HISTORY 
 
 SEWAED COUNTY, 
 
 NEBRASKA, 
 
 TOGETHER VITB 
 
 A CHAPTER OF REMINISC^NSES OF THE EARLY SETTLEMENT 
 OF i^ANCASTER COUNTY. 
 
 V^. A\^. COX, 
 
 AuTHon OF Papers on Labor and Capital, and "Addiu:sses to Young People.' 
 
 LINCOLN, NEB: 
 
 STATE JOURNAL COMPANY, PRlNTEKi 
 1 688. 
 
3T-80 
 
 101 
 

 
 DEDICATION. 
 
 To the young people of Nebraska, and especially those of Seward 
 county, the children of the pioneers, is this little book humbly dedi- 
 cated by their friend and well-wisher, 
 
 THE AUTHOR. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 The author would ask the reader to not be unreasonably critical. 
 All historical works are imperfect and subject to criticism, and why 
 should this be an exception? We have done the best we could with 
 the material at hand. Many incidents herein related are obtained 
 from people now living, and are generally correctly related, but the 
 memories of men are sometimes faulty, and people are frequently led 
 to see matters and things from different standpoints. 
 
 The best authorities frequently conflict, and many matters of im- 
 portance were never recorded, and we are left dependent on the 
 memory of men for matters that occurred twenty or more years ago. 
 We have searched diligently and patiently, and have given you 
 the result of our efforts. 
 
 We would not say that we are entirely satisfied, but hope that we 
 have measurably succeeded in establishing many landmarks for the 
 future historian, and conveyed an intelligent idea of the early settle- 
 ment and the more important events of our history. 
 
 We cheerfully acknowledge our obligations to the friends that 
 have so kindly aided us in our work, for the many valuable historic 
 letters and papers furnished us ; to Hon. C. H. Gere, for his sketch 
 of Lancaster county; and also to the editors of the various newspapers 
 for the use of their files, and the county and state officers for courte- 
 sies shown ; and last, but not least, the great host of friends that have 
 met us with words of encouragement and liberal patronage. 
 
CHAPTER 1. 
 
 FIRST VISIT TO LANCASTER COUNTY — SETTLEMENT — SALT BASINS — MAKING 
 SALT — COMERS AND GOERS — IMPROVEMENT — FOURTH OF JULY, 1862 — 
 ELDER YOUNG AND PARTY — FOUNDING LANCASTER — COUNTY-SEAT FIGHT 
 — CLAY COUNTY DESPOILED — INDIAN SCARES — FIRST DISTRICT COURT — 
 SCENES AND INCIDENTS IN JUSTICE COURTS — GROWTH AND PROGRESS — 
 REMOVAL TO SEWARD COUNTY. 
 
 In the last days of June, 1861, we chanced to meet Wra, T. Don- 
 ovan on the streets of Nebraska City, and upon our learning that he 
 lived on Salt creek, and in the neighborhood of the wonderful salt 
 basins, we speedily arranged to accompany him, that we might see 
 for ourself the country and the basins of which we had heard so 
 much. 
 
 If we remember correctly, after passing the old Majors farm, four 
 miles out, we passed over an unbroken wilderness, save Wilson's 
 ranch at Wilson creek, until we reached McKee's ranch on tlie 
 Nemaha, where widow McKee and her sons lived. James Her also> 
 lived near the same point. This was twenty miles out and near the 
 present town of Syracuse. The next improvement was that of John 
 Roberts, on the Nemaha, near the present sight of Palmyra, and 
 five miles further to the west, lived a Mr. Meecham, a weak-kneed 
 Mormon who had fallen out by the way. These were all the people 
 that we saw on that trip until we reached Salt creek. After enjoymg 
 the hospitalities of our friend's home for the night, a somewhat novel 
 mode of conveyance was improvised for our trip to the basin, A 
 tongue was fastened to the hind axle of a wagon, and a pair of springs 
 was made of short ash sticks with a board across the ends of the 
 sticks for a seat, and our carriage was complete, and Buck and 
 Bright served for motive power. On the second day of July, 1861, 
 we followed a dim track down — to Lincoln? — no; to Lancaster? — 
 no — but down Salt creek (we hardly ever go up Salt creek), to the 
 mouth of Oak creek, where we forded the stream. There was at that 
 time a magnificent grove of honey locust timber on the west side of 
 
8 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 Salt creek, and just south of Oak creek; and a little to the south of 
 the foot of O street, the large bend of the creek, there were perhaps a 
 hundred majestic elms and cottouwoods, with here and there a hack- 
 berry and honey locust. Those lovely groves would now, if they 
 could have remained in their natural grandeur and beauty as we saw 
 them, be of priceless value to the city for a park. Joseph, the elder 
 son of Wm. T. Donovan, was our teamster and guide. The big flies 
 that infested the low bottoms were a great help as persuaders of our 
 oxen, and at times our ride was exciting in the extreme, as the oxen 
 would dart first to the right, then to the left, to get the benefit of 
 a brush to rid themselves of flies. 
 
 It brings peculiar thoughts to mind as we look around us now and 
 consider the changes that twenty-six years have wrought. 
 
 One dim track only crossed the site of the future city from east to 
 west, that had been made by hunters and salt pilgrims, and the one 
 already mentioned running up and down the creek. As we viewed 
 the land upon which now stands this great busy city, we had the ex- 
 citing pleasure of seeing for the first time a large drove of the beauti- 
 ful antelope, cantering across the prairie about where the government 
 square is. We forded Salt creek, just by the junction of Oak creek, and 
 what a struggle we had in making our way through the tall sun- 
 flowers between the ford and the basin. There was something en- 
 chanting about the scene that met our eyes. The fresh breeze 
 sweeping over the salt basins reminded us of the morning breezes at 
 the ocean beach. The basin was as smooth as glass, and resembled 
 a slab of highly polished, clouded marble. 
 
 The wrecks of some old salt furnaces and two deserted cabins were 
 the only sign of civilization. All was wild and solitary, but our soul 
 was filled with rapturous delight. The geese, brant, and pelicans 
 had undisputed sway, and the air was filled with their shrill notes. 
 
 The nearest human habitation to either the basin or the present 
 city, was that of W. T. Donovan, on the Card well place on Salt creek, 
 about five miles up the creek or south of the ford. Joel Mason 
 lived a mile farther up. Eichard AVallingford lived at his present 
 home. A. J. Wallingford also lived just across the creek. John 
 Cadman lived just across the county line, as the counties were first 
 constituted, in old Clay county, and where the village of Saltillo now 
 stands. Dr. Maxwell lived in that neighborhood; also Festus Reed; 
 and above Roca, J. L. Davison and the Pray family had located. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 9 
 
 Wm. Shirley, on Stevens creek, was the nearest settler to the east- 
 ward. Charles Retslef and John Wedencamp, also, Judge J. D. 
 Maine, held the fort a little farther up the creek, and Aaron ^V^ood 
 was located near the head of Stevens creek. John and Louis Loder 
 lived down Salt creek near Waverly; also Michael Shea and James 
 Moran. To the westward it was a complete wilderness. 
 
 In company with Darwin Peckham (now of Lincoln) we com- 
 menced making salt on the 20th of August, 1861. We pre-empted 
 one of the log cabins and " bached " it during the fall. Salt was very 
 scarce during war times, and was high in price, and of a necessity 
 great numbers of people came to scrape salt. They came from all the 
 settled portions of the territory, from Kansas, Missouri, and as far 
 east as central Iowa. At the time of the second visit we found the 
 roads well broken by pilgrims in search of salt. Going for salt in those 
 days was like going fishing — it was all in luck. If the weather 
 were perfectly dry, they could get plenty of it, for it could be scraped 
 up by the wagon load, but three minutes' rain would end the game. 
 We have seen a drove of men that came a full hundred miles arrive 
 just in time to see a little rain clear all the salt off the basin in a 
 moment, and they left to liold an empty sack. We found a goodly 
 number there when we arrived, and they were holding the empty 
 sack, for it had just rained and the basin was as black as ink. We 
 remember Milton Langdon as one of the disconsolate pilgrims. The 
 next morning all except our party pulled out, and " we were monarchs 
 of all we surveyed." 
 
