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Frank Speers

                            [Frank Speers and William H. Speers were brothers.]

                                        Arkansas City Early Day Residents: 1893.
                                W. H. Speers, age 55. Wife: Augusta Speers, age 47
                         Daughter of W. H. and Augusta Speers: Anna Speers, age 21.
                                          Brother of W. H. Speers: Frank Speers.
                                 Frank Speers, age 46. Wife: Rachel Speers, age 39.

[COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS.]
Winfield Messenger, July 12, 1872.
Board of County Commissioners met in Co. Clerk’s office in Winfield July 1st, 1872. Present: Frank Cox, O. C. Smith, and J. D. Maurer.
Proceeded to act on the following Road Petitions.
One of John Tipton, granted with O. H. Ward, Frank Speers, and R. A. Thompson, as viewers. Survey July 12th, 1872.
Winfield Messenger, August 16, 1872.
                                                Commissioners Proceedings.
                                            Winfield, Kansas, August 16th, 1872.
Board of County Commissioners met in County Clerk’s office, pursuant to adjournment. Present: Frank Cox, O. C. Smith, and J. D. Maurer. Petition of Charles Parker for County Road was presented and granted with the following viewers: Daniel Hunt, W. Thompson, and John Nichols. Time of survey August 26th, 1872. New viewers were appointed on the old petition of Topliff, consisting of John Linton, Isaac Shedder, and H. O. Ward; Time of survey August 27th, 1872, and also on the old petition of Tipton, of O. Howard, Frank Speers, and R. A. Thompson; time of survey Aug. 28th, 1872.
        [Unknown: Whether Frank Speers, a brother, worked with his brother, W. H.]
Arkansas City Traveler, January 26, 1876.
                                                           EAGLE MILLS.
                                                      Arkansas City, Kansas.
                                            W. H. SPEERS & BRO., Proprietor.
Have two sets of burrs and are grinding Wheat and Corn night and day. Two experienced millers have been engaged, and the flour made is all Warranted. Custom and Merchant work a Special­ty. Toll one-fifth for ten bushels and upwards. Parties coming with grists will not have to wait. Flour, Meal, Shorts, etc., always on hand and for sale.
[CITY ELECTION.]
Arkansas City Traveler, April 5, 1876.
The election of city officers passed off very quietly last Monday, with the following result.
FOR MAYOR: S. P. CHANNELL, 49 VOTES.
                     H. D. KELLOGG,  24 VOTES.
FOR COUNCILMEN:

T. H. McLAUGHLIN, 48 VOTES.
W. M. SLEETH, 48 VOTES.
H. D. KELLOGG, 48 VOTES.
J. A. LOOMIS, 45 VOTES.
J. I. MITCHELL, 49 VOTES.
R. HOFFMASTER, 26 VOTES.
JAS. BENEDICT, 27 VOTES.
L. C. CURRIER, 21 VOTES.
L. C. WOOD, 23 VOTES.
FRANK SPEERS, 24 VOTES.
I. H. BONSALL, 1 VOTE.
FOR POLICE JUDGE:
JAMES CHRISTIAN, 71 VOTES.
     Whole number of votes cast: 73.
The city officers now are: S. P. Channell, Mayor; T. H. McLaughlin, W. M. Sleeth, Dr. H. D. Kellogg, Dr. J. A. Loomis, and James I. Mitchell, Councilmen; Jas. Christian, Police Judge.
Cowley County Democrat, Thursday, April 6, 1876.
                                                          EAGLE MILLS.
                                               SPEERS & BRO., Proprietr’s
                                                  ARKANSAS CITY, KAN.
                                           Highest Cash Price Paid for Wheat.
                            BRAN, CHOP FEED AND FLOUR Always on Hand.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 10, 1876.
Frank Speers is going to have a running horse.
[FOOT RACE: FRANK SPEERS AND WILLIAM KOONS.]
Arkansas City Traveler, July 5, 1876.
                                                              TAKEN IN.
A few of the sports went from this place to Winfield last Friday and inveigled the boys into betting on a foot race between Frank Speers and William Koons, of Mattoon, Illinois. Someone recognized Koons as being the renowned “Cali­fornia Plow Boy,” and the stakes were generally on him, although Frank Speers had many friends. After getting bets to the amount of about $50, the race was prepared for; both parties stripped, and a run of 55 yards made, Speers gaining the race by about two feet. The Arkansas City boys knew which party to bet on, and came home happy, with about $30 ahead. One man in Winfield did the main betting, and is now consoling himself by declaring he will “never bet on another foot race.”  Koons is the man that got away with the youth of Cedar Vale, about two years ago, and has a practice of getting away with everything he runs across, while Frank Speers has a reputation for beating everything that comes along.
Winfield Courier, July 6, 1876.
A foot race between Frank Speers, of Arkansas City, and a stranger was run here the other day. Of course the slow man won the race; they always do.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 16, 1876.

On Friday afternoon another boat left this place, having on board Mr. Barnes, Al. Mowry, and Frank Speers. They intend to come back with the steamboat, Mr. Barnes as pilot, with Al. and Frank as engineers. A letter was received from the parties in Little Rock last Thursday, stating that they purposed starting from that place with the steamer yesterday.
Unknown whether the following applies to William H. Speers or his brother, Frank.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 30, 1876.
HON. WM. P. HACKNEY, one of the most successful lawyers in Southern Kansas, with O. M. Seward, of Coshocton County, Ohio, were attending the trial of Speers versus Goodrich, before Judge McIntire yesterday.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 27, 1876.
                                                             RETURNED.
 FRANK SPEERS, AL. MOWRY, MR. BARNES, and WILL ALEXANDER returned last night from Little Rock, where they have been looking after the Arkansas City boat. Most all of the number had been sick, and had a rough time of it.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 29, 1876.
FRANK SPEERS is building a house in town, and the query is what does Frank want with a house.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 28, 1877.
ALLEN & SPEERS have entered into partnership and will hereafter be ready to give estimates and take contracts for all kinds of painting. Both are well known, and reliable men.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 21, 1877.
LAST Friday night someone cut the halter of Frank Speers’ horse, and stole his saddle. He evidently meant to take the horse. The day before a man was at the house, looking at the animal and inquiring if the dog would bite. As soon as grass comes, look out for horse thieves.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 9, 1877.
GEORGE ALLEN and FRANK SPEERS have made a number of new signs lately that were well lettered. Among others that of the “Arkansas City House”—a new boarding house just opened by Mr. Williams, one door above the Bakery.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 6, 1877.
THEORIZING. Al. Mowry, Frank Speers, the editor, and half a dozen other old bachelors were looking at Walker’s new house last week, and making calculations.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 26, 1877.
It is reported again that Frank Speers is married. We don’t believe it. We’ve heard it too often.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 2, 1878.
MARRIED. FRANK SPEERS and Miss Rachael Steiner were married sure enough last week.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 2, 1878.
It is a fact, FRANK SPEERS and Miss Rachael Steiner are really married. La! me, how they did worry the folks putting it off so long
Arkansas City Traveler, March 27, 1878.

