Pioneers of Fillmore Archives – Page 2 of 5

Dr. and Mrs. H. G. Smith Homesteaded in 1870

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

In 1870, Dr. and Mrs. H. G. Smith homesteaded near what would become Exeter, Nebraska, after traveling from Allegan, Michigan. Dr. Smith, guided by survey stakes for the future B. & M. Railroad, selected a north location for their 160-acre homestead. The Smiths faced various challenges, including sheltering their sick son during the journey and dealing with a leaky house. Dr. Smith opened Exeter’s first store and served as the town’s first postmaster. Their daughter, Anna E. Smith, was the first child born in Exeter. Dr. Smith also acted as a land agent and occasional medical practitioner.

History of Exeter Nebraska

Exeter, Nebraska, became an incorporated village on April 1, 1879. Situated between the Blue River and Turkey Creek, it initially struggled to grow. Despite this, dedicated residents promoted the town enthusiastically through local newspapers, attracting new settlers and businesses. Early promotional efforts included poetic invitations to homestead and optimistic reports of growth, which successfully drew many to Exeter. By 1889, Exeter had established a robust business community, including notable figures such as Dr. E. S. Higley and Mr. W. H. Taylor. Over time, Exeter flourished, boasting modern amenities, a strong local economy, and a vibrant community.

Henry Eberstein of Fillmore County

Henry Eberstein, born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, enlisted in the First Michigan Cavalry during the winter of 1863-64, serving under Custer and Sheridan. After the Civil War, he was stationed at Fort Leavenworth and marched to Salt Lake City, protecting the overland stage line. In 1866, Eberstein was discharged and returned to Nebraska in 1870, homesteading in Glengary Township, Fillmore County. He and his bachelor brothers built a log house and experienced many pioneer challenges, including encounters with rattlesnakes. The family eventually left Nebraska, relocating to Wichita, Kansas, due to harsh conditions and economic struggles.

Henry Hammond of Fillmore County

Henry Hammond, born in Indiana, moved to Illinois before settling in Nebraska in the fall of 1870. He claimed the northwest quarter of Section 4 and worked in Nebraska City over the winter. In spring 1871, he began his new life on the homestead with a yoke of oxen and five dollars. Facing numerous hardships, Hammond persevered, ultimately raising a successful family and earning respect in the community. In 1872, he married Catherine (Kate) Drummond. After their home was robbed and burned, they refused to give up, surviving on minimal resources and enduring harsh winters and a devastating blizzard. Despite adversities, including grasshopper infestations, they built a resilient and hopeful life.

Pioneers of Fillmore and Adjoining Counties

In 1915, G. R. McKeith compiled a series of narratives entitled “Pioneer Stories of the Pioneers of Fillmore and Adjoining Counties,” published by the Press of Fillmore County News in Exeter, Nebraska. This collection serves as a historical account, documenting the experiences and contributions of the early settlers who established the foundations of the local communities. While the book’s format and occasional errors reflect its humble beginnings, its content holds intrinsic value. The stories of these pioneers provide pleasure to the current generation and serve as a factual foundation for future historical research. The accounts included herein are not merely tales but are the documented realities of those who braved the unknown to build the communities we inhabit today.

James Horne of Fillmore County

James Home, born in Low Coats, Lanarkshire, Scotland, close to the birthplace of Dr. David Livingstone, immigrated to America in 1853. Initially employed on the Hudson River Railroad for sixteen years, he returned to Scotland in 1858 to marry Jenny Miller. The couple settled in Poughkeepsie, NY, and later moved to Amboy, Illinois. In 1870, seeking new opportunities, Home purchased land in Nebraska, despite his limited farming knowledge. Through perseverance, he transitioned from railway engineering to successful farming. Home built a sod house, later replaced by a frame dwelling, and engaged actively in the community until his death at age 75.

James W. Dolan of Fillmore County

James W. Dolan, originally from Corning, Iowa, arrived in Lincoln, Nebraska, on February 1, 1871. After learning about available Government land, he traveled to Crete and then westward with John F. Evans to Fillmore County. Dolan homesteaded the Northeast Quarter of Section 20, Township 8, Range 1, West, and preempted land for his brother. In April 1871, he built a $65 house on his claim with lumber hauled from Lincoln. Despite hardships, including rattlesnakes and scarce resources, Dolan farmed successfully and engaged in community development. He co-founded Exeter, established its first store and post office, and served on the school board. In 1880, he moved to Indianola, Nebraska, and later to Los Angeles, California.

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.

John Redfern of Fillmore County

John Redfern emigrated from England to Peoria, Illinois, before moving to Nebraska in 1870. Initially settling near Nebraska City, the Redfern family crossed the frozen Missouri River on foot, waiting for their goods to arrive. They eventually homesteaded three miles north of Exeter, building a sod house and enduring numerous hardships, including crop destruction by hail, blizzards, and grasshopper infestations. The Redferns hosted preaching services and Sunday school in their home, contributing to the local community. John Redfern passed away on November 17, 1901; his widow retained ownership of the land while residing in town.

Biography of John S. Beardsley of Saline County

John S. Beardsley, born in Ohio, moved to Iowa with his parents in 1856 and grew up there. In April 1870, he secured a homestead in Nebraska on the southwest quarter of Section 22, Town 7, Range 1 west. He relocated his family from Iowa to Crete, Nebraska, bringing livestock and his sister-in-law, Miss Knox. Initially living in their wagon, they endured dust storms while setting up their new life. Beardsley established a nursery and later farmed land for Colonel Doane before moving to his homestead in 1871. Despite challenges, including grasshopper infestations, Beardsley successfully planted an orchard and a 16-acre grove, though many trees later died. Mrs. Beardsley, familiar with pioneer life, recalled her early years in Iowa and interactions with Native Americans.