Fillmore County Archives – Page 3 of 5

Mr. and Mrs. James Alexander

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

In June 1872, James Alexander and his family left Aberdeen, Scotland, for Exeter, Nebraska. After a challenging sea voyage and arriving at Pacific Junction, Iowa, they slept on an open platform. Reaching Lincoln, they stayed briefly at the Burlington Immigration House before moving to Exeter. They rented a sod house and later built a dugout on their homestead. Despite hardships, including a broken land deal and primitive living conditions, they found community and established their home. They hosted many visitors, including Native Americans and fellow settlers, and experienced the hardships of frontier life, such as the blizzard of 1873 and the grasshopper plague of 1874.

Mr. and Mrs. James Nolan of Fillmore County

On June 12, 1871, James and Mrs. Nolan settled in Fillmore County, Nebraska, after traveling from Iowa by wagon. Bringing nine cattle and four horses, they established a homestead six miles south of Exeter. Initially, they lived under wagon covers and cooked over a campfire. Their first log and sod house had one room. They dug a well with lumber from Lincoln, during which Mrs. Nolan’s mother broke her leg. Despite many hardships, including prairie fires, harsh winters, and a grasshopper infestation, the Nolans built a new sod house and contributed to their community by establishing the first schoolhouse on their land.

Mr. and Mrs. John K. Barber of Fillmore County

John K. and Mrs. Barber arrived in Fillmore County, Nebraska, from Woodstock, Illinois, on October 14, 1870, after a five-week journey. They initially lived in a sod shanty near Turkey Creek until their dugout home, barn, and cellar were ready in January 1871. The Barbers hosted the first religious services and Sunday School in the county. Their initial farming efforts were thwarted by a severe hailstorm in July, but they persisted. Despite challenges like grasshopper infestations, they thrived, hunting local game and contributing to the community, including organizing the county and securing the county seat at Geneva.

Mrs. M. L. Roper of Fillmore County

Mrs. M. L. Rogers, known in the earlier days as Mrs. Roper, came with her husband to this neighborhood in 1873, locating on what is now the McGhie farm; they built a sod house with a roof through which the rain made its way; this roof fell in one night, much to the discomfort of the family. In their district the people used open wells these were from seven to ten feet deep, on one occasion a horse fell backward into a well, and as a result of the great strain necessary to pull it out, it died. Dogtown lying … Read more

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.

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.