Jonathan A. Horton is a native of Pennsylvania, as was his Father,
who also homesteaded in this neighborhood, but his paternal
Grandfather came from England. Mr. Horton lived for some time in
Illinois, and came from there with his wife to Nebraska in a covered
wagon, homesteading on Section 2, Township 8, Range 2, on November
23, 1870, and has lived there continuously ever since.
He
built a sod house in which he lived for eleven years before moving
into the present frame building. He gave an acre of land for a
School lot, whereon was built a sod school house which did service
for many years, both for a School and a Church, the building I
believe was put up by the people as much for a Church as for the
School.
As a result of the Services held in the district by
the Rev. D. S. Warner of Ohio, there was organized a "Church of
God," with twenty-five members, Mr. Horton being elected an Elder
along with Jacob M. Witter, (another Pioneer from Pennsylvania,
coming Nov. 25, 1871), Samuel Bair and George W. Helms, were at the
same time appointed Deacons. This Church carried on a successful
work for many years, Mr. Horton being a leading spirit in its
operations. Though it has ceased to exist as an organized body, Mr.
Horton still claims membership in the denomination, and holds the
records of the local church.
When friends began to die, and
a burial ground was needed, he very graciously gave the land for a
cemetery; wherein are sleeping many loved ones of the Horton
district.
Since those earlier years the present frame School
house has been used for religious services by different
denominations, the United Brethren were strong there for a time,
after which the Methodist Episcopal people held services and carried
on a successful Epworth League Society. The Rev. W. B. Payne,
Congregational Minister, preached there during his pastorate in
Exeter, and was followed by the Rev. G. W. Stone, Baptist Minister,
then, after several months without any services, the Rev. G. R.
McKeith Congregational Church, Exeter, commenced services which are
now held every alternate Sunday. A Sunday School along
undenominational lines is successfully conducted every week for nine
months each year.
During the pioneer years, Mr. Horton, like
many of his compeers had to travel many miles seeking work to help
make a living, and had often to camp alone on the open prairie. At
other times he would fell timber; saw and chop it into stove wood,
then haul it to Lincoln, when after finding a purchased he received
the magnificent sum of $4, but $4 was not to be despised in those
days.
As a result of his timber felling, he had the
misfortune to cut his leg, destroying the use of the main leaders,
he was laid up for three months, and retains a "mark", which as a
man said, with a similar misfortune "He will carry with him to the
grave."
Mr. Horton can tell many interesting stories about
the wild animals of the Prairies, a few of which are here given.
Mr. Aaron B. Stonerook, another pioneer who homesteaded November
23, 1871, and has since gone to his reward, told Mr. Horton that he
had never seen an Antelope; this was probably owing to his being
very short sighted. One day they were on the prairie together, when
Mr. Horton saw in the distance an Antelope making its way towards
them, and knowing that as they seldom changed their course it would
be a good opportunity for Mr. Stonerook to see one, so asking him if
he would like to see an Antelope and receiving an answer in the
affirmative; he drew him aside, had him crouch down on the grass,
and told him to watch, then, as the animal drew very near them, Mr.
Horton asked, "Can you see it?" "Yes!" said Mr. Stonerook, "I can
see its eyes!"
One day Mr. Horton and Mr. Dave Kelly (a
pioneer who homesteaded March 10, 1871) were out ploughing to make a
fire break; the work was being done with two yoke of Oxen, when to
their astonishment, two elks came up, and remained for some time
within ten steps of the men.
It is well to put on record Mr.
Horton's observations regarding these animals and their movements.
"The Antelope always ran in a straight line; While the Elk ran a zig
zag course."
On another occasion he was out with his half
brother, Samuel Bair, (who homesteaded at the same time as Mr.
Horton)' when they saw two Antelopes and two Fawns, thinking they
could catch the Fawns they jerked the harness off the horses, jumped
onto their bare backs and started the chase. After following them
for several miles, the animals, playing them many pranks, often
being "so near and yet so far" they were glad to return home without
the coveted prize.
Mr. Horton went with Mr. D. R. Bivens one
time into Clay County, a distance of 40 miles to secure a harvester,
and on the return journey, when between Fairmont and home, they were
overtaken by a storm. The thunder and lightning were terrific,
(after reports showed that some animals were killed and horses had
the hair scorched off their backs, so severe was the storm.) The
night was so dark they decided to leave the harvester and horses on
the prairie, and make their way home afoot; having unharnessed and
tethered the horses, they took hold of hands and struck out for
home, and after walking for an hour they found themselves back to
where they had started; more like drowning rats than ought else. The
storm abated somewhat and they made a second attempt, this time
reaching home. It is sometimes said in stormy weather, "Blessed is
the man who hasn't a home to go to," seeing he is already there!
A sight which made Mr. Horton feel rather uncomfortable, if not
nervous was when he saw a colony of about 100 snakes in a hollow
place near the Indian Creek. It seemed that all the varieties of
local snakes had gathered there that day, Rattle, Garter, Bull,
Water, and Grass snakes, none of which was he anxious to be
acquainted with, so he passed on as quietly and as quickly as
possible.
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
