Pioneers of Fillmore Archives – Page 4 of 5

Mr. and Mrs. James Alexander

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

In June 1872, James Alexander and his family left Aberdeen, Scotland, for Exeter, Nebraska. After a challenging sea voyage and arriving at Pacific Junction, Iowa, they slept on an open platform. Reaching Lincoln, they stayed briefly at the Burlington Immigration House before moving to Exeter. They rented a sod house and later built a dugout on their homestead. Despite hardships, including a broken land deal and primitive living conditions, they found community and established their home. They hosted many visitors, including Native Americans and fellow settlers, and experienced the hardships of frontier life, such as the blizzard of 1873 and the grasshopper plague of 1874.

Mr. and Mrs. Parsons of York County

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!”

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

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

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

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.

Biography of William Dyer of Fillmore County

William Dyer, born in Hambridge, Somersetshire, England, received his education locally before apprenticing in Glastonbury and working in Wallingford and Hastings. He emigrated to America in 1871, settling in Exeter, Nebraska, with his family. He initially farmed and taught school in Fillmore County, later working for the Home Insurance Company of New York. Known for his dedication to his community and the Congregational Church, Dyer passed away in 1901 and was buried in Exeter Cemetery. His life reflected a blend of English heritage and pioneering spirit 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

Biography of Walter Howarth of Fillmore County

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 Mann

William Mann was born in Pennsylvania, but lived for some time in Knox County, Illinois. He came to Nebraska in the fall of 1869, settling in the McFadden Township, York County. He brought with him his wife and seven children. William W. Mann his eldest son, to whom we are indebted for these reminiscences worked for Elias Gilmore (one of the oldest settlers in York County) for about two years and drove oxen all that time. At the age of fifteen years he was doing equal to a man’s work for $15 a month. Mr. Gilmore raised the first wheat … Read more

Biography of Thomas Nugent of Fillmore County

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.