Fillmore County Archives – Page 2 of 5

Biography of William Downey

The Old Downey Home, And the Last "Soddy" in Fillmore County, Neb.

William Downey was a native of New York State, and went with his parents to Michigan, where he grew up to manhood, living in Kalamazoo and St. Joseph Counties. He came to Nebraska in May 1871 along with Messrs. Ramsdell, Stephens and Krader, the latter settling in Dodge County. They traveled all the way with wagons and teams, and were six weeks on the road. Mrs. Downey and the children stayed near Lincoln about nine months. Mr. Downey and Mr. Stephens came to this district and sought claims, Mr. Downey homesteading in July on the west half of the north … Read more

Biography of William Dyer of Fillmore County

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

William Dyer, born in Hambridge, Somersetshire, England, received his education locally before apprenticing in Glastonbury and working in Wallingford and Hastings. He emigrated to America in 1871, settling in Exeter, Nebraska, with his family. He initially farmed and taught school in Fillmore County, later working for the Home Insurance Company of New York. Known for his dedication to his community and the Congregational Church, Dyer passed away in 1901 and was buried in Exeter Cemetery. His life reflected a blend of English heritage and pioneering spirit in the American Midwest.

Biography of William Mann

William Mann was born in Pennsylvania, but lived for some time in Knox County, Illinois. He came to Nebraska in the fall of 1869, settling in the McFadden Township, York County. He brought with him his wife and seven children. William W. Mann his eldest son, to whom we are indebted for these reminiscences worked for Elias Gilmore (one of the oldest settlers in York County) for about two years and drove oxen all that time. At the age of fifteen years he was doing equal to a man’s work for $15 a month. Mr. Gilmore raised the first wheat … Read more

Biography of Mr. T. B. Farmer of Fillmore County

Mr. T. B. Farmer arrived in Nebraska from Indiana in October 1870, settling near Lincoln with Warren Woodard. He initially trapped mink and beaver near the Blue River, living off local game. In spring, he homesteaded and built a sod house, and his wife joined him the following year, surprised to find Exeter consisted of just one store. Despite challenges, including a grasshopper plague, the Farmers persevered. They witnessed significant changes over the years and raised Frank Farmer, a noted singer from Denver, Colorado.

Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Woodworth of Fillmore County

Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Woodworth moved from Wisconsin to Nebraska in 1872, homesteading near Exeter. After investing their money in farm improvements, they faced financial difficulties and sought credit from Farmers Grocery Stores in Lincoln. Despite challenges, such as illness and lack of help, they received unexpected kindness from a hunter and neighbors. Mrs. Woodworth, despite her own struggles, selflessly cared for a neighboring family during a measles outbreak. The Woodworths were active members of the “Church of God,” attending services at the Horton schoolhouse. “Father” Green, a devout preacher, served their community, embodying the pioneer spirit of faith and resilience.

Biography of Parker Ryan of Fillmore County

Parker Ryan, born in Waterloo, New York, moved to Peoria County, Illinois, before homesteading in Nebraska in 1870 with his brother Lawrence Ryan and three others. The Ryans, Drummond, Sweeley, and Hammond, claimed lands in Fillmore County. Parker’s family joined him in 1871, enduring a blizzard shortly after arriving. Their early years were marked by struggles, such as losing cattle in storms and narrowly avoiding having their claims jumped. The Ryans were also active in community events, including hosting the first religious service in Buzzard’s Dugout and participating in early agricultural activities. Parker Ryan’s resilience and determination helped establish the community.

Biography of Patrick Murphy of Fillmore County

Patrick Murphy emigrated from Dunmanway, County Cork, Ireland, in 1866, landing in New York. After learning the nursery business near Rochester, he moved to Omaha in 1870 and ventured to find homesteads with three companions. They explored various locations but settled near Turkey Creek, Saline County. Murphy eventually bought out his partners and established his homestead in December 1870. His early years involved building a dugout, working various jobs, and dealing with challenges such as Indian presence and livestock mishaps. Murphy married and raised ten children, served two terms in the Nebraska State Legislature, and contributed significantly to the local nursery industry.

Biography of Philip Schawb of Fillmore County

Philip Schwab, a native of New York, moved to Michigan for three years before settling in Nebraska in 1871. Initially working at sawmills near West Blue, he later homesteaded near Exeter, building a sod house and later a frame house. Schwab married Melissa Whitaker, whose grandmother, Mrs. E. A. Whitaker, was the first white woman to claim land in Fillmore County in 1868. The Whitakers faced many challenges, including prairie fires and interactions with Native Americans. The Whitaker family’s pioneering spirit and resilience are exemplified through their significant contributions to the development of the region.

Reason for British Emigration

Rev. Carey J. Sevell explores the reasons behind the significant presence of British-born immigrants in a specific state, focusing on the socio-economic challenges faced by people in Ireland, Scotland, and England. He highlights the impact of absentee landlords, land hunger, and inadequate wages, which led many to seek better opportunities in America. The narrative touches upon the historical and ongoing struggles of farm workers and tenant farmers, alongside the legislative efforts aimed at land reform and improving living conditions in the UK. This piece reflects the broader context of emigration driven by a quest for improved living standards and opportunities.

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.