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.