Through the death of a relative in California, William and Frank Speers inherited several thousand dollars. An attorney offered them $3,000 each for their claim, and they concluded they had better have that much clear, and accepted it.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 10, 1878.
BERRY BROTHERS sold their grocery store to Frank Speers and Joseph Hoyt last week. Joe and Frank will make lively dealers, and will always be found up to the times.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 17, 1878.
See the advertisement of the “Athletic Grocery House” in this issue. It claims to be the only house of the kind in the world. The boys are worthy of a liberal patronage.
                                                        HOYT & SPEERS.
                  ATHLETIC GROCERY HOUSE, ARKANSAS CITY, KANSAS.
                                        Plain & Fancy Groceries Always on Hand.
                                 CIGARS AND TOBACCOS Of the Finest Brands.
               Don’t Fail to Give us a Trial, And if you don’t see what you want, ask for it.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 24, 1878.
                                                     STRANGE BUT TRUE.
A man walks peaceably into Hoyt & Speers’s new grocery house and gets shot, and the cry is, what for? (To go hunting, to be sure.)  2 lbs. for a quarter.
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.
                                                           Circus in Town!
Doors open early and late, and everything down to bed-rock prices, for cash on the inside. We want money for tomorrow, and not for yesterday. Do not forget the time, date, and place. HOYT & SPEERS, New Athletic Grocery House.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 1, 1878.
TO THE PUBLIC: We have one year’s supply ahead; consequent­ly we will not be undersold. 20 lbs. sugar for $1; cider 5 cents per glass, or 55 cents per gallon.
                                                         HOYT & SPEERS.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 8, 1878.
More fun can be seen on the horizontal bar and spring board in the rear of Hoyt & Speers’ Athletic Grocery House than at a side show. They take time enough between laughs to deal out ten pounds of good sugar for one dollar.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 15, 1878.
THE LATEST thing out is those steel E violin strings that can be had only of E. J. Hoyt, who is the sole agent. I would say to my brother musicians and catgut scrapers that I can highly recommend them in every respect. For sale at Hoyt & Speers Athletic Grocery House.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 22, 1878.
JUST RECEIVED at Hoyt & Speers’ Athletic Grocery House, a very large assortment of Mason’s Self-Sealing Fruit Jars, to be sold as all other things in our line—cheap for cash.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 22, 1878.
Look out for the new sign of Hoyt & Speers. There is some energy to a firm that can get up in the morning, leap and turn in the air, advertise as extensively as they do, and erect a sign like that.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 12, 1878.
                           List of Advertising Business Houses of Arkansas City
                                                             and Winfield.
                                         Hoyt & Speers, Groceries, Queensware.
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 Speers, 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, July 17, 1878.
                                                  THAT’S IT, GENTLEMEN.
Travel all over the town pricing goods and, just as we expected, lastly fetch up at Hoyt & Speers’ Athletic Grocery House, where you will be satisfied to let well enough alone, and drop your loose change for value received.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 17, 1878.

STEAMBOAT NAVIGATION up the Arkansas River is the great cause of good quality and great bargains at Hoyt & Speers’ Athletic Grocery. Down we come, passing bed rock to Little Rock prices. 5 lbs. coffee for one dollar; 4 lbs. tea, $1; 18 bars of soap, $1; 13 lbs. soda, $1; fruit jars almost at your own price. From this time we are in hopes to get our goods direct from St. Louis and Little Rock, via steamboat up the Arkansas River, which will enable us to start a wholesale house for the benefit of smaller towns in our county, such as Winfield, Maple City, Thomasville, Salt City, Webb Center, etc.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 21, 1878.
                                         TO All WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
We, the undersigned, would respectfully request all those 30 day men to call and settle. HOYT & SPEERS.
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, September 25, 1878.
                                                          WICHITA SOAP.
Hoyt & Speers and Schiffbauer Bros. keep the celebrated Wichita Soap. Four bars for a quarter.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 2, 1878.
PAY what you owe, and read this below:
From this date on we will sell strictly for cash and none need expect to get goods on any other terms. HOYT & SPEERS.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 2, 1878.
We have loaned you our pocket book, and you have helped yourselves, and now on account of your absence, our goods are on the shelves. Amen, sing brothers, sing. Don’t be afraid; call in and see us. HOYT & SPEERS.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 16, 1878
WHITE CORN MEAL at Hoyt & Speers—the only place in town where it is kept.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 13, 1878.
Closing out sale of Crockery and Glassware. Selling out below cost to make room for our new stock of groceries, which we intend selling a little cheaper than any house in this town or Winfield. 4 lbs. of tea $1.00, and everything else in propor­tion. Terms cash.
                                       HOYT & SPEERS, New Athletic Grocery.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 4, 1878.
                                                                  Notice.
This is to certify that the firm of Hoyt & Speers have this day dissolved partnership by mutual consent.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 19, 1879.

We call the attention of our readers to the new “ad” of Speers & Mantor in this number. They are both polite salesmen, and will be found at the old Post Office stand ready to sell you the best in the market. Try them.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 19, 1879.
                                                     SPEERS & MANTOR
                                        FRANK SPEERS./ THOS. MANTOR.
                                                           -DEALERS IN-
                                                            GROCERIES,
                WOODENWARE, GLASSWARE, HATS, CAPS, BOOTS, SHOES,
                                                             CLOTHING,
                                            GENT’S FURNISHING GOODS.
Winfield Courier, February 27, 1879.
                                                  ARKANSAS CITY ITEM.
Tom Mantor and Rube Houghton have dissolved partnership. Rube and Joseph  Sherburne will now devote all their time, talent, and energy to the “noble red man,” being traders at the Ponca Agency. Tom Mantor and Frank Speer have united their forces and will sell boots, shoes, clothing, and groceries at bottom prices at the old post office.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 12, 1879.
Frank Speers drove a nobby turn out last Wednesday. Frank always does a thing in good style and can sell you groceries and clothing that will make you look young and feel happy. Peed put up the harness and did a good job.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 16, 1879.
A militia company of cavalry will be organized at this place, consisting of sixty men, to be armed by the State. The company will remain at home, and drill once a month, unless ordered to take the field by the Governor, which is hardly probable will be done. As soon as the list is completed, steps will be taken to elect officers and make it a permanent organization. The roll can be seen at Mantor & Speers’ Grocery.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 14, 1879.
The celebrated horse, Tom Thumb, was sold at sheriff’s sale last Saturday for $40.50. Frank Speers was the purchaser.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 18, 1879.
                                                     SPEERS & MANTOR,
                                       [FRANK SPEERS / THOS. MANTOR]
      DEALERS IN GROCERIES, WOODENWARE, GLASSWARE, HATS, CAPS,
                 BOOTS, SHOES, CLOTHING, GENT’S FURNISHING GOODS.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 9, 1879.
                                               Lieutenant Cushman’s Dance.
The finest gathering of people witnessed for many years assembled at the grove on the Walnut last night, in response to a general invitation from Lieut. Cushman to enjoy the hospitalities of the soldiers in a moonlight hop.
Owing to the disturbance in the morning, by which a decrepit Indian was sent to the happy hunting grounds, the Lieutenant feared the people would be backward about turning out, and, for a while, almost abandoned the scheme, but our citizens were in a humor to dance, and before 9 o’clock some 200 of them were on the ground.

