Pioneers of Fillmore

Charles Eberstein of Fillmore County

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Charles Eberstein, born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, joined the army young and served during the Indian uprisings of 1865. In 1867, he moved to Omaha, Nebraska, and later homesteaded in Fillmore County in 1869. Eberstein narrowly avoided a fatal surveying expedition and became a pioneer in Fillmore County, where he broke the first prairie. He joined the State Militia, helping establish Fort Butler during conflicts with Native Americans. Eberstein also worked on the Burlington Railroad and contributed to the early settlement and development of his region alongside his family.

Alonzo and Palmer Rice of Sarpy County

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Alonzo Rice, originally from New York State, settled in La Platte, Sarpy County, Nebraska, in 1870 after migrating from Pennsylvania. He and his brother, Palmer, each secured land claims, with Alonzo taking the south half of the southeast quarter of section 14. The prairie was sparsely populated, with the nearest sign of habitation being stove pipes emerging from the ground. Despite challenges, including harsh weather and crop losses due to grasshoppers, the Rice family persisted, building sod houses and utilizing innovative methods to sustain their farm. Alonzo’s involvement in local development included aiding settlers and contributing to road creation and community organization.

C. A. Songster of Fillmore County

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C. A. Songster moved from Centerville, Appanoose County, Iowa, to a farm near Exeter, Nebraska, in 1871 with his wife and two children. The family initially lived in a tent, then a dugout, and eventually a sod house. The first school in the district was held in their home. Cattle roamed freely, and tall Bluestem grass posed risks for children. Songster Sr. hauled lumber for the first house and store in Exeter, owned by Dr. H. G. Smith. He died in 1898 and is buried in the Exeter cemetery. Bert Songster, his son, provides these reminiscences.

Mr. Charles Hole of Fillmore County

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Charles Hole, originally from West Pennard near Glastonbury, Somersetshire, England, immigrated to America in 1870. After spending two years in Detroit, he moved to Exeter, Nebraska, in April 1872, where he homesteaded 80 acres of land south of town. He was joined by three other Somerset natives: Alfred Corp, Bill Haimes, and Frank Appleby. Frank Appleby, a carpenter, tragically died in 1872 and was the first white man buried in the district. Charles Hole married and settled in Exeter in 1878, building a home in 1881, where he lived for over 33 years. His long-used cook stove, bought on his wedding day, still serves him.

Charles N. Phillips of Fillmore County

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In 1871, Charles N. Phillips and his wife journeyed from Pennsylvania to near Exeter, Nebraska, arriving on June 1. They built a sod house on their homestead with just $10. Despite hardships, they found support in the community, notably from Mrs. Smith at the local store. They ground corn in a coffee mill for flour and endured severe winters, including the notable 1873 snowstorm. The Phillips faced prairie fires and floods, and Charles sold the first load of wheat in Exeter in 1872. Despite his disability from the Battle of Gettysburg, Charles thrived in this new frontier.

Chester C. Stephens of Fillmore County

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Chester C. Stephens, originally from Pennsylvania, moved to Michigan before settling in Nebraska in 1871. He homesteaded the northwest quarter of Section 4, Town 7, Range 1, west, initially living in a 10×12 ft. dugout. Early in his Nebraska life, Stephens encountered prairie wolves and deer near his homestead. He contributed to local efforts, assisting neighbors and dealing with harsh weather conditions. Notably, he and Patrick Murphy are among the few original homesteaders still residing on their land in Liberty Township. His pioneering experiences highlight the challenges and adventures of early settlers in Nebraska.

Christian Kobe of York County

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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.

Colonel N. S. Babcock Arrived in 1871

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In 1871, Colonel Babcock arrived in Nebraska from New York State, walking from Seward to find a family near Indian Creek. He discovered a well-furnished dugout home before settling near Exeter, where “Boss” Woodard had the only visible house. Babcock’s journey with his wife involved a fifty-mile trip in a wagon without springs, cooking meals on a hillside, and using shingles as plates. They lost track of Sundays and encountered numerous rattlesnakes. During the Grasshopper Plague, Babcock sent evidence to skeptical relatives back East, proving the severity of the infestation.

Doctor O. P. Baker of Fillmore County

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Dr. O. P. Baker first visited the Exeter, Nebraska, area while accompanying grain buyer Joe Shaub. During his visit, he purchased a quarter section of land east of town. Returning to Morrison, Illinois, he successfully sold five farms based on his descriptions of Exeter’s potential. In 1874, Dr. Baker built a house on his land and continued promoting Nebraska, bringing large parties of land seekers from Illinois in 1874 and 1875, selling numerous farms. Moving to Exeter in 1880, he became the town’s first practicing dentist, working for 46 years until selling his practice due to failing eyesight. His efforts significantly contributed to the area’s settlement and development.

Dr. and Mrs. Goodall of Saline County

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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.