 We immediately built a small furnace, made a sheet-iron salt pan, 
 and began boiling salt, and by the time the next drove of pilgrims 
 came we had salt to sell or trade them. Many farmers would bring 
 their sorghum pans to make their own salt, and when they would 
 get enough, or tired, we would trade salt for their pans and all 
 their spare provisions. When the weather was dry many would 
 scrape more than they could haul home, and we would trade for 
 their scrapings at twenty-five cents per hundred and pay in boiled 
 salt at two dollars per hundred. In dry times we would accumulate 
 a mountain of scraped salt, and as soon as the first rain came our 
 scrapings would be worth from fifty cents to one dollar per hundred. 
 Pilgrims would grab for it. They brought all manner of provisions 
 to trade for salt — meat, flour, chickens, butter, fruit, potatoes, eggs; 
 
10 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 and others were willing to go to the groves and cut and haul wood 
 and trade us; others would haul up'a large pile of wood and then 
 rent our furnaces for the night, and would work all night, and thus 
 get a supply. So we had salt to sell, scrapings to sell, furnaces to 
 rent, and, generally, provisions to sell. One man we remember 
 brought a fine suit of clothes and traded us for salt. A party 
 brought two four-horse wagon loads, 5,000 pounds, of flour from 
 Winterset, Iowa, and we made him an even exchange of 5,000 pounds 
 of salt for it. It was a lively time, for hundreds were coming and 
 going continually during the fall. 
 
 We remember several distinguished visitors of that fall, among 
 whom were Hon. 0. P. Mason and Hon. J. Sterling Morton. We 
 treated them to slap-jacks of our own make, which the judge seemed 
 to relish, but our friend Morton didn't seem to appreciate our cooking; 
 just why has always been a mystery. Hon. P. W. Hitchcock, after- 
 wards U. S. senator, and his excellency, Gov. Saunders (he was then 
 our governor), also made us a visit. They were not repairing fences, 
 but quite likely they were examining J. Sterling Morton's fence 
 around the saline land. Many of lesser note visited us during the 
 fall. 
 
 Late in the fall we moved our family to Salt creek, and wintered 
 in one apartment of the log cabin that VV. T. Donovan occupied, 
 and as the salt business always quits when winter begins, we put in 
 the time as best we could, chasing rabbits, etc. Uncle Dick Walling- 
 ford, learning that we had graduated at the carpenter's bench, 
 besought us to build him a house. We .suppose we have the honor of 
 building for Uncle Dick the first frame building in Lancaster 
 county, in the winter of '61 and '62. We made the doors of black 
 walnut lumber that was about as hard as glass. We also call to 
 mind the struggle we had one night the following summer in making 
 a cotMn for Grandmother Wallingford out of that hard lumber. 
 
 We took up our abode at the basin with the wife and two children 
 on the first day of May, 1862. That same day a county convention 
 was held at the basin, and nearly every man in the county was there, 
 but we remember none of the proceedings, as we were occupied in 
 setting our house in order. Two or three days later, Milton Langdon 
 arrived with his family, and took up their abode just west of the 
 B. & M. bridge, north of Oak creek. The season of 1862 was 
 
HISTORY OP SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 11 
 
 exceedingly prosperous. Great numbers of people came and went 
 every day. Numerous other furnaces were started, and the salt works 
 presented quite the appearance of business. 
 
 Here we must beg indulgence, while we relate a little story. In 
 the winter of '62 and '63, there was an old fellow by the name 
 of Ben Vanthusen, camping and boiling salt, and there was an 
 Indian camp a little distance away, and the Indians had been bother- 
 ing Ben until he had become impatient with them. A young stalwart 
 brave thought to play a trick on him, and approached him with the 
 usual aborigiuee's salutation, "How!" and at the same time offered 
 Ben a finely polished ramrod, which he reached out to take, when 
 Mr. Indian struck him a violent blow with the rod across the knuckles. 
 Ben couldn't stand that, and quickly as thought returned the compli- 
 ment with his fist, propelled by his stalwart arm; the blow took 
 effect just under the ear of the young brave, and he reeled backward 
 and sat down in a pan of boiling salt water. A sharp shriek, and 
 Mr. Indian jumped for life, and ran wildly into the swamp hallooing 
 all sorts of bloody murder in the Indian tongue. Other braves went 
 to his relief, and carried him to camp. He was thoroughly cooked 
 and well salted. The little settlement soon became alarmed, fearing 
 that the Indians would be enraged and seek vengeance. A hurried 
 consultation was had, and the camp was visited to learn, if possible, 
 the temper of the red-skins. We found the man almost dead, 
 and while he was writhing in agony, the other Indians were making 
 all sorts of fun of him, calling him squaw man, etc., and point- 
 ing their fingers at him ; and finally Ben Vanthusen appeared on the 
 scene, and they began at once lionizing him, as if to further tantalize 
 the poor unfortunate. They finally made a litter of a buffalo robe 
 and carried him away with them, while in a dying condition. 
 
 On the morning of the Fourth of July, wife suggested that we 
 celebrate by gathering a lot of gooseberries, of which there were 
 great quantities. Just as we had filled our buckets, we heard some- 
 one hallooing, and as we emerged from the brush, who should we see 
 but Elder Young and party, consisting of Rev. Peter Schamp, Dr. 
 McKesson, Mr. Warnes, Luke Lavender, and Jacob Dawson. They 
 were in search of a suitable location for a colony. They were 
 patriotic, and had not forgotten the flag. Dinner was quickly pro- 
 vided and disposed of, the neighbors called in, and we had a celebra- 
 
12 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 tion that was a feast to the soul. As the dear old elder talked 
 to us of our blessed flag, aud how it had been trailed in the dust by 
 recreant hands, and the mighty struggle that was going on to main- 
 tain its supremacy, how our hearts swelled with emotion as we real- 
 ized that our country and our all was at the moment trembling in the 
 •balance. This was probably tlie first time our national flag ever 
 kissed the breezes of Lancaster county, and it was an occasion long 
 to be remembered by all the participants. 
 
 Some, we know not how many, of that little group have gone to 
 their long home. Uncle Jacob Dawson lived Just long enough to 
 see the foundations of Lincoln well laid, and was called away. 
 Our dear old friend, Elder Young, lived to see the city of his found- 
 ing great and strong, and inarching forward to greater achievements, 
 and "he was gathered to his fathers full of years and full of honors." 
 
 In the second week in July, and after making a thorough exami- 
 nation of the surrounding country, the party made settlement on the 
 land where Lincoln now stands, and dedicated a portion of section 
 twenty-two for a town site, and christened it " Lancaster. " 
 
 Lancaster did not grow as more modern towns do. A few settlers 
 began to arrive, and settled on the beautiful lands in the vicinity, but 
 not many cared to try their hands at building a city just then. Town 
 building was a slow process in those days so far inland. 
 
 It must be remembered that the bill providing for the Union 
 Pacific railroad had passed but the previous winter, and the eastern 
 terminus had not been fixed by the president. Our nearest railroad 
 was at St. Joseph, Mo., and Ottumwa, Iowa. And further it was 
 yet very questionable as to whether our upland prairie was of any 
 value for agricultural purposes. The farms were all yet confined to 
 the creek bottoms. Prairie fires would sweep the prairies just as 
 soon as the grass was dry in the fall and leave the roots exposed to 
 the scorching rays of the autumn sun and then to the frosts of winter. 
 The snow would gather into huge drifts, there being nothing to hold 
 it except the ravines. This resulted in very short grass crops on the 
 upland, and frequently there was scarcely grass enough to hide a gar- 
 ter snake in midsummer. People saw the fact that the prairie pro- 
 duced but little grass, but were slow to discover the causes, and were 
 ready to condemn the land as worthless for cultivation. Some are 
 led to believe that great changes have taken place ii. the general 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. IS 
 
 character of the soil, as well as in the climate. We have frequently 
 been asked if this land was not all covered with buffalo i»;rass. To 
 this question we answer most emphatically, no. It mia;ht have been 
 at some remote period, but never siuce white men have known it. 
 Many are of the opinion that it scarcely ever rained in those early 
 days. That is certainly a mistake. The summer of 1860 produced 
 scarcely any rain (we well remember the year of the Kansas famine; 
 we resided at Nebraska City at the time), and to help matters along 
 there were sixteen days and nights of continuous hot south wind. 
 It was almost insufferably hot, so stifling it was that people could not 
 bear to sit in the wind, even late in the evenings, but would be com- 
 pelled to seek a wind-brake. Except that memorable year, rains 
 were just as plentiful and as well distributed through the growing 
 seasons in those years as now, and vegetation, where it had a fair show^ 
 made the same luxuriant growth. But we do not wonder that the 
 overland immigrant who passed through this country in the early 
 spring or late in the fall pronounced this a desert land, for as far ag 
 the eye could reach, in all directions, nothing could be seen but black 
 prairie. Most dreary indeed was the spectacle. There being nothing 
 to retain the moisture, and the sun bearing down on the defenceless 
 head, and the mirage playing in the distance like some specter, it 
 did not seem that it ever could be a fit abode for civilized man. It 
 took men and women of strong nerve and great faith to attempt to 
 build a home in this wilderness then, but there were some brave souls 
 that were equal to the hour, and such were the men who founded 
 Lancaster. 
 