A platform seventy feet in length had been built, with seats on three sides, and a raised platform for the musicians. Over­head hung three rows of Chinese lanterns, furnishing ample light, and a dressing room had been provided for the convenience of the ladies.
The dancing commenced at 9 o’clock, and for seven hours over one hundred of the lovers of the mazy kept time to the best of music, furnished by Messrs. Sipes, Speers, Steiner, and Balcom, refreshing themselves with ice cream, cake, and lemonade, supplied by Mr. Maricle. The sum of fifty cents a number was charged, merely to help defray the expenses.
It was a decided success, and all join in pronouncing it the most enjoyable affair of the year, and in returning thanks to the Lieutenant and detachment for the perfect order maintained throughout. Those who failed to attend can only regret their action, and hold themselves in readiness to attend the next one, which will probably be given in two weeks time, and to which we invite our Winfield friends.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 27, 1879.    
Frank and Tom (i.e., Speers & Mantor) don’t want anybody fooling around there for a week, so they can get that pile of goods laid out in shape. It came in last night.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 22, 1879.
The northeast corner of Summit Street and Central Avenue, now occupied by Judge Christian, has been purchased of Mr. Sodon by Frank Speers, for $1,000.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 24, 1880.
                                                        CASH ACCOUNT.
Amount of cash received by the City Clerk since March 15th, 1879, to March 14th, 1880, both inclusive.
                         June 3, 1880. Speers & Mantor, rope for Walker’s well: $.60
                       Oct. 14, 1880. Speers & Mantor, groceries for Mrs. Tush: $1.00
Arkansas City Traveler, March 31, 1880.
The stuffed hide of a full grown panther was brought into town last week, and is now on exhibition at Houghton & Speers’ store. The animal was killed on Red Rock, some fifty miles south of this place in the Territory, and measured a few inches less than eight feet in length. This is the second one that has been killed in that vicinity recently.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 31, 1880.
NOW IS THE TIME to get your fruit and shade trees, as I am going to close out this week. Delivery ground south of Speers & Houghton’s Store. T. BAIRD.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 5, 1880.
R. A. HOUGHTON.                                                              FRANK SPEERS.
                                                  HOUGHTON & SPEERS,
Clothing, Hats, Caps, Boots, Shoes, and Gents’ Furnishing Goods of every description. A LARGE ASSORTMENT of the latest and MOST FASHIONABLE goods in each department just received. Call and see our new SUMMER STYLES in Clothing, Hats, etc. We have a full line of BOYS’ CLOTHING.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 5, 1880.
                                  Boys’ Clothing at HOUGHTON & SPEERS’.
[NOTICES OF ATTACHMENT: E. D. Le CLARE.]
Arkansas City Traveler, June 16, 1880.
THERE WERE A NUMBER OF “NOTICE OF ATTACHMENT” SERVED ON

E. D. LE CLARE, DEFENDANT, BY VARIOUS PARTIES....
1. Giles Brothers & Co., Plaintiffs....$300.
2. J. L. Huey, Plaintiff...$26.51.
3. J. L. Huey, Plaintiff...$50.00.
4. Shepard & Maxwell, Plaintiffs...$48.00.
5. Houghton & Speers, Plaintiffs...$21.60
He was given until July 12, 1880, to settle.
MITCHELL & HOUSTON ACTED AS ATTORNEYS FOR ALL THE PLAIN­TIFFS MENTIONED ABOVE.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 16, 1880.
The following are the delegates and alternates to the county convention to be held at Winfield next Saturday, for the purpose of electing six delegates to the Congressional convention and nominating a candidate for State Senator for this district.
DELEGATES: W. D. Mowry, J. C. Topliff, Ed. G. Gray, Geo. H. McIntire, Dr. A. J. Chapel, C. R. Mitchell, Tom Mantor, J. Ridenour.
ALTERNATES: H. D. Kellogg, Cal Swarts, R. J. Maxwell, M. Rexford, A. C. Williams, M. Stanton, D. B. Hartsock, Frank Speers.
The above is the best ticket that can be put before our people. Look to the interests of our county, and send these delegates to Winfield.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 23, 1880.
George Howard and Ben Matlack are going to the El Dorado of southern Sumner, Hunnewell, this week, the former with a stock of hardware from the firm of Howard, Rexford & Howard, and the latter will take over a supply of clothing and furnishing goods for Houghton & Speers. If there is going to be any boom over there, the boys are determined to reap the benefit while it lasts.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 14, 1880.
J. L. Huey will soon commence the erection of a brick building, 20 x 30, on Summit street between the Central drug store and Houghton & Speers’ clothing store.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 18, 1880.
On Monday, the cheap rates still prevailing, Frank Speers and wife, Mrs. Endicott, A. W. Patterson, and Mr. Mott started eastward. Rexford got left.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 22, 1880.
The “last of the Mohicans” are at home. Frank Speers and wife and Mrs. Endicott returned last Friday, and W. D. and Henry Mowry came in Saturday. All are glad to get back.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 10, 1880.
Houghton & Speers have just received a new lot of clothing, and have left Jerry Adams to run the store while they are off on a hunt in the Territory.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 10, 1880.

