominent feature of course being a Christmas tree, which was generously loaded with costly and elegant, as well as worthless, yet comical, presents for the assembled guests. Wyard E. Gooch received a hand-some gold watch, as also did Tom Mantor. Miss Alma Dixon packed an elegant celluloid toilet set home, while Sara Reed rejoiced in a beautiful Atlas, and John Gooch in an unabridged Webster’s dictionary, all of which were the Christmas gifts of A. A. Newman, by his agent, Santa Claus, Esq.

Through the same medium, Mrs. R. C. Haywood received a very elegant pair of diamond set earrings, and Mrs. A. A. Newman a beautifully set diamond ring and brooch. Mr. A. A. Newman was jubilant in the acquisition of a neatly packed parcel, which, upon examination, revealed the well picked backbone of a turkey, an evident recognition of his love for the bird. His exuberant joy, however, was somewhat modified upon Santa Claus handling him an elegant walnut paper and magazine stand. Many other choice presents were donated by Santa Claus, who being present, had the pleasure of presiding at one of the most eminently social gatherings of the Holiday season.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 18, 1882.
The well known and popular grocery firm of McLaughlin Brothers has dissolved, Mr. Lafe McLaughlin retiring. The business will henceforth be conducted by T. H. McLaughlin at the old stand, and on the same general principles which secured the firm’s successes in the past and will, we doubt not, bear a like result in the future. Mr. McLaughlin has been one of the prominent businessmen of Arkansas City from the very first and is far too well known to need any commendation at our hands.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 25, 1882.
We had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Bisbee, father-in-law of O. P. Houghton, last week. Mr. Bisbee is a typical New England farmer, and our Western life is a revelation to him, but the country he expresses himself charmed with.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 8, 1882.
A. A. Newman is slightly under the weather with a cold.
W. E. Gooch has been invalided for several days with a bad cold.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 22, 1882.
R. C. Haywood put up his household furniture, stoves, carpets, etc., for auction sale.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 12, 1882.
The consideration in the deed of Haywood’s Arkansas City lots is $8,100. There are 19 lots conveyed to Menage, of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Winfield Courier, April 12, 1882.
R. C. Haywood made the city a short call last week. He left Saturday, for Minneapolis.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 19, 1882.
Do you like cake and coffee? If so, don’t fail to attend the social at Mrs. A. A. Newman’s this evening.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 19, 1882.
                                             COFFEE AND CAKE SOCIAL.
The ladies of the Presbyterian Society will hold one of their eminently social and particularly enjoyable gatherings at the residence of Mrs. A. A. Newman, this Wednesday evening. A cordial invitation is extended to all, and a good time will undoubtedly be had.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 3, 1882.
The second story of Lafe McLaughlin’s store room is about completed.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 3, 1882.
Herman Godehard expects to move into Lafe McLaughlin’s store room, next door to the present bakery, in about thirty days.
[ORDINANCE NO. 102: CONSTRUCTION OF STONE SIDEWALKS.]
Arkansas City Traveler, May 10, 1882.

                                                    ORDINANCE NO. 102.
Entitled an ordinance providing for the constructing of sidewalks, and condemning certain wooden sidewalks, herein named, and replacing said sidewalks with stone.
Be it ordained by the Mayor and Councilmen of the city of Arkansas City.
SECTION 1st. There shall be constructed, within the corpo­rate limits, of the city of Arkansas City, certain sidewalks, to be laid on the streets of the course and length herein provided, that is to say, First commencing at the northwest corner of Fifth Avenue and Sixth Street, thence north on the west side of Sixth Street to Seventh Avenue, on the east side of blocks sixty-six (66) and sixty-seven (67).
SECTION 2nd. Said sidewalks shall be constructed of stone flagging, as provided in ordinance No. 79, and ordinance No. 82 of said city.
SECTION 3rd. That all wooden sidewalks on the west side of Summit Street, between Central Avenue and Fourth Avenue, and on the east side of Summit Street between Central Avenue and Fourth Avenue, are hereby condemned, and said sidewalks shall be re­placed with stone flagging not less than three inches thick, and size as provided in ordinance No. 79 and 82; said sidewalks to be twelve (12) feet wide, to outside of curb stone; and curb stone to be not less than two (2) feet long by eighteen (18) inches in width.
SECTION 4th. The owners of lots abutting upon the line of any of the sidewalks for the construction of which, provision is herein made, are allowed sixty (60) days, from and after the publication of this ordinance. And if any of them shall make default, then the City of Arkansas City shall contract for the construction of any portion of said sidewalks that shall not have been constructed, and the expense shall be defrayed by assessment upon the lots abutting upon the sidewalks so constructed by said city according to the frontage of said lots.
SECTION 5th. All ordinances, and parts of ordinances, in conflict with this ordinance, are hereby repealed.
SECTION 6th. This ordinance No. 102, shall take effect and be in force from and after its publication once in the Arkansas City TRAVELER. A. A. NEWMAN, Mayor.
Attest. I. H. BONSALL, City Clerk.
[ORDINANCE NO. 103: AMENDING ORDINANCES RE SIDEWALKS.]
Arkansas City Traveler, May 17, 1882. Editorial Page.
                                                    ORDINANCE NO. 103.
An ordinance to amend an ordinance entitled an ordinance for the construction of sidewalks, and condemning certain sidewalks, herein named, and replacing said sidewalks with stone.
Be it ordained by the Mayor and Councilmen of the City of Arkansas City:
SECTION 1st. That the words Central Avenue be, and the same are hereby substituted, for the words Fifth Avenue, in the seventh and eighth lines of section first of said ordinance.
SECTION 2nd. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force on and after its publication once in the Arkansas City TRAVELER. A. A. NEWMAN, Mayor.
Attest, I. H. BONSALL, City Clerk.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 17, 1882.
R. C. Haywood, well known in Winfield and Arkansas City, has lately, says the Commonwealth, made quite a fortune out of real estate in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

            [ABOVE ITEM INDICATES HAYWOOD LEFT ABOUT THIS TIME.]

 

Cowley County Historical Society Museum