 The story of the founding of the embryo city, and the struggle 
 over the location of the county-seat, is an interesting theme. The 
 settlement at Yankee Hill (where the insane hospital now stands), 
 under the leadership of John Cadman and Wm. Fields, made an 
 interesting and energetic fight for the prize. These men looked with 
 jealousy upon the Lancaster colony. Our friend Cadman was wide- 
 awake, and with a fertile brain was ready for almost any emergency. 
 It will be remembered that the boundaries of the county were mate- 
 rially changed in the winter of 1862-63. Friend Cadman secured 
 the election to the legislature from old Clay county, John S. Gregory 
 was by some trick of legerdemain elected to represent Lancaster, and 
 Hon. H. W. Parker was sent from Gage. The trio each had an axe 
 
14 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 to pfrind. Parker wanted to make the county-seat secure for Beatrice, 
 and Cad mam wanted to spoil Elder Young's little game and make a 
 new town and clothe it with the honors of the county-seat. So they 
 arranged and carried through the scheme to eliminate Clay county 
 from the map of Nebraska, and give to Gage the south twelve miles, 
 and the north twelve miles to Lancaster, in the interest of Cadraan 
 and his friends. Thus it came that Gage and Lancaster are each 
 thirty-six miles long, and that Clay county was buried out of sight, 
 to be resurrected at a later day farther to the west. We have never 
 been able to learn just what interest our friend Gregory was to have, 
 but suppose he was to be endorsed for the post office at the basin at 
 a salary of one dollar per month, and also to have his name perpet- 
 uated by renaming the great salt basin ''Gregory Basin," both of 
 which he secured ; but the honors of his office and the name were 
 very much like a soap bubble — they got away from him in a very 
 short time. Cadman and his friends lost no time in fixing upon a 
 point for their new town at Yankee Hill, and then came the tug of 
 war. About this time what was known as the steam wagon road was 
 located from Nebraska City to the west, and the crossing of Salt creek 
 fixed at Yankee Hill. An appropriation of five hundred dollars was 
 secured by the legislature for a bridge on Salt creek in Lancaster 
 county, to be located by territorial commissioners. When these gen- 
 tlemen came to fix the location of the bridge, the Lancaster party, 
 headed by Elder Young, and the Yankee Hill folks, led by Cadman, 
 each made an earnest showing why they should have the bridge, and 
 we take it for granted that each succeeded in convincing the commis- 
 sioners that their claim was the best, for they divided the money 
 between the two points, and thus, with the aid of private help, two 
 good bridges were secured. 
 
 Each place made slow progress; a little store and a blacksmith 
 shop were secured by each. Lancaster had the help of the salt 
 interest to assist it, while its rival had the freight road. Each had 
 energetic men as leaders, and they were equally well situated, but Lan- 
 caster had the sympathy of the greater number of the people of the 
 county. Friend Cadman had roused the ire of all his old neighbors 
 on the head of Salt creek. They were very sore over having all 
 their pleasant dreams of a county-seat at Olathe suddenly vanish, and 
 their county disappear, or torn in two and swallowed by her greedy 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 15 
 
 sisters. When the county-seat problem came before the people for 
 settlement, the Lancaster folks had a walk-away, and secured a grand 
 triumph at the polls. 
 
 This county-seat election occurred in the summer of 1864, and 
 was held at the house of the writer, just south of the great basin. 
 
 I^otwithstauding his defeat in his pet project of founding a county- 
 seat, Cad man secured a return to the legislature for several terms 
 and had an honorable part in moulding the destiny of the county, in 
 helping to secure the capital removal bill, and securing the location 
 of it within her borders; and while Elder J. M. Young may justly 
 be honored as the founder of Lincoln, to John Cadman belongs the 
 honor of doing splendid work in securing a grand triumph in remov- 
 ing the capital and securing the principal benefits to his county ; and 
 while he did not realize the full fruition of his hopes in getting it at 
 Yankee Hill, we are glad to know that he has been duly rewarded, 
 and that in his green old age he is blessed with plenly of this world's 
 goods, and friends innumerable to brighten his pathway. Long live 
 Hon. John Cadman! 
 
 In the early summer of 1862, we had the pleasure of helping to 
 raise a log house for Charles Calkins, on Middle creek, on what 
 was afterwards known as the Horton farm, and about five miles west of 
 the city. This was the first log cabin between the basin and the Grand 
 Island settlement. 
 
 In the beautiful month of June our good wife made a visit to 
 Nebraska City, and left us alone "with our glory" for a little sea- 
 son. One afternoon a vast throng of Omahas camped at the head 
 of the basin, but we thought nothing of it as it was a common thing 
 to see great numbers of Indians on their way to their summer hunt- 
 ing grounds on the Republican river. John Chambers' family lived 
 a little way from our cabin. We went to bed as usual that night, 
 with our bright saber under our pillow, and a rifle standing within 
 easy reach. Near midnight we heard a (not very) " gentle tapping, 
 as of some one rapping at our cabin door." "What's the matter?" 
 we cried. "Matter enough," says poor trembling John, his wife 
 clinging to him like grim death, and crazed with fear; "the Indians 
 are upon us. For God's sake what shall we do?" Whether we 
 dressed or not, you may guess. We forgot that we ever had a saber 
 or a gun. When we awoke our ears were greeted with the most un- 
 
16 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 earthly sounds, as if ten thousand devils were turned loose. We all 
 run, as most folks do when badly scared, and we hid as best we could 
 among the hills and awaited the coming of events, which we 
 expected every minute. The pandemonium continued, but came no 
 nearer. We waited patiently for the enemy, but they did not come. 
 We were disappointed. The Indians were expecting to meet their 
 mortal foes (the Sioux) on their hunting grounds, and were having 
 a war dance. " Only this, and nothing more." 
 
 Salt creek and its principal tributary, Oak creek, were wonder- 
 fully well supplied with fish. Black suckers and bulialo were the 
 leading varieties. The settlers had plenty of sport and much profit 
 in fishing. We all had plenty of fish. Great numbers were caught 
 that would weigh ten to fifteen pounds, and we have seen them that 
 tipped the beam at thirty-five pounds. 
 
 Elk and antelope were plentiful, and the nimrods of that day had 
 great and exciting sport in the chase. Some of the settlers spent a 
 great portion of their time roaming the prairies in search of game. 
 Many of them never came home without a supply of meat. If elk 
 could not be found or captured, some luckless freighter's steer had 
 to suffer the ordeal of being converted into elk meat. Many a 
 steer has undergone the change in short order, and Mr. Steer's only 
 safety was in staying close to camp. The basin was a great place for 
 wild water fowls to congregate. Geese, brant, swan, ducks, and 
 pelicans were there by the thousands, and it was the hunter's para- 
 dise. Wild fruits, such as grapes, plums, gooseberries, and elderber- 
 ries, were abundant along the streams, and were gathered by the 
 bushel. 
 
 As the Union armies regained the rebel strongholds of Missouri^ 
 great numbers of rebels found it convenient to find other quarters, 
 and many of them seemed to have the idea that salt would save their 
 bacon, consequently hordes of them would congregate at the basins^ 
 and frequently they would show their rebellious spirit in acts and 
 words that it was very unpleasant for Union men to endure. At one 
 time they became so insolent and threatening that the Union men of 
 the valley thought it necessary to organize for self-defense. Our 
 Missouri friends came to the wise conclusion that "discretion was 
 the better part of valor," so nothing very serious occurred. 
 
 Elder Young preached the.first sermon of the locality at our house^ 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. IT 
 
 ou the Sabbath following the 4th of" July, 1862, to a fair-sized con- 
 gregation. A Sabbath-school was organized very soon afterwards,, 
 and was of great value to the youth of the little communitv. This 
 was the first Sunday-school between the Missouri river and the 
 mountains. Religi(His services were held quite frequently under the 
 leadership of Elder Young, Rev. Dr. McKesson, and Rev. Peter 
 Schainp, and other ministers that chanced to strav so far into the 
 wilderness. 
 
