Exeter Archives – Page 2 of 3 – Nebraska Genealogy

Biography of Philip Schawb of Fillmore County

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

Philip Schwab, a native of New York, moved to Michigan for three years before settling in Nebraska in 1871. Initially working at sawmills near West Blue, he later homesteaded near Exeter, building a sod house and later a frame house. Schwab married Melissa Whitaker, whose grandmother, Mrs. E. A. Whitaker, was the first white woman to claim land in Fillmore County in 1868. The Whitakers faced many challenges, including prairie fires and interactions with Native Americans. The Whitaker family’s pioneering spirit and resilience are exemplified through their significant contributions to the development of the region.

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!”

Mrs. M. L. Roper of Fillmore County

Mrs. M. L. Rogers, known in the earlier days as Mrs. Roper, came with her husband to this neighborhood in 1873, locating on what is now the McGhie farm; they built a sod house with a roof through which the rain made its way; this roof fell in one night, much to the discomfort of the family. In their district the people used open wells these were from seven to ten feet deep, on one occasion a horse fell backward into a well, and as a result of the great strain necessary to pull it out, it died. Dogtown lying … Read more

L. T. Mead of Fillmore County

L. T. Mead, from Fort Branch, Indiana, moved to Nebraska in March 1870 with his wife and son, later joined by their two daughters. Initially working as a wagonwright in Lincoln, he secured a homestead in March 1871 on the southeast quarter of Section 4, Town 8, Range 1. Their first house was a small, 18-foot-square wooden room, often hosting passing travelers. Despite harsh winters, including one where their cow’s mouth froze, they persevered. Mead built a sod workshop and did wagon repairs. After eleven years, they moved to Exeter, where Mead passed away in 1901 and his wife in 1913. Both were active in local churches and traced their genealogies to notable historical figures.

Mr. and Mrs. James Alexander

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. James Nolan of Fillmore County

On June 12, 1871, James and Mrs. Nolan settled in Fillmore County, Nebraska, after traveling from Iowa by wagon. Bringing nine cattle and four horses, they established a homestead six miles south of Exeter. Initially, they lived under wagon covers and cooked over a campfire. Their first log and sod house had one room. They dug a well with lumber from Lincoln, during which Mrs. Nolan’s mother broke her leg. Despite many hardships, including prairie fires, harsh winters, and a grasshopper infestation, the Nolans built a new sod house and contributed to their community by establishing the first schoolhouse on their land.

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.

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.

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.