Saline County

Dr. and Mrs. Goodall of Saline County

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

Dr. and Mrs. Goodall arrived in Saline County, Nebraska, from Iowa in 1871, settling near the Fillmore County line. Dr. Goodall frequently traversed the prairie in all weather conditions to attend to the sick, embodying the resilience and dedication of pioneer doctors. In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Goodall was instrumental in community development, opening a blacksmith shop, a store, and managing the local post office. His efforts were driven by a commitment to support and enhance the community’s success. Dr. and Mrs. Goodall are also noted as the parents of Mrs. Jennings, known for her contributions to high school education.

Biography of John S. Beardsley of Saline County

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

John S. Beardsley, born in Ohio, moved to Iowa with his parents in 1856 and grew up there. In April 1870, he secured a homestead in Nebraska on the southwest quarter of Section 22, Town 7, Range 1 west. He relocated his family from Iowa to Crete, Nebraska, bringing livestock and his sister-in-law, Miss Knox. Initially living in their wagon, they endured dust storms while setting up their new life. Beardsley established a nursery and later farmed land for Colonel Doane before moving to his homestead in 1871. Despite challenges, including grasshopper infestations, Beardsley successfully planted an orchard and a 16-acre grove, though many trees later died. Mrs. Beardsley, familiar with pioneer life, recalled her early years in Iowa and interactions with Native Americans.