 As a general rule the settlers enjoyed themselves very well, and. 
 were reasonably prosperous, but it was not always so. Sometimes 
 winter storms would shut us off from communication with th^i world 
 at large, and provisions would get short, and we would be driven to 
 desperate straits. We have known families to live on boiled com or 
 wheat for a week at a time with no seasoning but salt. The winter 
 of 1 863-64 was a most desperate one. The cold was extreme. The 
 last day of December, 186-:5, was a memorable day for the intensity of 
 the cold. We had no thermometer except our own blood, and that 
 told us that it was the most bitterly cold of any day of our life. We 
 afterwards learned that at Burlington, Iowa, the thermometer indi- 
 cated thirty degrees below zero. 
 
 That winter was one of much suffering. Salt had declinedl 
 materially in price, and the demand had fallen oiF; while wood for 
 boiling it had become scarce, and the weather was so severe that it 
 seemed as if all things conspired against the people, and for a time 
 the whole settlement was on the verge of starvation. The spring oF 
 1864 found the settlement in rather a dilapidated and inipoverisheci 
 condition, but hope soon revived. Immigrants began to arrive io- 
 goodly numbers and began opening up farms, and that gave new life 
 and hope to all. Settlements began to extend westward, and all the 
 people began to have more faith in JSTebraska. It may be well here 
 to relate a common saying of those days, just to show how absurd the 
 expressed views of many people were in regard to this country: 
 
 If an incoming immigrant talked of going over to the Blue valley 
 to look for a location, he was told at once that it was of no use to 
 look at that country, for it never rains west of Salt creek. That fool- 
 notion had become so thoroughly embedded in the minds of many of 
 the early settlers that we expect some of them firmly believe it to- 
 this day. 
 2 
 
18 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 It has been claimed that F. Morton Donovan was the first white 
 chiUl born in this locality, but this locality was rather large, for the 
 fact is he was born on Stevens creek, ten miles distant. The first 
 white child bom at the basin, or in the immediate vicinity of the 
 present city, was a son born to Joseph Chambers in the winter of 
 1862-63. He died in infancy. Our son, Elmer Ellsworth Cox, was 
 born March 3, 1863, and was the first white child born in the im- 
 mediate vicinity who is now living. 
 
 There were some exciting and almost ludicrous scenes in the courts 
 at the basins. Milton Langdon and J. S. Gregory were the two 
 prominent attorneys, and in all matters of a judicial nature they 
 were arrayed against each other. They were both of them keen and 
 tricky, ever on the alert to catch the enemy napping, and they 
 had some high old times. Occasionally a case would arise that tried the 
 mettle of the court, attorneys, and officers. A rough customer, who 
 it was said had graduated in the rebel army, put in an appearance, and 
 made some violent threats, in which he promised to kill some citizen. 
 An information was filed, and a warrant w'as issued and placed 
 in the hands of the sheriff. A crowd gathered at the court-room, and 
 it soon became known that the culprit refused to surrender to the 
 sheriff. All became excited, and while the court was giving some 
 directions to the citizens about assisting the sheriff, the fellow came 
 stalking into the court-room, carrying his rifle in a position for im- 
 mediate use. The sheriff' followed at a convenient distance of prob- 
 ably ten rods. The court invited the man to take a seat, which was 
 promptly declined, but he took a careful survey of the court and all 
 the surroundings, and with the rifle ready cocked and finger on the 
 trigo-er, he began a retreat, and all hands seemed ready to stand out 
 of his way. The justice remarked to the sheriff and posse, "You 
 will be justified in taking that man, if you have to kill him to do it,'' 
 but they didn't take \nm ; he backed off' with drawn weapon, and bid 
 defiance, and no one was willing to take the risk of his capture. 
 He was bent on vengeance, and had no intention of leayiug until he 
 had wreaked it on somebody. He became angry at the justice for 
 saying take him dead or alive, and during the next morning, while 
 his honor was busy at his salt furnace, he happened to observe 
 the sneaking scoundel creeping up a small ravine in the rear, with a 
 view of getting a sure shot at him, but finding that his victim had 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 19 
 
 observed liim, he started off at a rapid pace across the basiu. His 
 honor quickly halted him. He instantly cocked his rifle, but sternly 
 and most emphatically his honor commanded a truce, and marched 
 straight up to the fellow, who curled down like a whipped cur, re- 
 ■ceived a court blessing in the open air, and then took his final 
 departure to parts unknown. Had it not been for a good degree of 
 firmness on that occasion, it is quite probable that some other writer 
 would have had the honors of this occasion, instead of us. 
 
 On the morning of August 20, 1862, there was a heavy frost, 
 which killed all the corn on the lowlands throughout Nebraska. 
 
 During the spring of 1863, J. S. Gregory built the first frame 
 house in the vicinity of the basin, and made quite extensive im- 
 provements. Mr. Eaton, of Plattsmouth, an uncle of our friend 
 Gregory, became quite well acquainted with him during these years, 
 and their fraternal relations are spread upon the court records of 
 Lancaster county for many years. 
 
 Settlements increased rapidly during the spring and early summer 
 •of 1864, but took a serious set-back later in the season, on account 
 of the Indian troubles, so that the number wintering here in the 
 winter of 1864-65 was hardly greater than in the winter previous. 
 
 The first term of the district court was held on the 8th day of No- 
 vember, 1864 (the day Lincoln was elected to the second term), in Jacob 
 Dawson's double log cabin, and was presided over by his honor, 
 Judge Elmer S. Dundy, with the same dignity as is manifest in 
 these days in the great government court-house. Members of the bar 
 present were Hon. T. M. Marquett and Judge Potteuger, of Platts- 
 mouth. Uucle Jake's cabin stood just where the Commercial block 
 now stands. LTncle Jake was put to straits to properly entertain the 
 judge and the attorneys. We remember that he came over and bor- 
 rowed all the store coffee at the basin. As if to add to the pleasures 
 of the occasion, we enjoyed a regular blizzard of whirling, drifting 
 snow. 
 
 The judge appointed Pottenger prosecuting attorney, and friend 
 Pott, as we called him, drew up one indictment against one Pember- 
 ton, for. shooting into a Bird's nest. The charge was malicious assault 
 with intent to kill. His honor allowed Pottenger seventy-five 
 dollars. Marquett defended Pemberton for ten dollars, and quashed 
 the indictment, and Pemberton skipped the country before other pro- 
 
20 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 ceediugs could be had. The story of the crime is as follows : Old 
 man Bird had some difficulty with Pemberton about the chickens> 
 and one of the young Birds (a pullet) sung some unsavory songs for 
 Pemberton's benefit. Pemberton met the old Bird one morning at 
 the door and demanded satisfaction, and finally drew a revolver and 
 shot, the ball missing the old Bird, but passing through the door and 
 lodging in the wall just above a bed full of young Birds. Then he 
 hit the old Bird a lick on the head witii the butt of the revolver. 
 The old Bird flew to the justice's office, all covered with blood, just 
 as his honor was being seated with his little family at the break- 
 fast table, and, of course, a little scene occurred, which we will not 
 relate. 
 
 In the summer of 1864, the whole West was very easily excited 
 after the horrible massacre in Minnesota. Wild rumors were afloat 
 continually, and the scattered settlements were harassed with fears- 
 throughout the whole summer and fall. The most trifling circum- 
 stances were magnified as they were related by the panic-stricken 
 people into general massacres, or wholesale slaughtering of some 
 neighboring settlement. The impression prevailed that the rebel 
 government at Richmond was inciting the red-skins to a merciless 
 warfare all along the frontier. Tomahawks and scalping knives of 
 the red devils were vividly pictured in all our dreams. We knew 
 this much, that the dark hours of the war presented a grand oppor- 
 tunity for them to clean us out, root and branch. We also knew that 
 they were in no friendly mood ; or, in other words, we were quite 
 sure they were thirsting for our blood, and all that kept them 
 back was their fear of a terrible retribution ; and further, the fire we 
 saw was not all fox fire. There were people murdered by them in 
 Nebraska, and not a few. At Plum creek of the west, on Turkey 
 creek, on the Little Blue, there were murders and kidnapping, such 
 as make our blood boil to this day as we think of them. We had 
 just cause to fear, and it would have been foolhardiness to be other- 
 wise than on the alert. 
 
