Pioneers of Fillmore Archives – Page 2 of 5

History of Exeter Nebraska

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

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.

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

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.

Job Hathaway, Willard Payne and Elam Wilcox of Fillmore County

In the spring of 1871, Job Hathaway, Willard Payne, and Elma Wilcox journeyed from Greenwood, Illinois, to Exeter, Nebraska, in covered wagons. They settled on section 30, sharing a frame house built by Payne, strategically placed so each could meet homestead requirements. Mrs. Hathaway joined later, traveling from Lincoln in a covered wagon. A notable incident involved a stranger who, in a dream, mistakenly attacked Payne, causing Mrs. Hathaway to flee the house. Another settler, Clark, a former English shipbuilder, struggled with pioneer life and returned to England after losing family members and facing harsh conditions. Job Hathaway later moved to Lincoln and served as a city police chief before his passing.

John E. Fouse of Seward County

John E. Fouse, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was the son of Ezekiel Fouse, a professor at Philadelphia College. He married Isabella McMichael from Belfast, Ireland, and they moved to Page County, Iowa, in 1865 before establishing the Fouse Ranch in Seward County, Nebraska. The ranch, situated near Beaver Creek and the Blue River, became a key stop for overland stagecoaches. John served in the Mexican and Civil Wars, while Isabella managed the ranch’s operations, hosting travelers and managing frequent Indian encounters. The ranch also hosted the first post office and store in the county. John E. Fouse passed away in 1898.

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.