Hunting is all the rage now. Last Monday morning a party of six started out, consisting of Eugene Eddy and nephew, Mr. Charles Crosswell, son of ex-Governor Crosswell of Michigan, R. A. Houghton, Frank Speers, Charley Howard, and Mr. Worthley, a brother-in-law of the Howard boys visiting them from Maine. They will be joined at Ponca Agency by Joe Sherburne and Mr. George Reed, a relative of Mr. Sherburne who arrived from the land of Platisted [?] last Friday—the entire party expecting to return Saturday night. May good luck attend them.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1880.
Mrs. Frank Speers is suffering from congestive chills, but at this writing we learn is improving.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1880.
                                                    FOR THE CHILDREN.
The Methodist folks will have a Christmas tree for the children of their Sabbath school on next Friday evening, December 24. A merry time is guaranteed, and a cordial invitation extend­ed to all. Following are the various committees.
On General Arrangements. The officers of the ladies’ society and of the Sabbath school.
On Procuring Tree: Messrs. Snyder, Chenoweth, Russell, and Felton.
On Decorating Tree: Mr. and Mrs. Hill, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Speers, Mrs. Stevenson, Mrs. Pearson, Mrs. T. C. Warren, Mrs. Snyder, Mrs. Russell, Mrs. Pickering, Mrs. Christian, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Endicott, Mr. and Mrs. Perry.
Distributing Presents: Misses Annie Earhart, Linda Christian, Elva Pickering; Messrs. Cal Swarts, Charles Swarts, E. A. Barron.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 12, 1881.
Houghton & Speers are probably doing the most flourishing business in the city now, with the stock of goods lately owned by Mr. Wilson. The goods were purchased at one-half the invoiced price, and are sold remarkably low. Look at their new advertise­ment in this issue and give them a call.
AD:                        WHOLESALE SLAUGHTER OF DRY GOODS,
                                                      BOOTS AND SHOES.
Having purchased the entire stock, we are now ready to offer to the public the
                                                            Bankrupt Stock
                                                                   -at the-
                                                              “Solid Rock”
                                                                -Store, at-
                                                    One-Half the Actual Value
                                                           of the Goods, for
                                                                20 DAYS
                                                                  ONLY.
They will be sold at 25 percent less than the actual cost, in order to close them out. We have a large stock of Ladies’, Gents’, and Children’s Boots and Shoes, Flannels, Jeans, Dress Goods, Cheviots, Ladies’ Hosiery, Ladies’ Cloaks and Skirts.
                                                       DRESS TRIMMINGS
and in fact, everything you need, in the Dry Goods line. You cannot afford to miss this chance of getting goods at one-half their actual value.
                                             Don’t forget the place—at Wilson’s
                                                              “Solid Rock”
                                            STORE, IN THE STONE BLOCK.
                                         Respectfully, HOUGHTON & SPEERS.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 23, 1881.
Frank Speers and wife left on the afternoon train yesterday for Peoria, Illinois, whither they were called to attend the funeral of their mother, Mrs. Speers, who died yesterday morning.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 20, 1881.
Mr. Frank Speers is much improving his residence by the addition of a 12 x 20 story and a half building, which at this writing is rapidly approaching completion.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 4, 1881.
Messrs. Oldham & Surles have bought out Mr. Geo. O. Allen’s painting shop, and will attend to that class of work in the future. They are practical men and understand their business, as will be seen by the sample of work put upon Mr. Frank Speers’ new addition to his residence.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 18, 1881.
Messrs. Houghton & Speers, last week, took a stock of clothing and gents furnishing goods to their store at Hunnewell, for the coming season’s trade. Mr. Ben Matlack has charge of the establishment.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 25, 1881.
                                                       IT IS TOWN TALK
That the stocks of Dry Goods, Clothing, etc., to be found at the store of A. A. Newman & Co., Houghton & Speers, O. P. Houghton, and Stacy Matlack cannot be equaled elsewhere in the county.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 1, 1881.
The “Solid Rock” store of Houghton & Speers is well adver­tised by their new sign.
Winfield Courier, August 18, 1881.
Frank Speers, ye Alderman of Arkansas City, was in town last week.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 14, 1881.
The farewell party, given by Miss Lillie Chamberlain at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Schiffbauer, on Tuesday evening of last week, was one of the grandest events of the season. The full moon shown down like an immense headlight, viewing apparently, with the many Chinese lanterns that were pendant from the surrounding trees, making the scene resemble that of fairy land rather than reality.
After some time spent in promenading through the beautiful grove of fruit and forest trees, the party’s attention was directed to an immense platform prepared for the occasion, where Prof. Farringer, with the string band of Winfield, had taken position, and in a few moments it was filled with youth and beauty gliding through the graceful movements of the easy qua­drille and mazy waltz. A gorgeous repast followed, then with spirits overjoyed, each of the party instituted all manner of fun and mirth, which had to be seen to be appreciated. Mr. Matlack produced a novel figure in the terpsichorean art that few ever witnessed before, while Cal. Swarts furnished the music. To say it was an enjoyable affair don’t half express it, and for one, we hope to have the pleasure of again meeting Miss Chamberlain and her many friends under like circumstances. The Cornet Band did their best and filled the night air with delightful sounds for which the hostess came forward, and in the most charming manner, expressed her appreciation and thanked them for their kindness.

The following ladies and gentlemen participated.
Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Schiffbauer.
Mr. and Mrs. James I. Huey.
Mr. and Mrs. Mead.
Mr. and Mrs. S. Matlack.
Mr. and Mrs. Harry P. Farrar.
Mr. and Mrs. Capt. O. Ingersoll.
Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Houghton.
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Sherburne.
Mr. and Mrs. Wyard E. Gooch.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Grubbs.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Speers.
Mr. and Mrs. James E. Miller.
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Benedict.
Mr. and Mrs. James Benedict.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank P. Schiffbauer.
Mrs. James Wilson.
Mrs. Alexander.
Mrs. C. R. Sipes.
                                                             THE MISSES.
Mary Parker.
Susie L. Hunt.
Anna Belle Cassell.
Lizzie Wyckoff.
Mattie F. Mitchell.
Julia Deming.
Lucy Walton.
May Benedict.
Kathleen Hawkins.
Annie Norton.
Grace Gardner.
Mabel Ayres.
                                                            THE MESSRS.
M. B. Vawter.
Dr. Jamison Vawter.
J. D. C. O’Grady.
C. L. Swarts.
Charles M. Swarts.
Fred W. Farrar.
Joseph D. Houston.
John Kroenert.
Charles U. France.
Showman D. Longsdorff.