 On one occasion, when the writer was at Nebraska City with a load 
 of salt, we had arranged to help Jacob Dawson haul a steam saw-mill 
 out from Little Wyoming, which was a few miles north of the city. 
 While we were yet loading the boiler, word was current that there 
 had been murders at Plum creek. Now there were two Plum creeks, 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 21 
 
 :aiid we all feared it might be the Plum cieek in Seward county. 
 However, it proved to be the other. But it answered the purpose 
 of getting up a big scare. We were uueasy and hurried up all we could 
 with loads. We reached Stove creek ranch, thirty miles east of salt 
 basin that night at about eleven o'clock, and had it not been that we 
 •dare not attempt the crossing in the night we probably would have 
 traveled all night. In the morning it was raining and we could not 
 cross until about noon. We were eating dinner when we saw a long 
 train of teams coming over the hills from the west. We knew mischief 
 was to pay. We hailed the first that approached us to learn what we 
 <;ou!d. 
 
 "Oh, all the people on Blue river are killed, and all the settle- 
 ments of Salt creek have fled from their homes and are at Shirley's 
 ranch on Stevens' creek." " Do you know anything about my fam- 
 ily," asked the writer, hurriedly. " Yes, they are at Shirley's ranch 
 witli the rest." Hurrah, boys, now for Shirley's ranch on a double 
 ■quick. 
 
 We tumbled the engine out of one wagon, unhitched from the 
 boiler and put four yoke of oxen on an empty wagon, and if ever 
 ■oxen traveled it was there and then. 
 
 There was four of us, and we took turns whipping, and the won- 
 der is that we did not kill the oxen, for it was extremely hot. We 
 reached the ranch just after dark, and a motley crew we found; at 
 least a hundred people were there, men, women, and children. They 
 were well over their scare, but were well along in the mad state. 
 Everybody was cross almost to ugliness. Shirley had built a new 
 house, but had not moved into it. This was stowed full above and 
 below. His old house was full and the yard was full. The clothing 
 was all wet and also the bedding. Many were suffering with hun- 
 ger. We found wife and babes stowed away up-stairs in a bed that 
 was wet as wet could be. The story of their panic was told, and 
 was as follows : The night before word came to the neighborhood 
 that the settlement on the Blue were all murdered, and to all appear- 
 ances the red-skins would bounce on the Salt creek settlers that 
 night; it was then nearly dark; wife and children were at the mercy 
 of some good neighbor, as they had no team. Uncle Peter Bellows 
 ■came nobly to the rescue. With his broad German accent he said, 
 "" Mrs. Coax, you shall go wid us." Blessed be the name of Uncle 
 
22 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 Pete forever! But Uucle Pete had his peculiarities. He was a 
 great hand to gather up things, such as old log chains, old plowshares^ 
 broken pitchforks, horseshoes (he hadn't a liorse in the world), ox 
 yokes, and all sorts of old irons; he was rich in old irons. Well, m 
 packing up to go Uncle Pete had to take the last one of his old irons, 
 but in his hurry he forgot to take any provisions for the family.. 
 "When he comes for wife he says: " Mrs. Coax, ve takes you and de 
 childern, but ve can't take noting else; veil dot is so, hurry up. Mine 
 Cot, the Ingins is coming shure enough." 
 
 Wife protested that she must take something to eat and some- 
 bedding, and finally persuaded him to take a sack (50 lbs.) of flour 
 and a ham of meat and a bed, if she would walk herself. We then 
 had three children, aged respectively, a girl five years, a girl three- 
 years, and a boy sixteen months old. 
 
 The oldest girl walked, the second one was perched up on the load 
 of goods ; wife carried the babe on her right arm and with the left 
 hand carried one end of a trunk a mile and a half. The babe she- 
 carried the full ten miles that dark stormy night. Wild with fright 
 they went pell-mell. Imagine if you can the terrors of that awful 
 night — the rolling thunder, the lurid lightning, with a mortal dread 
 of the savage foe. Weary and fainting they arrived at the ranch late 
 in the night. In the morning it developed that that sack of flour 
 and ham of meat were all the provisions in camp for a hundred hun- 
 gry souls, except some green corn purchased of Shirley. But they 
 had plenty of old irons. 
 
 It further developed that there were no hostile Indians within less 
 than a hundred miles. By the morning after we arrived in camp the 
 panic had entirely subsided and all were ready to return to their 
 homes. 
 
 Within the following two wrecks things w^ere quiet. The writer 
 had a quantity of salt that it was necessary to haul to market. Our 
 bread and butter for the coming winter depended on it. It was per- 
 ilous to leave home. It was certain starvation to stay at home. We- 
 must go and take our chances. 
 
 One bright summer afternoon we made ready with a big load of 
 salt and started for Nebraska City, arrived at Wood's ranch at night,, 
 turned the oxen out to grass, ate supper and went to bed. Near mid- 
 night, Dr. Crimm, wife, and her sister, came as if Satan was after 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 23 
 
 them. "The Indians are upon us sure enough this time," they 
 shouted, "You must go for your wife and little ones or they will 
 all be slaughtered." All was wild excitement. The writer was 
 somewhat incredulous, but standing between doubt and fear, there 
 was only one course to take. We must fly to the rescue. We hastily 
 hitched up old " Nig " and " Darb," and went on the dead run for 
 home. Just as the morning light was breaking we passed Uncle 
 Jake Dawson's cabins, standing on the ground now occupied by Com- 
 mercial block. There was a sleep-and-go-easy sort of fellow by the 
 name of John Giles in the neighborhood at the time. John was 
 standing sentinel at the west end of the cabin. We hailed him and 
 asked what was the matter, rather derisively. We were somewhat 
 provoked at what we thought to be a useless scare. He sharply 
 retorted, "You'll find out before you get to the basin." We went on 
 feeling that it was another sell out. When we reached home we 
 found everything in dire confusion. Many had left and all the bal- 
 ance were hurriedly preparing for flight. In the anguish of despair 
 we said, " Wife, what shall we do?" She answered, "I will stay if 
 others would stay, but we can't stay if the place is deserted by all the 
 neighbors." A hurried consultation resulted in this, that we would 
 all go to the river with the salt and remain there until matters had 
 become settled. 
 
 Uncle Pete here appears on the scene again. Wife had gone over 
 the hill to drive up the cow that we might take her, while we were 
 busy loading up our bed clothing and provisions. We were talking 
 over the situation, when all of a sudden several Indians put in an 
 appearance. They were some twenty rods distant when first discov- 
 ered. We were just then sorry for our incredulity. The dread mo- 
 ment had come, we said to ourselves. Uncle Pete started on the 
 double quick, but we commanded him to iace about and dance to 
 whatever music might come. " It's too late to run," we said, and 
 at the same moment we jumped into the road ahead of the red-skins, 
 and commanded a halt. 
 
 The leader pulled out a dirty white rag and began swinging it and 
 hallooing that, " Me good Ingin," " me good Omaha," " me no 
 Sioux." Oh, how our hearts fluttered just then. The Indians were 
 about as much frightened as we were; they knew the people were 
 wonderfully excited. " Mo good Omaha" was sweet music in our ears 
 
24 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 gust then. We loaded' up our little stuff, tied the old cow behind the 
 wagon, loaded on the children, and pushed out for the river, leading 
 •almost a forlorn hope. The load of salt was left at Wood's ranch. 
 When we had piled our beds, provisions, and children on top of a 
 huge load of salt we must have presented a grotesque spectacle. It 
 was no laughing matter then, but now it's no matter if you laugh. 
 ^Suffice it to say we were welcomed by our friends in Nebraska City 
 just as cordially as if we had ridden in a gilded carriage to their door. 
 
 When it became certain that the Union would tiiumph over the 
 rebellion and there would be ample security here as elsewhere for 
 life and property, then great numbers came. Also a further stimulus 
 4o settlement was the certainty of the building of the Union Pacific 
 E. R. Its eastern terminus had been fixed in the fall of 1864, and 
 ithe first ground was broken, and it may fairly be said that Nebraska 
 Jiad awakened to a new and vigorous life. During the spring of 
 4864, having become convinced that it occasionally rained on Blue 
 a-iver, we made up our mind to cast our lot with the little settlement 
 an the neighborhood Mdiere now stands the beautiful little city of Sew- 
 ard, and made preparation during the summer, accomplished our 
 object, and made the removal Dec. 1st. 
 
 Thus ends our immediate connection with the struggling pioneers 
 of Lancaster county, and there it begins with those of Seward county. 
 
