Fillmore County Archives – Nebraska Genealogy

Charles Eberstein of Fillmore County

Pioneer Stories of the Pioneers of Fillmore and adjoining Counties title page

Charles Eberstein, born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, joined the army young and served during the Indian uprisings of 1865. In 1867, he moved to Omaha, Nebraska, and later homesteaded in Fillmore County in 1869. Eberstein narrowly avoided a fatal surveying expedition and became a pioneer in Fillmore County, where he broke the first prairie. He joined the State Militia, helping establish Fort Butler during conflicts with Native Americans. Eberstein also worked on the Burlington Railroad and contributed to the early settlement and development of his region alongside his family.

C. A. Songster of Fillmore County

C. A. Songster moved from Centerville, Appanoose County, Iowa, to a farm near Exeter, Nebraska, in 1871 with his wife and two children. The family initially lived in a tent, then a dugout, and eventually a sod house. The first school in the district was held in their home. Cattle roamed freely, and tall Bluestem grass posed risks for children. Songster Sr. hauled lumber for the first house and store in Exeter, owned by Dr. H. G. Smith. He died in 1898 and is buried in the Exeter cemetery. Bert Songster, his son, provides these reminiscences.

Mr. Charles Hole of Fillmore County

Charles Hole, originally from West Pennard near Glastonbury, Somersetshire, England, immigrated to America in 1870. After spending two years in Detroit, he moved to Exeter, Nebraska, in April 1872, where he homesteaded 80 acres of land south of town. He was joined by three other Somerset natives: Alfred Corp, Bill Haimes, and Frank Appleby. Frank Appleby, a carpenter, tragically died in 1872 and was the first white man buried in the district. Charles Hole married and settled in Exeter in 1878, building a home in 1881, where he lived for over 33 years. His long-used cook stove, bought on his wedding day, still serves him.

Charles N. Phillips of Fillmore County

In 1871, Charles N. Phillips and his wife journeyed from Pennsylvania to near Exeter, Nebraska, arriving on June 1. They built a sod house on their homestead with just $10. Despite hardships, they found support in the community, notably from Mrs. Smith at the local store. They ground corn in a coffee mill for flour and endured severe winters, including the notable 1873 snowstorm. The Phillips faced prairie fires and floods, and Charles sold the first load of wheat in Exeter in 1872. Despite his disability from the Battle of Gettysburg, Charles thrived in this new frontier.

Chester C. Stephens of Fillmore County

Chester C. Stephens, originally from Pennsylvania, moved to Michigan before settling in Nebraska in 1871. He homesteaded the northwest quarter of Section 4, Town 7, Range 1, west, initially living in a 10×12 ft. dugout. Early in his Nebraska life, Stephens encountered prairie wolves and deer near his homestead. He contributed to local efforts, assisting neighbors and dealing with harsh weather conditions. Notably, he and Patrick Murphy are among the few original homesteaders still residing on their land in Liberty Township. His pioneering experiences highlight the challenges and adventures of early settlers in Nebraska.

Colonel N. S. Babcock Arrived in 1871

In 1871, Colonel Babcock arrived in Nebraska from New York State, walking from Seward to find a family near Indian Creek. He discovered a well-furnished dugout home before settling near Exeter, where “Boss” Woodard had the only visible house. Babcock’s journey with his wife involved a fifty-mile trip in a wagon without springs, cooking meals on a hillside, and using shingles as plates. They lost track of Sundays and encountered numerous rattlesnakes. During the Grasshopper Plague, Babcock sent evidence to skeptical relatives back East, proving the severity of the infestation.

Doctor O. P. Baker of Fillmore County

Dr. O. P. Baker first visited the Exeter, Nebraska, area while accompanying grain buyer Joe Shaub. During his visit, he purchased a quarter section of land east of town. Returning to Morrison, Illinois, he successfully sold five farms based on his descriptions of Exeter’s potential. In 1874, Dr. Baker built a house on his land and continued promoting Nebraska, bringing large parties of land seekers from Illinois in 1874 and 1875, selling numerous farms. Moving to Exeter in 1880, he became the town’s first practicing dentist, working for 46 years until selling his practice due to failing eyesight. His efforts significantly contributed to the area’s settlement and development.

Dr. and Mrs. H. G. Smith Homesteaded in 1870

In 1870, Dr. and Mrs. H. G. Smith homesteaded near what would become Exeter, Nebraska, after traveling from Allegan, Michigan. Dr. Smith, guided by survey stakes for the future B. & M. Railroad, selected a north location for their 160-acre homestead. The Smiths faced various challenges, including sheltering their sick son during the journey and dealing with a leaky house. Dr. Smith opened Exeter’s first store and served as the town’s first postmaster. Their daughter, Anna E. Smith, was the first child born in Exeter. Dr. Smith also acted as a land agent and occasional medical practitioner.

History of Exeter Nebraska

Exeter, Nebraska, became an incorporated village on April 1, 1879. Situated between the Blue River and Turkey Creek, it initially struggled to grow. Despite this, dedicated residents promoted the town enthusiastically through local newspapers, attracting new settlers and businesses. Early promotional efforts included poetic invitations to homestead and optimistic reports of growth, which successfully drew many to Exeter. By 1889, Exeter had established a robust business community, including notable figures such as Dr. E. S. Higley and Mr. W. H. Taylor. Over time, Exeter flourished, boasting modern amenities, a strong local economy, and a vibrant community.

Henry Eberstein of Fillmore County

Henry Eberstein, born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, enlisted in the First Michigan Cavalry during the winter of 1863-64, serving under Custer and Sheridan. After the Civil War, he was stationed at Fort Leavenworth and marched to Salt Lake City, protecting the overland stage line. In 1866, Eberstein was discharged and returned to Nebraska in 1870, homesteading in Glengary Township, Fillmore County. He and his bachelor brothers built a log house and experienced many pioneer challenges, including encounters with rattlesnakes. The family eventually left Nebraska, relocating to Wichita, Kansas, due to harsh conditions and economic struggles.