James C. Topliff.
William D. Mowry.
Cyrus M. Scott.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 14, 1881.
At the primary meeting held last Thursday, the following gentlemen were elected as Delegates and Alternates to attend the Republican Nominating Convention at Winfield, on September 19th, 1881.
DELEGATES:
Capt. Nipp, G. H. McIntire, Cal. Swarts, C. M. Scott, Jerry Tucker, W. D. Mowry.
ALTERNATES:
I. H. Bonsall, R. A. Houghton, Frank Speers, J. C. Topliff, R. L. Marshall, A. B. Sankey.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 30, 1881.
O. J. Gould says he has rented the room now occupied by Houghton & Speers and will, as soon as those gentlemen vacate, seat the same, put in a stage and otherwise fix it up as a temporary hall, which will be a good enough thing for this season. Another winter must see Arkansas City with an Opera House equal to any in the Arkansas Valley.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 1, 1882.
We are reliable informed that the building occupied by Houghton & Speers has been rented for one year to a gentleman from Kansas City, who will fit the same up in good style through­out and run as a billiard hall.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 8, 1882.
Messrs. Houghton & Speers have removed their stock of clothing to the building south of Wm. Rose’s boot and shoe shop.
Cowley County Courant, April 20, 1882.
The following is a list of cases that will stand for trial at the April term of the District Court, commencing on the 25th day of April, A. D. 1882.
                                               CIVIL DOCKET. FIFTH DAY.
                               Houghton & Speers vs. Jas. Hardin, County Treasurer.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 3, 1882.
Frank Speers left for his ranche in the Territory recently to be gone a couple of weeks.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 10, 1882.
It is with pleasure we call the attention of our readers to the “ad” of Messrs. Shelden, Houghton & Co., which appears in this issue. This firm has always in stock the latest styles of Clothing, Hats and Caps, Ladies’, Gent’s, and Children’s Shoes, etc. The also make a specialty of Stockmen’s goods. Their store is located on West Summit Street, opposite the Post Office. Give them a call.
AD:                                                       CLOTHING.
                             J. G. SHELDEN.   R. A. HOUGHTON.     F. SPEERS.
                                                    Shelden, Houghton & Co.,
                                               ARKANSAS CITY, KANSAS.
                                                        —(DEALERS IN)—
                         Gents’ and Children’s Clothing, Hats, Caps, Boots and Shoes.

                                       STOCKMEN’S GOODS A SPECIALTY.
                                                    BOOTS (AND) SHOES.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 24, 1882.
Frank Speers had a valuable horse severely injured last Monday morning by running foul of the barbed wire that surrounds Newman’s pasture, in which it was loose. All barbed wire fences should have at least one board on top, to prevent such casualties.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 26, 1882.
The rite of baptism was administered by Rev. Morehead, pastor of the M. E. church, last Sabbath, at Harmon’s ford, to Mrs. Frank Speers, Misses Laura Hollaway, Minnie Kirtley, and Lizzie Carder.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 9, 1882.
R. A. Houghton and Frank Speers shipped four carloads of cattle to Kansas City yesterday morning. Mr. Houghton went with them, and will visit Maine before returning to this city.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 3, 1883.
Mr. R. A. Houghton has severed his connection with the firm of Shelden, Houghton & Co., of this city and the business will be conducted in the future by Messrs. Shelden & Co. See notice of dissolution elsewhere in this issue.
                                                   DISSOLUTION NOTICE.
Notice is hereby given that R. A. Houghton has this day sold out his interest in the firm of Shelden, Houghton & Co., and the business henceforth will be conducted by Messrs. Shelden & Speers, by whom all the accounts of the late firm will be settled.
                                                    Shelden, Houghton & Co.
Arkansas City, December 7th, 1882.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 24, 1883.
Messrs. Shelden & Speers have removed their clothing and gents’ furnishing stock from west to east Summit Street and will now be found one door south of Highland Hall.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 28, 1883.
We call attention to the new advertisement and special notices of Messrs. Shelden & Speers which appears in this issue and would advise our readers to give the same careful consideration. This firm keep nothing but first-class goods and sell the same at prices to suit all. Call and see them.
Ad. Ladies Attention! We are now closing out our stock of Ladies’, Misses’, and Children’s Shoes at cost. Shelden & Speers.
Ad. STOCKMEN’S HEADQUARTERS. SHELDEN & SPEERS, SUCCESSORS TO SHELDEN, HOUGHTON AND CO. Desire to call attention to their line of 1883. SPRING STYLES IN CLOTHING. GENT’S FURNISHING GOODS, BOOTS AND SHOES, HATS, CAPS, etc. Special line of Stockmen’s Goods. Arkansas City, Kansas.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 21, 1883.
Owing to the reduction of the force at the A. T. & S. F. Depot, Charley Chapel may now be seen behind the counters of Shelden & Speers’ clothing store.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 21, 1883.
                                        [From the Winfield Telegram newspaper.]

Mrs. Frank Speers, of Arkansas City, who has been visiting the last few days with Mrs. James Vance, returned home Tuesday.
Winfield Courier, April 26, 1883.
                                                        The Match Shooting.
By invitation, the Arkansas City Gun Club was present at the weekly meeting of the Winfield Club on Tuesday. The score on ten balls each was as follows.
ARKANSAS CITY CLUB: TOTAL 45. [PUTTING DOWN TOTALS ONLY.]
SHOOTERS: Parish, Young, Steadman, Speers, Shelden, Breene.
WINFIELD CLUB: TOTAL 47.
SHOOTERS: McLain, Vance, Clark, Whiting, Manny, Black.
Following this was a match with five balls each, which resulted as follows.
ARKANSAS CITY: TOTAL 18.
PLAYERS: Parish, Young, Steadman, Shelden, Breene.
WINFIELD: TOTAL 16.
PLAYERS: Vance, McLain, Clark, Black, Whiting.
Quite a crowd of spectators were present. Mr. Parish, of the Arkansas City Club, broke every ball in both matches, but two of them were broken just as they touched the ground and were ruled out by the referee, as were several balls broken in the same way by the Winfield Club. The Arkansas City boys were the guests of the Winfield Club during their stay in the city.
Winfield Courier, April 26, 1883.
                                                          TRIAL DOCKET.
                              Cowley County District Court, May Term, A. D. 1883.
                                                CIVIL DOCKET—3RD DAY.
                              1666. Houghton & Speers v. James Harden, Co. Treas.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 9, 1883.
Shelden & Speers have secured one of the store rooms under the Highland Hall.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 8, 1883.
Messrs. Shelden & Speers have a couple of brand new show cases, filled with all the latest novelties in gents’ neckwear, jewelry, etc. Call and see them.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 8, 1883.
Read the new “ad” of Shelden & Speers in this issue. It offers special inducements to buyers of light weight clothing in order to make room for their immense incoming stock of fall and winter goods.
Shelden & Speers. We are going to sell light weight clothing at cost for the next 60 days. We do this in order to make room for our fall and winter goods and to close out our summer goods, which we do not wish to carry over. We mean business, and are going to sell these goods at sacrificial prices.
                                     SHELDON & SPEERS, Arkansas City, Kan.
                [NOTE: AT THE BOTTOM OF AD...”SHELDON”...NOT SHELDEN.]
[TELEPHONE DIRECTORY.]
Arkansas City Traveler, August 8, 1883.