 Of those good old days of pioneer life we have many, yea very 
 anauy, pleasant recollections. There were some dark clouds over- 
 spreading our skies at times, but every cloud, let it be never so dark, 
 *'had its silver lining." 
 
 Friendships there sprang up that will remain true so long as life 
 shall last. To have been a pioneer in Nebraska in helping to open 
 the way of civilization, we consider an honor, and looking back 
 through the years — years of pleasant sunshine and prosperity, years 
 of dark clouds, of danger, and adversity, we rejoice that we came to 
 ^Nebraska and helped to lay the foundations of this mighty common- 
 wealth — "our own, our loved Nebraska." 
 
 There were quite a number of the early settlers that should have 
 tiouorable mention in these reminiscences, and we can hardly forego 
 the pleasure of mentioning some of them. 
 
 J. N. Beatty and W. R. Davis spent the autumn of 18G1 in mak- 
 ing salt. The former is now a resident t)f Osage, Kansas. Hon. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 25 
 
 Wm. Imlay conducted the salt business at the little basin near the 
 stock yards during 1862-63 and until the spring of 1864. John S. 
 Gregory located on the north side of the big basin in 1862, and put 
 up quite extensive improvements, and built the first frame house in 
 that part of the county. Mr. Gregory was a unique character, and 
 cut quite a figure for some years both in business and later in the 
 litigation of the county, wherein a Mr. Eaton, of Plattsraouth (now 
 ■deceased), was an interested party. To show the brass of some of our 
 early citizens, we must relate that while the basin was known as the 
 Great Salt Basin for years throughout the country, our friend thought 
 to perpetuate his name and perhaps make it famous, secured the help 
 of our congressman and got a postoffice under the name of Gregory 
 £asin. The name didn't stick worth a cent, neither did the post- 
 office. Milton Langdon (now deceased) was connected with the salt 
 interests from the spring of 1862 to 1864, and afterwards filled the 
 office of treasurer of the county. Dr. Criram and a Mr. Diers, of 
 Brownville, Nebraska, ran quite an extensive salt business during the 
 jear of 1864. Hardenburg and Liuderman, of New Jersey, com- 
 menced operations in 1866. These we believe to be the principal 
 operators in the manufacture of salt until after the formation of the 
 state government in 1867. 
 
 In future chapters, while they will relate to the settlement of 
 Seward county, we will have frequently to refer to Lancaster, as they 
 are so blended in interest. 
 
26 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 SEWARD COUNTY — NAME CHANGED — FIKST SETTLERS — FIRST HOMESTEAD — 
 FIRST DEATH — FIRST BIRTH — FIRST REPRESENTATIVE IN LEGISLATURE — 
 WINTER FLOOD — MILFORD FOUNDED — CAMDEN FOUNDED — EARNEST WORK 
 TO SECURE SETTLERS — ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY — FIRST OFFICERS 
 ELECTED— UNORGANIZED TERRITORY TO THE WEST — FIRST COUNTY SEAT 
 ELEC;TI0N — IMPEACHMENT OF COUNTY CLERK — STORM OF INDIGNATION — 
 COUNTY' COMMISSIONERS ARRESTED — LUDICROUS SCENES — THE WINTER OF 
 DESOLATION, 1866 AND 1867— LOSS OF STOCK — THE CAPITAL LOCATED — IN- 
 CREASE OF SETTLEMENT— SEWARD SURVEYED — ITS FIRST SETTLERS AND 
 BUSINESS — SEWARD OUTGENERALED — ATLAS FOUNDED — FIRST RAILROAD 
 BOND PROPOSITION — SECOND BOND PROPOSITION — THIRD PROPOSITION — 
 COUNTY SEAT FIGHT AND SEWARD'S FINAL TRIUMPH — MIDLAND ROAD COM- 
 PLETED—BLUE VALLEY RECORD FOUNDED — REPORTER FOUNDED— NEWS- 
 PAPER WAR- CHURCHES ESTABLISHED — SCHOOLS— GRASSHOPPER SCOURGK 
 — CLOUGH MURDER— UTICA FOUNDED— LEADING THE MORMONS— CASS LER 
 MURDERS MONROE — HIS TRIAL AND EXECUTION. 
 
 Seward county was an attache of Lancaster until its organization 
 in 1865. It originally bore the name of "Greene," having been 
 named for Gen. Greene, of Missouri, under the administration of 
 President Buchanan. When Gen. Greene cast his lot with the rebels, 
 the Nebraska legislature concluded that none of her fair counties 
 should bear the dishonored name of a rebel, therefore the great secre- 
 tary was honored by having his glorious name (Seward) perpetuated 
 in one of the brightest and fairest of the noble counties of our beau- 
 tiful Nebraska. 
 
 It is a matter of dispute whether Thomas West, who located on the 
 South Blue at what is known as West Mills, or Daniel Morgan, who 
 settled on the North Blue about four miles north of Milford, were the 
 first permanent white settlers. We think it very doubtful if either 
 party kept the right date of their settlement. Mr. Morgan claims to 
 have made his settlement as early as 1858. Mr. West also claims to 
 have made his in 1859. We think Mr. West is much nearer correct. 
 At a very early day it was our understanding that Mr. West was the 
 first permanent settler, and that he dropped out of the throng of gold 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBKASKA. 2T 
 
 seekers that were on their way to the moiintaius in 1860. Tradition 
 tells us that a Mr. McKinley and a Mr. Morton lived on the North 
 Blue, near where Ruby station now is, for a little time in about the 
 year 1858, and that they got into trouble with the Indians and killed 
 two of them, and were compelled to vacate. 
 
 The graves of these Indians (or the supposed graves) have been 
 pointed out to us on the side hill near the old Morgan settlement. J. 
 L. Davison opened a ranch one mile west of the old Camden bridge 
 in the autumn of 1862, and W. J. Thompson opened one about the 
 same time near the mouth of Walnut creek. 
 
 In the same fall A. J. Wallingford also opened his ranch at the old 
 Camden bridge, John E. Fouse at the mouth of Beaver creek, and 
 Daniel Millspaw opened what was known as the Hole in the Ground,, 
 farther to the west and near the line of York county. The Hole in 
 the Ground puts us in mind of a little story connected therewith. 
 One dark night some freighters were stopping with Uncle Daniel, a& 
 he was called, and while Uncle Dan was cooking supper on his great 
 fire-place the boys were out looking after their teams, and concluded 
 to have some sport at the old man's expense. The chimney was very 
 large and with an^ uncommonly wide mouth. The boys were pre- 
 tending to be groping their way around in the dark, and all at once 
 one of them purposely blundered into the great chimney mouth and 
 came down like some fiery demon into the fire and scattered Uncle 
 Dan's supper right and left. The old man thought Satan had come 
 for him. 
 
 The old Camden bridge was built in the summer of 1860 by Ne- 
 braska City enterprise, and to secure a shorter and better route for 
 the overland traffic. Wm. E. Hill was the builder. Prior to this- 
 all the travel across the plains went via what is now Ashland and the 
 Platte valley. Job Reynolds and Samuel Long located on the North 
 Blue in the spring of 1863; also C. J. Neihardt and T. L. Rogers. 
 Jesse R. Johnson and David Barton made settlement on the South 
 Blue in 1864. 
 
 Robert T. Gale made the first homestead entry on the 2d day of 
 January, 1863, and the second day that homesteading was fashiona- 
 ble. The homestead law took efiect January 1, 1863, His entry was. 
 No. 7 in this land district, and comprised a portion of section 21, 
 township 11, range 3 east, and is partly occupied by the eastern por- 
 
28 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 tion of the city of" Seward. Mr. Gale, however, was Dot able to make 
 his permanent home on his claim until the spring of 1864. Mr. 
 Gale is entitled to the honor of being the first permanent settler in 
 this portion of the county, where he resided until his death, which 
 occurred in the spring of 1867. Mr. William Imlay and his father, 
 David Imlay, Sr., and their families, made their settlement in the 
 same spring. A Mr. William Wymore and a Mr. Olmstead win- 
 tered in this neighborhood the previous winter, but vacated in the 
 €arly spring. 
 
 The first entry of public lands was made in the summer of 1861 
 'by E. L. Ellis, a part of section 18, township 11, range 3 east. Mr. 
 Ellis did not make his settlement until the spring of 1865. 
 
 John Scott made the first permanent settlement at Oak Groves in 
 the spriug of 1864. 
 
