Fillmore County Archives – Page 2 of 5

Henry Hammond of Fillmore County

Henry Hammond, born in Indiana, moved to Illinois before settling in Nebraska in the fall of 1870. He claimed the northwest quarter of Section 4 and worked in Nebraska City over the winter. In spring 1871, he began his new life on the homestead with a yoke of oxen and five dollars. Facing numerous hardships, Hammond persevered, ultimately raising a successful family and earning respect in the community. In 1872, he married Catherine (Kate) Drummond. After their home was robbed and burned, they refused to give up, surviving on minimal resources and enduring harsh winters and a devastating blizzard. Despite adversities, including grasshopper infestations, they built a resilient and hopeful life.

Pioneers of Fillmore and Adjoining Counties

In 1915, G. R. McKeith compiled a series of narratives entitled “Pioneer Stories of the Pioneers of Fillmore and Adjoining Counties,” published by the Press of Fillmore County News in Exeter, Nebraska. This collection serves as a historical account, documenting the experiences and contributions of the early settlers who established the foundations of the local communities. While the book’s format and occasional errors reflect its humble beginnings, its content holds intrinsic value. The stories of these pioneers provide pleasure to the current generation and serve as a factual foundation for future historical research. The accounts included herein are not merely tales but are the documented realities of those who braved the unknown to build the communities we inhabit today.

James Horne of Fillmore County

James Home, born in Low Coats, Lanarkshire, Scotland, close to the birthplace of Dr. David Livingstone, immigrated to America in 1853. Initially employed on the Hudson River Railroad for sixteen years, he returned to Scotland in 1858 to marry Jenny Miller. The couple settled in Poughkeepsie, NY, and later moved to Amboy, Illinois. In 1870, seeking new opportunities, Home purchased land in Nebraska, despite his limited farming knowledge. Through perseverance, he transitioned from railway engineering to successful farming. Home built a sod house, later replaced by a frame dwelling, and engaged actively in the community until his death at age 75.

James W. Dolan of Fillmore County

James W. Dolan, originally from Corning, Iowa, arrived in Lincoln, Nebraska, on February 1, 1871. After learning about available Government land, he traveled to Crete and then westward with John F. Evans to Fillmore County. Dolan homesteaded the Northeast Quarter of Section 20, Township 8, Range 1, West, and preempted land for his brother. In April 1871, he built a $65 house on his claim with lumber hauled from Lincoln. Despite hardships, including rattlesnakes and scarce resources, Dolan farmed successfully and engaged in community development. He co-founded Exeter, established its first store and post office, and served on the school board. In 1880, he moved to Indianola, Nebraska, and later to Los Angeles, California.

John Redfern of Fillmore County

John Redfern emigrated from England to Peoria, Illinois, before moving to Nebraska in 1870. Initially settling near Nebraska City, the Redfern family crossed the frozen Missouri River on foot, waiting for their goods to arrive. They eventually homesteaded three miles north of Exeter, building a sod house and enduring numerous hardships, including crop destruction by hail, blizzards, and grasshopper infestations. The Redferns hosted preaching services and Sunday school in their home, contributing to the local community. John Redfern passed away on November 17, 1901; his widow retained ownership of the land while residing in town.

John T. Borland of Fillmore County

John T. Borland arrived at his homestead near Pleasant Hill, Nebraska, on May 12, 1871, after traveling from Illinois with his wife and goods in a mule-drawn wagon. They initially lived in a makeshift sod tent before building a more permanent sod house with a shingle roof and a board floor. Borland’s early days included a scare when he accidentally disturbed his wife’s sleep after returning home late. They celebrated the first local July 4th at Turkey Creek. Despite challenges like coyote raids, blizzards, and grasshopper infestations, the Borlands established a well-equipped home and contributed to the community, including bringing the first load of lumber to Exeter.

Biography of John Ziska of Fillmore County

John Ziska emigrated from Bohemia to the United States in 1853, settling first in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Initially farming in Racine County, he later worked in coal mining near St. Louis before moving to Nebraska in 1869. He homesteaded on the county line in Fillmore County, living in a dugout while establishing his farm. Despite hardships, including grasshopper infestations, prairie fires, and severe weather, Ziska and his family persevered. He contributed to the community by helping neighbors, donating land for a cemetery, and witnessing the last buffalo in the area. His son, Fred, later transitioned from farming to a successful career in business.

Job Hathaway, Willard Payne and Elam Wilcox of Fillmore County

In the spring of 1871, Job Hathaway, Willard Payne, and Elma Wilcox journeyed from Greenwood, Illinois, to Exeter, Nebraska, in covered wagons. They settled on section 30, sharing a frame house built by Payne, strategically placed so each could meet homestead requirements. Mrs. Hathaway joined later, traveling from Lincoln in a covered wagon. A notable incident involved a stranger who, in a dream, mistakenly attacked Payne, causing Mrs. Hathaway to flee the house. Another settler, Clark, a former English shipbuilder, struggled with pioneer life and returned to England after losing family members and facing harsh conditions. Job Hathaway later moved to Lincoln and served as a city police chief before his passing.

Jonathan A. Horton of Fillmore County

Jonathan A. Horton, originally from Pennsylvania, homesteaded in Nebraska on November 23, 1870, after moving from Illinois with his wife. Settling on Section 2, Township 8, Range 2, they lived in a sod house for eleven years before building a frame house. Horton donated land for a school, which also served as a church. He was a key figure in organizing the “Church of God” and contributed land for a cemetery. Despite hardships, including injury and traveling for work, Horton thrived, engaging in the local community and witnessing the region’s wildlife, including antelope and elk.

L. T. Mead of Fillmore County

L. T. Mead, from Fort Branch, Indiana, moved to Nebraska in March 1870 with his wife and son, later joined by their two daughters. Initially working as a wagonwright in Lincoln, he secured a homestead in March 1871 on the southeast quarter of Section 4, Town 8, Range 1. Their first house was a small, 18-foot-square wooden room, often hosting passing travelers. Despite harsh winters, including one where their cow’s mouth froze, they persevered. Mead built a sod workshop and did wagon repairs. After eleven years, they moved to Exeter, where Mead passed away in 1901 and his wife in 1913. Both were active in local churches and traced their genealogies to notable historical figures.