Telephone Directory beginning with Number 51, Hilliard & Co. Livery Stable. Ends with No. 82, Shelden & Speers’ Store.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 12, 1883.
Messrs. Shelden & Speers will occupy their new store room under Highland Hall next week with their large and well selected stock of clothing, furnishing goods, etc.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 12, 1883.
Messrs. Shelden & Speers, of the “Boss” clothing house come to the front this week with a large ad, stating the many bargains in men’s, youths’, and boys’ clothing, hats, caps, underwear, and furnishing goods all of the latest styles, best qualities, and at popular prices, which they are prepared to lay before their patrons. This is a “bonanza” to all needing anything in their line of goods.
                                              OPERA CLOTHING HOUSE!
Experience has taught us that the way to success in business is to sell OUR GOODS -AT A- SMALL PROFIT! And thereby sell more and keep our trade building up all the time. This is what we intend to do and are doing. In our new room our stock will be in shape to display to better advantage than it has heretofore and we wish everybody to COME AND SEE US! OUR FALL AND WINTER GOODS are now coming in and we can supply our trade with anything they want. OUR STOCK OF CLOTHING is fine, larger, and cheaper than has ever been in the town before. OUR FURNISHING GOODS will speak for themselves. Only come and examine them. The finest line of Hats, Boots, Shoes, Trunks & Valises in town. ESPECIAL ATTENTION is called to our stock of GLOVES AND HATS. If you want Summer Weight Clothing, we will sell AT COST. We are agents for CAHN & BERGMAN, Merchant Tailors, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, and can take your measure for any kind of suit you want. Come and see us. We will do you good and save you money.
                                                    SHELDEN & SPEERS.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 19, 1883.
Messrs. Shelden & Speers have moved their large stock of clothing, hats, caps, and gents’ furnishing goods into the middle room under the Highland Hall, where they invite their many friends and patrons and the public generally to call and examine their new and elegant stock.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 26, 1883.
Messrs. Shelden & Speers at their new room under Highland Hall have one of the largest and best stocks of clothing and gents’ furnishing goods ever brought to the city. Call in and see if it “ish not so.”
Arkansas City Traveler, October 3, 1883.
A party from East St. Louis has rented the building formerly occupied by Shelden & Speers, and after building an addition to it will put in a stock of groceries.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 21, 1883.
A hunting party, consisting of O. J. Godfrey, Frank Speers, J. J. Breene, H. P. Standley, Geo. McIntire, and their cook, left today for a jollification in the Territory. They contemplate an absence of about three weeks. Nothing short of bears will satisfy these ambitious Nimrods, judging from the amount of ammunition they packed away, though it is highly probable that they will not slight the claims of turkey and deer.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 5, 1883.
                                                      WINTER CLOTHING!

We offer all grades of Overcoats, $5 to $25. Men’s Suits, $4 and upward. Youths’ suits, $3.10 and upward. Boys’ suits, all prices. Also, we are offering special inducements in Furnishing Goods. Largest and best assortment of TRUNKS & VALISES in the city. To buy Clothing, Hats, Caps, Boots, Shoes, Furnishing Goods, Trunks and Valises from us is to obtain the actual value for your money. SHELDEN & SPEERS.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 2, 1884.
Messrs. Shelden & Speers, the clothing men, come out in a new ad. this week, which is full of interest to the public at large, and said public are hereby advised to read the same and profit thereby, to-wit: see ad. In another column.
                       WINTER CLOTHING! AT COST AT SHELDEN & SPEERS.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 2, 1884.
Jewelry of first-class quality at Shelden & Speers.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 2, 1884.
G. A. R. and State Buttons at Shelden & Speers.
[LEAP YEAR BALL: HONORING MR. & MRS. S. P. CHANNELL.]
Arkansas City Traveler, January 9, 1884.
The leap year ball given by the ladies of Arkansas City last Friday night, in honor of Mr. and Mrs. S. P. Channell, was a most delightful affair. Although the night was bitterly cold—the coldest experienced in this latitude for years—the Highland opera house was filled by the elite of our society, attesting their esteem for our honored visitors, and proving conclusively that “when a woman will, she will.” Messrs. Hoyt, Speers, and Griffith furnished the best of music, which was seconded by the good calling of “mine host,” C. U. France, of the Leland. The ladies deserve great credit for the success of the entertainment, and for the good judgment displayed in inaugurating a system of earlier hours for meeting and adjourning.
Arkansas City Republican, April 5, 1884.
Hon. A. J. Pyburn: Though aware of your repeated refusal to become a candidate for any office; and the determination to devote your time to your profession, and although cognizant of the fact that an election and acceptance would involve to a certain extent the sacrifice of personal interests, yet we request and urge that you permit your name to be used in nomination for the position of mayor of Arkansas City, feeling as we do, that in your election, you will represent the whole people regardless of politics, issues, or business, and have only at heart the best interests of the place, and welfare of the citizens.
                                 One of those who signed this request: Frank Speers.
Arkansas City Republican, July 5, 1884.

The social event of the season, a surprise party, given by Miss Gatwood, Mrs. Klopf, Mrs. Beall, and Mrs. Heck, in honor of the return of Mrs. Landes, from Ohio, transpired Monday night at the new residence of Mr. Landes. Over one hundred invitations were issued, and to which all responded. The house was illuminated with Chinese lanterns and transparencies. The guests began to arrive at half past eight, and by nine all had assembled. The orchestra consisted of Miss Ella Hoyt, and Messrs. Hoyt, Griffith, and Speers, who entertained the company with excellent music. Those who so desired spent the evening dancing, while others spent the time in pleasant converse. The guests were treated by the originators of the party, and by the host and hostess, with that rare delicacy and courtesy which bespeak long familiarity with elegant society and true natural culture. In consideration of the fact that Mrs. Landes must have been much fatigued by the long journey, the party departed early, regretting that such social gatherings come so seldom.
Arkansas City Republican, September 13, 1884.
Mrs. Frank Speers is sick this week.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 14, 1885.
                                                   The Buckskin Border Band.
About four months ago the Arkansas City Silver Cornet Band went out of existence, and from its ashes sprang our present Buckskin Border Band. This band, of which this city is very proud, as well she may, is composed of twelve pieces. They have been practicing more or less for a year, and the music they produce is of a superior quality. The nights for meeting are Mondays and Fridays. The band consists of the following.
Will Griffith, a flat cornet.
Joe Hoyt, solo b flat cornet.
Mike Kitchen, b flat cornet.
Herman Godehard, clarionet.
Frank Speers, b flat trombone.
Henry Anderson, 1st a flat alto.
J. J. Breene, 2nd a flat alto.
Ira Willitt, 1st tenor.
Chas. Grimes, 2nd tenor.
E. O. Stevenson, a flat basso.
O. S. Finke, snare drum.
H. L. McConn, bass drum and cymbals.
We must say that this band has made excellent progress in a year. Their appearance is hailed with delight by both large and small, and when they are playing you can see the citizens punching any stranger in reach in the ribs and saying, “Play pretty well, don’t they? Make good music.”
Arkansas City Traveler, January 21, 1885.
Ye local, while calmly promenading on the streets last Monday evening was suddenly and rudely awakened “from a small dream of peace,” by an unearthly racket, a confusing commotion.