 During the cold and dreary winter of 1863-64 the writer and wife 
 were in a deep study to know just what to do. The salt business 
 had completely played out, and they found *' their occupation gone," 
 ■au ever-increasing family on their hands. Sickness had blighted 
 their home, and it was a question of deep solicitude as to what could 
 be done to secure a competency for the future. After discussing the 
 pros and cons of a life on a homestead, we made the firm resolve to 
 try and build for us and our children a permanent home. 
 
 It was an earnest struggle, for we knew but little about farming, 
 and the long siege of sickness of the wife for nearly a year had so 
 impoverished us that it would have taken a full dozen like us to 
 make one respectable shadow. But the resolve was taken, and one 
 bright morning in February, on foot and alone, the writer started to 
 look up a claim. At that time timber was deemed a prime necessity, 
 and it was so. Be it remembered that there were no railroads to 
 bring lumber and coal. The settler must have timber. 
 
 We took Mr. Greeley's advice and went west. Our way led across 
 the Middle creek hills and the great plains to the west, and just as 
 the bright sun was sinking behind the western hills, there opened to 
 our view the grand valley of the North Blue, with its long lines of 
 timber stretching far away to the southward and northward, and the 
 <liverging lines of Lincoln creek and Plum creek. Oh ! to us it was 
 a grander view than Moses had from Pisgah's top. It was an en- 
 "chanting, rapturous scene. We said in our heart, "this is the place 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 29- 
 
 we long have sought/^ and we will go and possess it. As we stood 
 gazing at the meandering streams converging to the common center^ 
 we saw a city in the future crowning that beautiful plateau by the eye 
 of faith. That faith was with us from that moment " like an anchor 
 to the soul, both sure and steadfast." It's right there, and a magniti- 
 cent little city it is. Shortly after this we secured our choice of 
 claims by purchasing of a prior claimant, and we struck for Ne- 
 braska City on foot to file our papers on our new home. 
 
 We are happy to say that we still own that old homestead, and 
 while we have not lived on it for fourteen years, the ni.ne years' residence 
 with the joys and sorrows has made it to us the dearest spot of all this 
 earth. It was our privilege and pleasure to guide some others to our 
 chosen home, among whom were Hon. William Imlay and his father, 
 Grandfather Imlay, as we called him, and his family, and others. 
 We had a tedious preparation to make before it was possible to move, 
 and the Indian troubles of that summer were ever before us like a 
 horrid nightmare. After our return from the last stampede, we vis- 
 ited our new home to put up our hay for winter, and a pathetic inci- 
 dent occurred, the story of which we quote from the History of Ne- 
 braska, to which the writer contributed it some years ago. 
 
 Father Dunaway, as he was familiarly called, settled on his home- 
 stead in section 3, township 11, range 3, about three miles north of 
 the site of Seward, in July, 1864. His family had not yet arrived. 
 He had made a small lumber shanty and was making other improve- 
 ments. In the month of September, the writer, being yet a resident 
 of Lancaster county, was here putting up hay preparatory to moving 
 later in the fall. 
 
 Grandfather Imlay was taking a stroll for recreation, and made it 
 a point, as had been his custom, to call on Father Dunaway and have 
 a chat. He went to the shanty, but the old man Avas net to be seen. 
 He supposed the old man was hunting his oxen. He sat down and 
 read a book that his eye chanced to meet. Waiting awhile, he went 
 out and hallooed, but heard no response. He then began a search, 
 and a little way to the south of the shanty he found the tall grass 
 wallowed down. His suspicions being aroused, he continued the 
 search, and following a slight trail further to the south, he found the 
 old man dead and cold, in the midst of a large patch of wallowed 
 grass. 
 
•30 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 He hurried home and told his son, David P. Inilay. Dave 
 mounted a horse and hurried to Lincoln creek (the land that is now 
 Lewis Anderson's farm), where R. T. Gale, William and Joseph 
 Imlay, and the writer, were putting up hay. 
 
 What shall we do? was asked by one and all. It was suggested 
 that Mr. Cox, being a justice of the peace for Lancaster county, would 
 probably come nearer having a coroner's jurisdiction than any other 
 available person, there being no officers yet in Seward county. 
 Where can we get enough men for jurors? was the next question. 
 Mr. Gale thought they could be found at the Morgan settlement, 
 about six miles down the river. A venire for a coroner's jury (the 
 first, last, and only one ever issued by this officer) was issued (in 
 rather a crude form, we expect). Mr. Gale was sworn in as a special 
 constable, with power to fill in names as occasion might require. 
 All was hurry, and horseflesh was not spared, and just as the sun was 
 setting behind the western hills that beautiful September evening, the 
 little company arrived at the scene of the death of their friend and 
 neighbor. Parties present were : R. T. Gale, special constable, David 
 Imlay, Sr., D. P. Imlay, William Imlay, Joseph Imlay, Job Rey- 
 nolds, Thomas Morgan, William Morgan, and W. W. Cox. 
 
 It was a solemn scene. A little meadow nearly surrounded by a 
 fringe of beautiful timber, a calm autumn evening, a sad stillness in 
 the presence of death. • With uncovered heads and uplifted hands the 
 jury took their solemn oath, which, considering all the surroundings, 
 made a deep impression upon all present. The inquest resulted in 
 finding a verdict that the death of Father Dunaway was caused by 
 cramp colic, as they verily believed. 
 
 A rough board coffin was improvised from lumber of the shanty, 
 and we buried him beneath the waving branches of a sturdy oak, 
 there to rest until called on the morning of the resurrection, and we 
 returned to our homes sadly, because the death angel had so early 
 visited our little settlement. The goods and chattels of the deceased 
 were properly cared for and turned over to the widow upon her 
 arrival. 
 
 On the morning of the last day of November, 1864, we loaded up 
 the remainder of our earthly goods, assisted by our old friend and 
 neighbor, Hon. William Imlay, and started for our new home in the 
 wilderness, where we arrived on the first dav of December. The 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 31 
 
 day we reached the homestead was a cold and gloomy oue, and the 
 sight of our beautiful grove made our hearts glad. We hastily 
 built a huge fire of dry wood at hand, and while the north wind 
 whistled around, making a melancholy sound, rustling through the 
 timber, we rejoiced in the pleasant comfort of a good fire at our own 
 home. Our little cabin with its huge fire-place was a home of com- 
 fort and many pleasant memories. 
 
 We must return to Lancaster county and relate a little incident 
 ■which secured to Seward county her first representative in the legis- 
 lature of 1865. As before stated, Seward was attached to Lancaster 
 for judicial and legislative purposes. The writer was a delegate to 
 the Lancaster county convention in the autumn of 1864, and we 
 urged upon the convention the propriety of giving Seward county 
 the float. It was conceded. William Imlay was nominated and 
 elected without opposition. We were somewhat chagrined, however, 
 when we learned that at the election in Seward county (held at the 
 house of E,. T. Gale) there were only seven votes cast. This election 
 was held near the house, in a wagon belonging to Mr. Wooley. A cigar 
 box served for a ballot box. Fred Wooley, then a lad, held the box 
 while the men voted. They were all for Mr. Imlay, and he made a 
 good member. The Lancaster fellows felt rather cheap that Seward 
 county, without a delegate in their convention and only seven votes 
 at the polls, should furnish a member to help represent them. 
 
 There were four families of us in our neighborhood. We put in 
 the time as best we could during the winter. Mr. Imlay put in most 
 of the winter at Omaha. 
 
 For the benefit of modern legislators we would remark, our mem- 
 ber walked from his home to Plattsmouth and thus squarely earned 
 his mileage. 
 
 Inasmuch as we were to blame for his election he required of us 
 that we should do his chores, chop the firewood for the family, etc. 
 We did it like a little man. Indians were strolling thr ugh contin- 
 ually, and were a great annoyance. They were intolerable beggars. 
 During the early part of the winter the first white child was born in 
 this settlement to Mr. and Mrs. Gale, viz.. Miss Clara Gale, now a 
 resident of Oregon. 
 
 March 16, 1865, our son, Lincoln W. Cox, was born, and was the 
 first boy born in the nortii half of the county. 
 
32 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 lu the month of February, just after Mr. Imlay had returned 
 from Omaha, there came' a heavy winter rain, which raised the Blue 
 river to a then unprecedented height. Messrs. Imlay and Gale had 
 each built their cabins on low ground, as they never once dreamed 
 that the river would get on such a bender. On the second night of 
 the rain the river flooded all the bottoms and caught the people 
 napping. 
 
