Fillmore County

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

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

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.

Biography of Thomas Coates of Fillmore County

Thomas Coates was a native of Yorkshire, England, his home being near the County line; their nearest important town was Worksop, in Nottinghamshire. The district is probably one of the most interesting in the old Country, and has certainly been in all times one of the most beautiful. In the time of the Saxons; between the eighth and ninth century, when the country was known as Mercia, this neighborhood suffered a great deal through the inroads of the Danes; those intrepid Vikings, or Norsemen who loved to roam the North Sea and exploit the English and other shores. The neighborhood … Read more

Biography of Thomas Nugent of Fillmore County

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

Thomas Nugent, originally from County Galway, Ireland, immigrated to Scott County, Iowa, in 1866. In 1871, he homesteaded in Liberty Township, south of Exeter, Nebraska, bringing his horse team, wagon, and cattle. With scarce money and employment, Nugent often walked to Beatrice and Lincoln seeking work. He worked on the B. & M. Railroad and took jobs in the west during his time off the claim, experiencing thrilling adventures, including encounters with large bands of Indians and herds of buffalo. Despite hardships, including the 1873 blizzard, Nugent persevered and contributed to the community’s development.

Biography of Walter Howarth of Fillmore County

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

Walter Howarth, a native of Bolton, Lancashire, England, homesteaded near Turkey Creek, Nebraska, on April 1, 1872. Transitioning from an industrial community to the prairie, Howarth faced the challenges of pioneer life, including interactions with local Indian tribes and enduring harsh winters. He taught in a sod schoolhouse, participated in community efforts, and adapted to frontier hardships. Despite difficulties, Howarth contributed to the development of the area and witnessed its transformation. His experiences reflect the resilience and adaptability of early settlers in the American Midwest.

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

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

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 William Ramsdell

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

William Ramsdell is a native of Michigan. His first visit to Nebraska was in 1865 when he came in the service of the Government because of the depredations committed at that time by the Sioux Indians. He, with his Company arrived at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, on the 17th of June, and then made their way to Fort Kearney, Nebraska, from which point they crossed the State to Fort Laramie, Wyoming. As soon as the Indians knew of the presence of the Government soldiers they wanted peace. It will be remembered that the Sioux Indians had taken advantage of their opportunities, … Read more

Biography of W. B. Graul

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

W. B. Graul came from Pennsylvania to Nebraska with his father; Levi Joseph Graul arrived at Milford, April 1, 1871. They settled on a farm one and a half miles north west of Goehner, in Seward County, where the mother still lives; the father was killed by lightning on May 19, 1897. Their first night in Nebraska was spent in visiting with William Bivens, the wind that evening was so strong that it upset their wagon. When the father commenced farming he had only a team of horses and five dollars, so he rented a small house; which was guaranteed … Read more

Biography of W. H. Miner

1890s Sod House in Southern Boone County

W. H. Miner came from Illinois in 1870 and located on the North West quarter of Section 12, Town 8, Range 1, West, and lived through the first summer in a tent, which became a well known land mark and place of call for many of the incoming settlers. That was the time when this country side was one vast open plain without a house or tree, the wild animals being glad of any shade afforded them by the kindly weeds. An antelope was so enjoying what shads a large sunflower could give when Mr. Miner crept up and shot … Read more