Dr and Mrs. H. G. Smith homesteaded in 1870. When Dr. Smith first
visited this district, he walked from Lincoln to Milford and then on
to where Exeter now stands. When looking for a place to locate, he
noticed a line of survey stakes along where the B. & M. Railroad was
afterwards laid, and another line of stakes about one and a half or
two miles south. Being desirous to be near the railroad, he selected
a homestead close to each line of survey and left it with God for
final decision, he having asked for divine guidance in this as in
other matters. He knew either homestead might be taken before he
reached Lincoln, and, that the railroad would not be laid in both
places. On his return to Lincoln, he found the south location had
already been filed upon by another, so he accepted and filed on the
North location, securing a 160 acre homestead.
For some
reason the north location was chosen by the railroad company. Thus
Dr. Smith's claim was near the railroad as desired. In the fall of
71, the "Townsite Co." wanted a town site, and though the location
here was considered a little flat for a town, the correspondence
between Dr. Smith and the company was such as to lead them to accept
his homestead for the townsite.
The Smiths came from
Allegan, Mich., coming by rail to Lincoln, then in a lumber wagon
from there to their homestead. After coming part way from Lincoln,
it was found the load was too heavy, so the lumber for the stable
was unloaded and left at a farm house to be secured later. Young
Charles was taken sick on the way and the mother had to make him
comfortable on the spring seat, and manage for herself as best she
could on the lumber. Night overtaking them before reaching their
destination, they had to seek shelter. Seeing a small 'house with a
light in the window, they drew up and sought hospitality for the
night. The house was composed of one room, in which lived the man
and his wife and two 'hired men. There were only two beds, but in
spite of the meager conditions, and in harmony with the hospitality
of the times, shelter was secured; the Smiths using a bed in the one
corner, the host and hostess had the bed in the other corner, and
the men were comfortably tucked away somewhere on the floor. The
journey was resumed and completed the following day. A house of
boards and battens was built in such a way as to be ideal for a dry
climate which at that time suggested this form of construction. But
it rains sometimes in Exeter, and it began to rain about three weeks
after the house was built. Mrs. Smith found an umbrella too small to
cover a bed and had to resort to carpets with which to keep the
sleeping place dry. The house was the last one west at that time,
the next being twenty-two miles away.
Dr. H.
G. Smith Mrs. H. G. Smith
The
First House Built in Exeter, Nebraska, and Where Dr. H. G. Smith,
Opened The First Store
It was in this house of one room, two windows and a door, that they
entertained the gentleman sent out in behalf of the government to
take the particulars in the laying out of the town.
The
nearest post office was Lincoln, the mail being brought by any
friend visiting the town. Provisions were scarce in the immediate
neighborhood. Dr. Smith had brought a good supply for their own use,
but was not willing; to sell out of the little stock. As a result of
so doing he was led to order a stock of goods from Chicago, and open
up a store. They built a store room 8 feet by 16 feet, the counter
was composed of two dry goods boxes. The stock of goods arrived at
Lincoln in due course and Dr. Smith went to town to look after them
but hadn't the money to pay the freight. Their doings as heretofore
were left in the hands of a Kind Providence, and as the Dr. wandered
about Lincoln wondering what to do, he was accosted by an old friend
who on learning that he had ventured onto a claim, and knowing
something of the needs relative to such an undertaking, suggested
that he must need money, and if such was the case he had just to ask
and receive! Li this way the case was providentially met. The Dr.
received his goods, returned home and was able to meet the demands
of the neighborhood through the little store.
The nearest
medical doctor was twenty-six miles away, which made it necessary
for Dr. Smith to attend many sick cases; though he came west with
the intention of being free from medical practice. The exigencies of
the hour often found in him a responsive heart and a willing hand.
The doctor also acted as land agent for the railroad company and
others for many years.
In due course a larger store was
built by Dr. Smith and Mr. Dolan, for general merchandise. This
building was built where Ziska's store now stands. Over the store
was a large hall, in which services were held. The Sunday School and
church services being union gatherings. The Congregationals were
organized as a church in March, 1872; the Baptists in May, 1872; the
Methodists about the same time, but they met together as one
organization until 1878. The Congregationalists provided preaching
half the time and the Baptists and Methodists the other 'half. Then
as a result of denominational pressure from without rather than from
within these disbanded and became separate Churches.
In 1878
the Congregationalists suggested the building of a church between
the Baptists and themselves, but their suggestion was not accepted.
The Union Sunday School was disbanded in January, 1879, what
little property there was being divided between the three
denominations.
Among the pleasant gatherings were what were
known as "the sings," held in the homes of the people, When the
singing of favorite Hymns was a joy and delight to all. As many as
fifty people coming from far and near to share m the gatherings.
The jumping of claims has been a common practice in the western
states, and many were glad to know of such a possibility. One such
case was that of the Rev. Ingham, a Baptist minister, who came here
looking for land. Dr. Smith knew of a claim two miles west of town
which was abandoned, and others had their watchful eyes upon the
place, waiting for the day when they might lay claim to it. The Dr.
knowing when the time would expire, had the Rev. gentleman well
posted, and with a Mr. Payne, a member of the Baptist church, who
loaned a plough and team, they went out, and had just struck a few
furrows when another man came rushing from the west on horseback,
but 'he was too late, the land was taken.
The Smith house
was once visited by two Indians from a car that had been switched
off near the town. As their custom was they stealthily drew near the
house, looked through the windows and then walked in. Mrs. Smith was
scared at first. She says one was a handsome young man, stately in
bearing; he carried a bow about four feet across, and a quiver of
arrows. After a serving of fried cakes and other eatables, they went
away satisfied. On another occasion, a Pawnee Indian called. Mrs.
Smith happened to be out of the house, and after trying the doors
and windows, 'he passed on his way.
One day an Irishman
arrived on horseback and wanted a drink, probably the white flag
with the red S, used as a Store sign attracted his attention, this
being in some parts the Saloon sign. The pail of water with dipper
stood quite near, so he was told to help himself, but I want a
drink; said the Irishman. Well then, there's the water, help
yourself said the mistress of the house. But I want whiskey! and on
being told that no such drink was kept there, he tried several of
the patent medicine bottles and failing to find whiskey he left.
During a thunderstorm, a flash of lightning made its way down
the chimney, and melted the ends off the wires which stretched
across the store, upon which were hung different kinds of tin ware,
the commotion can well be imagined, but fortunately the lightning
missed the Kerosene Can and passed through the corner of the floor
without causing a fire.
The first child born in Exeter was
Anna E. Smith, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Smith.
The first
post office for this community was opened in the spring of 1871 at
the Woodard home, and called Woodard, with that gentleman as post
master. It was soon moved to Exeter and Dr. Smith was appointed the
first postmaster at a salary of $10.00 a year.
Pioneers of Fillmore and Adjoining Counties
Source: Pioneer Stories of the Pioneers of Fillmore and adjoining Counties, by G. R. McKeith, Press of Fillmore County News, Exeter, Nebraska, 1915