York County Archives – Nebraska Genealogy

Christian Kobe of York County

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

Christian Kobe, a native of Bremen, Germany, embarked on a life of adventure at sea at the age of 14, traveling globally and experiencing diverse cultures and challenges. His maritime career included pioneering experiences in Nebraska, where he homesteaded near the Blue River in York County in 1870. Kobe’s life also included stints in California and among the Mormons in Salt Lake City. Notable episodes of his life include encounters with Native Americans, surviving prairie fires, and overcoming agricultural hardships. His eventful journey eventually led him back to Germany, where he reunited with a woman who would become his wife.

Biography of John H. Anderson of York County

John H. Anderson arrived in York County, Nebraska, in February 1865 with his father, John Spencer Anderson, and four brothers, becoming the first to homestead in the county. Settling on the bottom lands of the Blue, Anderson faced the challenges of frontier life, including frequent trips to Nebraska City for supplies and encounters with Native Americans. He participated in a memorable buffalo hunt in Kansas in December 1870. The Anderson home was a community hub, hosting the first sermon in York County in April 1869 by Rev. William Worley. Despite the hardships, the family thrived, with Anderson later moving to Exeter in 1899, where he became well-known as the town’s drayman.

Mr. and Mrs. Parsons of York County

Mr. and Mrs. Parsons settled in York County, Nebraska, on November 7, 1869, experiencing typical pioneer hardships, including losses during the Blizzard and Grasshopper years. They managed the district Post Office and had numerous encounters with Native Americans. Their first religious service was held in Buzzard’s Dugout at Blue Vale, led by Elder Colwell of the United Brethren Church. The congregation included both white settlers and Omaha Indians, who were hunting and fishing nearby. A memorable moment occurred when a young lady, initially frightened by an Indian sitting beside her, was reassured by his friendly declaration, “Do not fear! Me Omaha, Me a good Indian!”

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