Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1905-03-09
RAHHRra m cArYtR pAYs.
W. B. Clarke Had Some Experiences
with Had Hon.

The late W. B. Clarke who died |
California and was buried yeSterdA
IL Kansas City was q banker here !
the cattle trail days Of 1871. All oil
timers still living here will remembe
him asa genial and comPaniohabl
gentleman. He Was raised in Cleve
land, Ohio, from which place be cam
directly to Abilene and entered init
the banking business thus transferring
himself from a cultivated city to
frontier town mostly made up o
Texas cattlemen with whom most O
his banking was transacted.
J. B. Edwards was speaking today
Of some Of Clarke's early experiences
in the business. The first note thai
fell due at his bank after entering
business here was against Columbus
Carroll, Texas drover, for $500.
Carroll had borrowed the money and
Bennett Bros. signed as security.
MIR. Clarke, as well as his cashier,
G. W. Mcknight, now OF JunCtion
City, slept In the bank armed ready
for any possible robbers, and took
meals at the Drovers Cottage hotel.
The morning Of the day that Carroll's
note came due be went to the hotel
for bis breakfast. While so engaged
there entered the dining room Colum-
bus Carroll and two other Texans
neither Of the three wearing coat.
Major George who was proprietor
Of the cottage that season had rule
that no ons should eat at his tables
without wearing . coat and 1t made
no difference who the guest was he
enforced the rule.
Coming into the dining room and
seeing Carroll and his friends at the
table in their shirt sleeves he at once
ordered them out, saying they should
put on their coats and return.
Instantly six big revolvers were
leveled at him, one in each hand OF
all three men. This circumstance
would have Disconnected most men,
but not the major who said, "Here,
here, | don't want any blood split on
this new floor to stain it all up. Let's
90 outside and have this shooting
game"
To this Carroll consented and all
started for the door. As they went out
Carroll and his friends ahead, some
one slammed the door IS they passed
and thus caught the major in the
dining room.
Friends hurried him out Of sight
and when Carroll discovered what
had been done he Swore he would kill
the major on sight. He was pretty
drunk then but filed up worse and
went riding up and down the streets
hunting for the major.
By this time Mr.. Clarke could see
that Carroll had no intention Of call
ing at the bank that day to settle the
note. He was also very well satisfied
that it would not be an act Of pru-
dence to hail him and remind him Of
1t. As the day wore on another prob
lem worried him he ought to pro-
test the note II not paid that day put
feared that II be did Carroll would be
bunting him 90, well as the major
next day. However ct 4 P. m. he
let the note go to protest.
The next morning Carroll came in
with an apology for neglecting to pay
the day before. Clarke cav there was
no danger and told him there were
protest fees. "Well what 10 the dam
agsP" said Carroll, "T'll pay it,"
which he did.
Soon after Carroll sold bunch Of
cattle to an eastern man who pre-
sentsd New. York drafts in payment.
Carroll refused to take the drafts and
the two went TO the bank to get
money. Clarke charged p per cent
for tbs exchange. The eastern. man
said Carroll would stand for it. Car
roll for answer drew . revolver and
cOolly remarked; mo, you pay 1t
ALL" which the eaSterner proceeded
OF do with marked prOmptneSs.