Pioneers of Fillmore Archives – Page 4 of 5

John T. Borland of Fillmore County

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

John T. Borland arrived at his homestead near Pleasant Hill, Nebraska, on May 12, 1871, after traveling from Illinois with his wife and goods in a mule-drawn wagon. They initially lived in a makeshift sod tent before building a more permanent sod house with a shingle roof and a board floor. Borland’s early days included a scare when he accidentally disturbed his wife’s sleep after returning home late. They celebrated the first local July 4th at Turkey Creek. Despite challenges like coyote raids, blizzards, and grasshopper infestations, the Borlands established a well-equipped home and contributed to the community, including bringing the first load of lumber to Exeter.

Biography of John Ziska of Fillmore County

John Ziska emigrated from Bohemia to the United States in 1853, settling first in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Initially farming in Racine County, he later worked in coal mining near St. Louis before moving to Nebraska in 1869. He homesteaded on the county line in Fillmore County, living in a dugout while establishing his farm. Despite hardships, including grasshopper infestations, prairie fires, and severe weather, Ziska and his family persevered. He contributed to the community by helping neighbors, donating land for a cemetery, and witnessing the last buffalo in the area. His son, Fred, later transitioned from farming to a successful career in business.

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.

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.

C. A. Songster of Fillmore County

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.