Pioneer Stories

 

Collected by the Rev. G. R. McKeith, Exeter, Nebr.

The following stories were gathered together for the purpose of recognizing: Pioneers' Memorial Day, June 14, 1914, in honor of the Pioneers whether living or dead.

The changes on these western prairies have been so rapid, since the coming of the pioneers, the whole history covering less than fifty years, that it was thought fitting and proper to recognize the spirit and achievement of the men and women who settled these plains and prairies, and established the institutions which we now enjoy.

It is with a view also, of impressing upon the minds and hearts of the present inhabitants of the 'neighborhood, and the rising generation the importance of their work that, the writer asked the remaining pioneers to tell their reminiscences of those early days; which at once gives the history of Exeter and neighborhood in an interesting way, and places on record facts regarding the early settlers and their life which we believe will prove valuable to the future generations.

Our minds are carried back to the days of Ox teams, Wagons without •springs, and a limitless Prairie, without Tree or Bush, and when as the Pioneers say, it looked like one vast open sea.

We are back to the days of Indians, Dug-outs, Sod houses, and lonely trails, and back to the days of prairie fires, which were the terror of those times. We are told that the fires were often the work of the "home seekers" who on lighting a fire for needful purposes would find it soon beyond their control, and others would suffer as a result, or "again" it was the work of Indians who desiring the burnt patch for the purpose of the better locating game, would find the fire beyond their control, and instead of remaining local, it would cover miles and miles of territory, going on its way with maddening rush, licking up everything in its track, until man and beast alike within its radius were often consumed. It was no uncommon thing in those days for a man with team and wagon when crossing the prairie and camping out for the night, the horses securely tethered, the man satisfied that all were safe, to find himself within a few hours engulfed with devouring flames. Such was the experience of two men who came looking for land and encamped south of town, the horses were tethered and they went to rest in one wagon, thinking everything was well, but the fire came, the horses, and the other wagon containing hay were burned and the men just escaping with their lives. Then, instead of continuing their search for land they returned home, no longer having a desire to settle in such a country.

The story is told of the "Bothwells", who lived south of Turkey Creek. The fire came upon them in the daytime and destroyed their property and stocky the woman having to battle with the flames for hours, giving an experience of heart and mind and loss that was not overcome for many months. On another occasion, Mr. Lowbecker's house, located north of Turkey Creek, v/as destroyed along with the horses and other stock.

The change is so great and the conditions are so different that the days are fast approaching when, these Pioneer Stories will read more like fairy tales than actual truth, and even be discredited by succeeding generations, but here they are! the unvarnished facts of their lives, and yet, but a few of the many experiences passed through by those who are still with us; those who helped to make our modern conditions what they are, from what they were, which very conditions are already so self satisfying, especially to those without the pioneer experiences as to help us forget rather than remember the early days, and even to forget the God in whom they trusted when they made the bold venture in entering an unknown and unsettled land to build up our community and our homes.

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

 

 

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