Pioneers of Fillmore

Mr. and Mrs. John K. Barber of Fillmore County

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

John K. and Mrs. Barber arrived in Fillmore County, Nebraska, from Woodstock, Illinois, on October 14, 1870, after a five-week journey. They initially lived in a sod shanty near Turkey Creek until their dugout home, barn, and cellar were ready in January 1871. The Barbers hosted the first religious services and Sunday School in the county. Their initial farming efforts were thwarted by a severe hailstorm in July, but they persisted. Despite challenges like grasshopper infestations, they thrived, hunting local game and contributing to the community, including organizing the county and securing the county seat at Geneva.

Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Woodworth of Fillmore County

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

Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Woodworth moved from Wisconsin to Nebraska in 1872, homesteading near Exeter. After investing their money in farm improvements, they faced financial difficulties and sought credit from Farmers Grocery Stores in Lincoln. Despite challenges, such as illness and lack of help, they received unexpected kindness from a hunter and neighbors. Mrs. Woodworth, despite her own struggles, selflessly cared for a neighboring family during a measles outbreak. The Woodworths were active members of the “Church of God,” attending services at the Horton schoolhouse. “Father” Green, a devout preacher, served their community, embodying the pioneer spirit of faith and resilience.

Biography of Parker Ryan of Fillmore County

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

Parker Ryan, born in Waterloo, New York, moved to Peoria County, Illinois, before homesteading in Nebraska in 1870 with his brother Lawrence Ryan and three others. The Ryans, Drummond, Sweeley, and Hammond, claimed lands in Fillmore County. Parker’s family joined him in 1871, enduring a blizzard shortly after arriving. Their early years were marked by struggles, such as losing cattle in storms and narrowly avoiding having their claims jumped. The Ryans were also active in community events, including hosting the first religious service in Buzzard’s Dugout and participating in early agricultural activities. Parker Ryan’s resilience and determination helped establish the community.

Biography of Patrick Murphy of Fillmore County

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

Patrick Murphy emigrated from Dunmanway, County Cork, Ireland, in 1866, landing in New York. After learning the nursery business near Rochester, he moved to Omaha in 1870 and ventured to find homesteads with three companions. They explored various locations but settled near Turkey Creek, Saline County. Murphy eventually bought out his partners and established his homestead in December 1870. His early years involved building a dugout, working various jobs, and dealing with challenges such as Indian presence and livestock mishaps. Murphy married and raised ten children, served two terms in the Nebraska State Legislature, and contributed significantly to the local nursery industry.

Mr. and Mrs. Parsons of York County

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

Mr. and Mrs. Parsons settled in York County, Nebraska, on November 7, 1869, experiencing typical pioneer hardships, including losses during the Blizzard and Grasshopper years. They managed the district Post Office and had numerous encounters with Native Americans. Their first religious service was held in Buzzard’s Dugout at Blue Vale, led by Elder Colwell of the United Brethren Church. The congregation included both white settlers and Omaha Indians, who were hunting and fishing nearby. A memorable moment occurred when a young lady, initially frightened by an Indian sitting beside her, was reassured by his friendly declaration, “Do not fear! Me Omaha, Me a good Indian!”

Biography of Mr. T. B. Farmer of Fillmore County

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

Mr. T. B. Farmer arrived in Nebraska from Indiana in October 1870, settling near Lincoln with Warren Woodard. He initially trapped mink and beaver near the Blue River, living off local game. In spring, he homesteaded and built a sod house, and his wife joined him the following year, surprised to find Exeter consisted of just one store. Despite challenges, including a grasshopper plague, the Farmers persevered. They witnessed significant changes over the years and raised Frank Farmer, a noted singer from Denver, Colorado.

Biography of Thomas Coates of Fillmore County

Thomas Coates was a native of Yorkshire, England, his home being near the County line; their nearest important town was Worksop, in Nottinghamshire. The district is probably one of the most interesting in the old Country, and has certainly been in all times one of the most beautiful. In the time of the Saxons; between the eighth and ninth century, when the country was known as Mercia, this neighborhood suffered a great deal through the inroads of the Danes; those intrepid Vikings, or Norsemen who loved to roam the North Sea and exploit the English and other shores. The neighborhood … Read more

Biography of Thomas Nugent of Fillmore County

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

Thomas Nugent, originally from County Galway, Ireland, immigrated to Scott County, Iowa, in 1866. In 1871, he homesteaded in Liberty Township, south of Exeter, Nebraska, bringing his horse team, wagon, and cattle. With scarce money and employment, Nugent often walked to Beatrice and Lincoln seeking work. He worked on the B. & M. Railroad and took jobs in the west during his time off the claim, experiencing thrilling adventures, including encounters with large bands of Indians and herds of buffalo. Despite hardships, including the 1873 blizzard, Nugent persevered and contributed to the community’s development.

Biography of Walter Howarth of Fillmore County

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

Walter Howarth, a native of Bolton, Lancashire, England, homesteaded near Turkey Creek, Nebraska, on April 1, 1872. Transitioning from an industrial community to the prairie, Howarth faced the challenges of pioneer life, including interactions with local Indian tribes and enduring harsh winters. He taught in a sod schoolhouse, participated in community efforts, and adapted to frontier hardships. Despite difficulties, Howarth contributed to the development of the area and witnessed its transformation. His experiences reflect the resilience and adaptability of early settlers in the American Midwest.

Biography of William Downey

The Old Downey Home, And the Last "Soddy" in Fillmore County, Neb.

William Downey was a native of New York State, and went with his parents to Michigan, where he grew up to manhood, living in Kalamazoo and St. Joseph Counties. He came to Nebraska in May 1871 along with Messrs. Ramsdell, Stephens and Krader, the latter settling in Dodge County. They traveled all the way with wagons and teams, and were six weeks on the road. Mrs. Downey and the children stayed near Lincoln about nine months. Mr. Downey and Mr. Stephens came to this district and sought claims, Mr. Downey homesteading in July on the west half of the north … Read more