Liberty Township Archives – Nebraska Genealogy

Biography of James E. Doyle of Liberty Township

A Biographical and genealogical history of southeastern Nebraska

James E. Doyle, born in 1829 in Zanesville, Ohio, was a respected resident of Liberty Township, Gage County, Nebraska, and a Civil War veteran. He enlisted in November 1861 with Company E, Fifty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving honorably for three years. After the war, he resumed his trade as a wagon and carriage maker in Bloomfield, Indiana, before moving to a farm near Bloomfield in 1867. In 1885, he relocated to Gage County, Nebraska, where he successfully farmed 120 acres. Doyle married Mary Weiser, who died in 1856, leaving one son, Martin. In 1861, he married Sarah Bender, with whom he had several children. A staunch Republican, Doyle served six years as justice of the peace and was active in the G.A.R., serving as post commander and adjutant. He was also a long-time Mason, affiliated with Lodge No. 65.

Biography of William Ramsdell

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

William Ramsdell is a native of Michigan. His first visit to Nebraska was in 1865 when he came in the service of the Government because of the depredations committed at that time by the Sioux Indians. He, with his Company arrived at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, on the 17th of June, and then made their way to Fort Kearney, Nebraska, from which point they crossed the State to Fort Laramie, Wyoming. As soon as the Indians knew of the presence of the Government soldiers they wanted peace. It will be remembered that the Sioux Indians had taken advantage of their opportunities, … Read more

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

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 Leonard Bradley Sage of Fillmore County

In November 1871, Leonard Bradley Sage left Waukesha, Wisconsin, to explore southeastern Nebraska, traveling by mule from Lincoln. After surveying the area, he returned home and, in May 1872, embarked on a second journey with his family. They traveled through Iowa, enduring a near-drowning incident and a severe storm. Settling on a homestead in Liberty Township, they built a home and planted crops. Despite early hardships and illness, they adapted to frontier life, engaging with neighbors and attending Sunday school. Leonard Sage eventually passed away, but Mrs. Sage fondly recalls their pioneering spirit and community bonds.

Chester C. Stephens of Fillmore County

Chester C. Stephens, originally from Pennsylvania, moved to Michigan before settling in Nebraska in 1871. He homesteaded the northwest quarter of Section 4, Town 7, Range 1, west, initially living in a 10×12 ft. dugout. Early in his Nebraska life, Stephens encountered prairie wolves and deer near his homestead. He contributed to local efforts, assisting neighbors and dealing with harsh weather conditions. Notably, he and Patrick Murphy are among the few original homesteaders still residing on their land in Liberty Township. His pioneering experiences highlight the challenges and adventures of early settlers in Nebraska.