Making up his mind to trace up the unwonted confusion, he traversed the alley and located it in the rear of C. R. Sipes’ hardware store. Stuffing his ears with cotton, he slowly neared the place of an apparently deadly conflict between a muley cow with four bells and a hornet’s nest. Suddenly opening the door, he courageously leaped into the midst of the melee. He discovered Will Griffith, with eyes distended, blowing for dear life in a tin thing; Joe Hoyt making a similar tin arrangement squeal in agony; Ollie Stevenson, with cheeks distended as though he had a mouthful of hot mush, was trying to roust the whole crowd at one blast; Mike Kitchen, too, putting in his little horn, while Anderson, Grimes, Willett, Breene, and Speers were making futile attempts to fly by blowing their insides out; and last, but, or horrors! By no means the least, Horace McConn was expending his jaybird strength in pounding a tough beefsteak and threatened to route the whole caboodle.
Having expended all their strength in the first attack, they paused long enough to inform the astonished local that it was the Border Band practicing. He immediately proceeded in search of the night watch, which, as yet, he has been unable to find.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 28, 1885.
                                                     AFTER MANY DAYS.
                                                           This is a parable.
A way in the dim past about A. D. 1875 Wellington wanted to have a way up Fourth of July celebration, and imaging that Home musical talent was not the thing, applied for the Arkansas City band to discourse sweet music for them.
All arrangements were made for ten pieces, and the gentlemen who went to Wellington were as follows.
Messrs. E. B. And W. S. Thompson, Lyman Herrick, Rob and Tom Baird, C. R. Sipes, Frank Speers, Rit Berkey, C. Balcom, and Al. Wells. Several members of the band, proper, were absent, but after much skirmishing around nine musicians were found and the tenth piece was a dummy; or in other words, a make believe player with a silent horn. Everything went off serene, they got their pay and all was lovely.
Here comes the turn of the tune. Arkansas City wanted a way-up dance, tip top imported music, no home talent, you know, but something immense, and Wichita’s Italian Band kindly responded and agreed to ravish our souls with the thrilling strains of four pieces. They came, they played. It was good and everybody was pleased, but nevertheless we had our own medicine to take for the dummy was there sure enough with his little horn. History repeats itself and the moral of this is, patronize home institutions.
Am not certain if the Speers below is “Frank Speers”...
Arkansas City Republican, February 14, 1885.
Speers & Branson are running a portable saw mill in Bolton Township.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, April 11, 1885.
The following are the names of the Arkansas City Border Brass Band: Prof. E. Z. Hoyt, leader; M. Kitchen, assistant; F. Speers, treasurer; H. Godehard, secretary; S. Fluke; C. Grimes; J. Breene; D. Willitt; O. Stevenson; H. McConn; S. Thompson.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, August 5, 1885.
       Election Proclamation. MAYOR’S OFFICE, Arkansas City, Cowley County, Kansas.
I, Franklin P. Schiffbauer, mayor of the city of Arkansas City, by virtue of authority vested in me by law, do hereby proclaim and make known that there will be an especial election held in the third ward of the said city, on Friday, the 14th day of August, A. D. 1885, for the purpose of electing one councilman from said ward to fill vacancy caused by the resignation of Councilman O. S. Rarick (short term); and I hereby designate the office of J. Hilliard, west 5th Avenue, as the place of voting at such election. And I hereby designate James Benedict and H. S. Lundy and M. C. Copple as judges and F. Speers and Ed. Kingsberry as clerks of said election. Poles will be open at 9 o’clock p.m. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 4th day of August, A. D. 1885.
                                                F. P. SCHIFFBAUER, Mayor.
Arkansas City Republican, August 8, 1885.

The “Exterminators” of Winfield came down to play a match game of base ball with the “Rough-on-Rats” Wednesday. The game commenced at 2:30 with the “Exterminators” at the bat. The “Rough-on-Rats” tried hard to make their opponents swallow the poison, but the Exterminators struggled manfully and would not let it go down. The score at the end of the 6th inning was 17 to 33 in favor of the visiting club. The names of the exterminators are Messrs. Bangs, Hathaway, Vance, Whiting, Crane, McLain, Byerly, Eaton, and Byington. They are first-rate players and whole-souled fellows. The “Rough-on-Rats” were Messrs. Stevenson, Flood, Kingsbury, Sollitt, Wright, Baxter, Clark, Speers, and Howard. Let a generous-hearted public draw the veil of charity over the defeat of the “Rough-on-Rats.” Peace be to their ashes.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 30, 1885.
                                                GONE TO THE REUNION.
A number of veterans, with the Border Brass band, and a good sprinkling of citizens, left the city on Monday to take part in the reunion of soldiers and sailors at Topeka. At Winfield the veterans were joined by comrades from that city, Dexter, Udall, and other neighboring towns, it being the endeavor to make up an aggregate of 100, which number would entitle the party to the free transportation of a band of 21 pieces. As all the tickets are required by the railroad company to be sold at one place, the G. A. R. boys and their wives bought tickets to Winfield merely, and on arriving there they would procure transportation through. The following are the names of the band who joined the excursion, and the Arkansas City post members and their wives.
                                                                  BAND.
E. J. Hoyt, leader; J. W. Kitchen, E flat cornet; H. Godehard, B flat clarionet; O. [? C.] Grimes, 2nd B flat cornet; O. S. Finke, solo alto; Jack Thornton, 1st alto; Al Smith, 1st tenor; Eric Nordan, 2nd tenor; Frank Speer, baritone; E. O. Stevenson, tuba; Horace McConn, base drum.
                                                       G. A. R. VETERANS.
G. W. Miller, P. A. Lorry, A. A. Davis and wife, John Cooke, Jacob Dunkle, J. B. Nelson, P. B. [? R. ]Marshall and wife, G. C. Brewer, W. S. Voris and wife, James Hedley, Henry Hughes, Joseph Post, Adam Neuman, D. P. Marshall and wife, Amos Walton. A. Jeanneret, the watchmaker, a soldier of the Franco-Prussian war, was also taken in.
The festive party went off in high spirits, and there is no doubt they will have a happy time.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, October 24, 1885.

