Town: Pleasant Hill

Biography of W. H. Miner

1890s Sod House in Southern Boone County

W. H. Miner came from Illinois in 1870 and located on the North West quarter of Section 12, Town 8, Range 1, West, and lived through the first summer in a tent, which became a well known land mark and place of call for many of the incoming settlers. That was the time when this country side was one vast open plain without a house or tree, the wild animals being glad of any shade afforded them by the kindly weeds. An antelope was so enjoying what shads a large sunflower could give when Mr. Miner crept up and shot … Read more

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.

James Horne of Fillmore County

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

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.