On Saturday evening, Oct. 17th, Rev. and Mrs. J. P. Witt were completely and pleasantly surprised by some of their friends, who brought with them some very valuable and useful presents, Judge Bryant and wife constituting the van guard. Then followed Mr. and Mrs. Bailey, Mr. and Mrs. Hyatt, Mr. and Mrs. Pile, Mr. and Mrs. Craig, Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Adams, Mr. and Mrs. A. V. Alexander, Mr. and Mrs. D. G. Lewis, Mrs. Grimes, Mrs. Ed. Pentecost, Mrs. J. M. Ware, Mrs. Strong, Mrs. Theo. Fairclo, Mrs. Frank Speers, Mrs. Wm. Gray, Mrs. Franey, Mrs. Chapel, Mrs. Blubaugh, Mrs. Pickard, Mrs. Mansfield, Mrs. Murphy, Misses Sadie and Mary Thomas, Clara Bryant, Nina Pickering, Fannie Harding, Lou Murphy, Mr. E. Baldwin, Mr. Walter S. Pickering, and Mrs. C. R. Sipes. The evening was spent sociably, enlivened with vocal and instrumental music. All seemed in love with life and will long remember the very pleasant hours spent together on that occasion.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, December 30, 1885.
                                                Mayor’s Election Proclamation.
NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE TO READ ANY OF THIS! MAYOR SCHIFFBAUER SET SPECIAL ELECTION FOR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1886, AFTER A RESOLUTION WAS PASSED BY BOARD OF EDUCATION...J. P. WITT, PRESIDENT OF BOARD; ALEX WILSON, CLERK OF BOARD. THEY WERE ASKING FOR BONDS FOR SCHOOL PURPOSES. ALSO, GATHER THEY WERE ASKING FOR A NEW SITE FOR A NEW SCHOOL BUILDING.
                                                     VOTING PRECINCTS:
First ward: Office of Illinois Coal Co., North Summit Street.
Second ward: Office of Thompson & Woodin, East Fifth Avenue.
Third ward: Office of J. H. Hilliard, West Fifth Avenue.
Fourth ward: Office of the City Livery Stable, West Central Avenue.
                                                    JUDGES AND CLERKS:
First ward: S. J. Rice, J. P. Eckles, and W. D. Kreamer as judges; and A. E. Kirkpatrick and M. B. Vawter as clerks.
Second ward: L. E. Woodin, J. J. Clark, and Chas. Bryant as judges; Oscar Titus and Dell Plank as clerks.
Third ward: James Benedict, M. C. Copple, and John Love as judges; F. Speers and Frank Thompson as clerks.
Fourth ward: S. C. Lindsay, A. A. Davis, and D. E. Sifford as judges; Alexander Wilson and Wm. Blakeney as clerks.
A better explanation of election referred to above follows...
Arkansas City Traveler, January 6, 1886.
                                                Mayor’s Election Proclamation.
WHEREAS, on the 28th day of December, 1885, at a called session of the Board of Education, of Arkansas City, county of Cowley, and state of Kansas, the following proceedings were had and entered of record among the proceedings of said Board of Education.

BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Education of the city of Arkansas City, Cowley County, Kansas, that it is necessary in order to raise sufficient means to purchase a new site for school building, and for the erection of a new school building thereon, and for the purchase of necessary furniture for furnishing same, and, as the purpose of funding the outstanding indebtedness aside from bonded indebtedness of Central or West school building, that it is necessary to issue the bonds of said city of Arkansas City for this purpose, and in amount as follows: For the sum of $5,000 [? Looks like $5,000 ?], for the purpose of funding the said indebtedness against said Central or West school building; and for the sum of $11,000 for the purpose of purchasing site, erecting building, and furnishing same as above mentioned. Said new school building to be located in second ward of said city of Arkansas City. That said bonds be issued in denominations of One Thousand Dollars each, and bearing interest at the rate of 6 percent per annum, payable semi-annually, and said bonds to become due and payable sixteen years from date of issue, and the city shall reserve the right to pay one bond each year payable at the fiscal agency for the state of Kansas, in the city of New York.
Therefore, be it resolved, That the mayor of the city of Arkansas City, Cowley County, Kansas, be, and is hereby requested to call an election in accordance with the law in such cases made and provided, of the qualified electors of said city for the purpose of taking the sense of said city upon the foregoing resolutions.
By order of the Board. J. P. WITT, President of the Board.
ALEX WILSON, Clerk of Board.
December 28th, 1885.
Now, therefore, I, Franklin P. Schiffbauer, mayor of the city of Arkansas City, county of Cowley, and state of Kansas, in pursuance of the above foregoing proceedings, and by virtue of the statutes in such cases made and provided, do hereby proclaim and make known to whom it may concern, that on Monday, the first day of February, A. D., 1886, there will be held in said city an especial election upon the proposition as set forth in the foregoing proceedings of said Board of Education. Said election to be conducted in the same manner as provided by law for the election of city officers, except that the returns shall be made to the Board of Education for the purpose of taking the sense of said city upon the question of issuing such bonds. The ballots to be used at such election shall be in the following form, to-wit: Those voting for the proposition shall have written or printed thereon, the following words, “For the bonds for school purposes,” and those voting against the proposition shall have written or printed thereon the following words, “Against the bonds for school purposes.”
The following places are hereby designated as voting precincts for said election in the different wards: First ward at the office of Illinois Coal Co., North Summit street; second ward at the office of Thompson & Woodin, East Fifth avenue; third ward at the office of J. H. Hilliard, West Fifth avenue; fourth ward at the office of the City Livery Stable, West Central avenue. And I hereby appoint the following named persons to act as judges and clerks of said election: First ward, S. J. Rice, J. P. Eckles and W. D. Kreamer as judges, and A. E. Kirkpatrick and M. B. Vawter as clerks. Second ward, L. E. Woodin, J. J. Clark, and Chas. Bryant as judges; Oscar Titus and Dell Plank as clerks. Third ward, James Benedict, M. C. Copple, and John Love as judges; F. Speers and Frank Thompson as clerks. Fourth ward, S. C. Lindsay, A. A. Davis, and D. E. Sifford as judges; Alexander Wilson and Wm. Blakeney as clerks.
Given under my hand at my office, in said city of Arkansas City, this 29th day of December, 1885. F. P. SCHIFFBAUER, Mayor.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, August 14, 1886. From Tuesday’s Daily.
The Buckskin Border Band received three new instruments yesterday. They were Baritone, Tenor, and Alto of the Boston Musical Manufacturing Co., and will be used by Frank Speers, Al. Smith, and Frank Barnett. The band will come out on the street every week and give us some fine selections. The Buckskins intend keeping apace with our boom.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, March 19, 1887. From Monday’s Daily.
A hook and ladder company was organized Saturday night; it has a membership of 12.

W. P. Wolfe is president; Frank Speers, foreman; Henry Anderson, assistant foreman; Frank Speers, secretary; and Chas. Huber, treasurer. The council will consider the question of buying a hook and ladder outfit this evening.

 

Cowley County Historical Society Museum