 Mr. Gale discovered water rushing into his cabin, carried his wife 
 and young babe to the roof of his cabin, wrapped up as best could be 
 done with bedding, and himself waded out and reached Father 
 Imlay's house, where a team was obtained and the family rescued 
 from a most perilous situation. A few hours more nothing was to 
 be seen of the cabin, as the wild waters rolled entirely over it. Mr. 
 Imlay's family were awakened by a child crying that was sleeping in a 
 trundle bed. Mr. I. jumped out of bed to attend to the child, and 
 to his horror he stepped into water knee deep. He rushed to the 
 door, opened it, and a flood of water rushed in. The family made 
 their escape by crawling out of a window at the rear of the house, 
 where the ground was much higher. The family took refuge on a 
 hay stack, and were entirely surrounded by water, where they were 
 compelled to remain four days and nights. They were on the west 
 side of the river and beyond the reach of human help. Were it 
 not getting in too much of self we could relate how we struggled to 
 rescue them from their perilous position and came very near losing 
 our life in two unsuccessful attempts in their behalf. Mr. Imlay 
 may tell you about that. After spending four nights of suffering 
 with cold and hunger, we, i.e. Mr. Imlay and myself, succeeded in 
 making a foot crossing by cutting tall trees on each side and inter- 
 locking their branches. We carried the children over, and happy 
 they were to get to a warm fire and a good breakfast. 
 
 Durino- the winter Lewis Moffit visited the settlement and entered 
 the towusite of Seward, and filed papers on a homestead near what is 
 now Marysville, on Lincoln creek. Mr. Moffit moved his family to 
 the neighborhood in the following July. 
 
 Lincoln creek received its name about the first of March, 1864,, 
 the time of the second visit of the writer to this locality. In com- 
 pany with William and David Imlay, we were exploring the valley 
 of Lincoln creek and "admiring the beauty of the stream, and all at 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 33 
 
 once we happened to remember that the stream had no name, and we 
 christened it then and there with the name immortal (Lincohi). 
 
 In the early spring of 1865, Richard Sampson, Thomas Skillman, 
 John Roberts, Jr., and John Dnrland, together with their families, 
 arrived from Illinois, and each made settlement on their present 
 farms. The family of Mr. Dunaway, deceased, also came and took 
 possession of the homestead. The first sermon preached in the 
 neighborhood was in the month of June, 1865, by Rev. Dr. Mc- 
 Kesson, in a grove near the residence of the writer. The second by 
 Rev. E. L. Clark, during the autumn, at the house of the writer. 
 Mr. Clark joined our settlement in October, 1865. 
 
 In the summer of 1864 Thomas West erected a saw-mill and 
 attached acorn burr and was prepared to grind a little corn for us. 
 
 Milford was founded by J. L. Davison in April, 1864, and then 
 the long struggle commenced between the people of the south part of 
 the county and those of the north part as to whom the prize of 
 county seat should belong. Milford had many advantages over its^ 
 rival (Seward). The southern part had by far the most settlers, and 
 Milford had the great steam wagon road with the overland traffic 
 passing through it. Besides it had a very superior water power. It 
 also had such men as the irrepressible John Cadman and William 
 Fields to back it and render it great assistance by pointing out to in- 
 coming immigrants its superiority over other localities on the Blue; 
 and, by the way, J. L. Davison was no slouch in making the best of 
 an op})ortunity. He was always ready for any enterprise. 
 
 During the summer of 18 i6 Hon. H. W. Parker made settlement 
 at Camden, near the old bridge, and commenced the erection of a 
 grist-mill. Camden for a time had the promise of the B. & M. rail- 
 road, and it aspired to become the principal city of the Blue valley. 
 It was in the best settled portion of the county, near the junction of 
 the North and West Blue rivers, and seemed to be on the great na- 
 tional highway. Parker was wide-awake and full of business pluck. 
 He put up a fine flouring mill for that day, and by his own energy 
 succeeded in building up quite a little town. Camden aspired to be 
 the county seat, but its geographical position forbid that, and the mo- 
 ment she discovered it to be impossible to gain that prize, she deter- 
 mined to throw her votes and influence against Milford and in favor of 
 Seward, and from an early date Camden and Milford were at war. 
 3 
 
34 HISTORY OF SEAVARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 Seward and Camden were fast friends. Thus Milford was between 
 two fires, and they were pretty hot ones at that. Seward had secured 
 the friendly aid of the Lancaster folks, and had quite the advantage in 
 being more centrally located in the county. Her friends were ready to 
 dare and do any work to secure the coveted prize. For the years of 
 1865, 1866, and 1867 the principal public business was to secure set- 
 tlers for the various localties. In that line there was lively work. 
 The lands were equally good north and south, and it would be 
 most amusing at this day to i^ee the strategy resorted to to catch 
 settlers and get them located. Every cabin was a free hotel, "the 
 latch string was always out." We would drop all holds and go a 
 mile or five miles to meet a prairie schooner and invite them 
 to stay all night. We would just make the immigrant think 
 we were the best folks in all the world. We made no charges 
 for showing land. We all had the story of the coming grandeur of 
 our locality thoroughly learned, and when we had finally secured our 
 new made friend to our neighborhood, he at once became so interested 
 in the coming struggle that he would willingly sacrifice all his wife's 
 relation to secure an advantage for his pet locality. Each party made 
 free use of the press of the territory in setting forth the special 
 advantages and beauties of their neighborhood. Some of their 
 articles Avere quite spicy reading. Each writer was careful to im- 
 press the reader with the central idea that his was just the place 
 above all others in the Blue valley to locate. These newspaper 
 articles helped to rally to the county many intelligent citizens. They 
 also helped to inflame the people to impassioned zeal to work and 
 win or die in the harness. Thus matters stood prior to the organiza- 
 tion of the county. The lines were as sharply drawn between the 
 north and south as in national affairs. 
 
 During the summer of 1865 the preliminary steps were taken to 
 effect a partial organization, and at the territorial election that year 
 first county officers were elected. The board of county commission- 
 ers elected were three men that were thoroughly re})resentative in 
 their make-up. They were each of them identified with the interests 
 of the people. All had the benefit of a long residence in the terri- 
 tory. Two of them had served terms in the territorial legislature 
 (Sirs Parker and Imlay), and Mr. Thompson was a business man of 
 more than ordinary ability. Mr. H. W. Parker represented the in- 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 35 
 
 terests of the Camden people, W. J. Thompson those of Milford, and 
 Wm, Jmlay those of Seward. While each of these gentlemen were 
 thoroughly in earnest in matters pertaining to the interest of their 
 own particular constituency, they were truly loyal to Seward county. 
 
 Thomas West was honored by being elected county clerk; C. J. 
 Neihardt, treasurer; J. L. Davison, probate judge; and — Chapin, 
 sheriff. The first meeting of the commissioners was held at Thomp- 
 son's ranch, on Walnut creek; afterwards they met at Thomas 
 West's, and at C. J. Neihardt's, on the North Blue. Our commis- 
 sioners at this time had jurisdiction over an immense scope of unor- 
 ganized territory, including York, Hamilton, Adams, and a part of 
 Hall counties. 
 
 We notice buried up, as among "the ancient and forgotten lore" 
 of the county clerk's office, a petition asking to have a precinct 
 formed and a justice of the peace appointed for the following described 
 district of country : Commencing at a point on the Platte river at the 
 north-east corner of township eleven north, range seven west of the 
 sixth principal meridian; thence south to the south-east corner, of 
 township eight; thence west to the east boundary line of Kearney 
 county ; thence north to the Platte river ; thence eastward to the place 
 of beginning. Please examine the map and trace the boundaries of 
 that precinct. You will find that it includes the southern portion of 
 Hall and the northern portion of Adams counties. We find that the 
 first tax levy was six mills on a dollar, and it would produce, if it 
 was all collected, $423. This was for the general county fund. At 
 this time there were no legal roads in the county, no school-houses,, 
 no bridges except on the old freight road at Camden, Walnut, andi 
 Beaver creeks, all of which were built by private enterprise. Also' ai, 
 low water bridge on North Blue, on the farm of Wm. Imlay. 
 
 The spring of 1866 brought many new-comers to all parts of the 
 county, among whom were John Eoberts, Sr., Joseph Sampson, K.ev. 
 E. W. Johnson, James A. Brown, E. B. Shafer, Roger Cooper, George 
 Rogers, and Wm. Cooper, who settled in the Seward settlement; and 
 the Milford settlement had a goodly number of valuable acquisitions,, 
 among whom were William Reed, Abram Courtright, Henry Wor~ 
 tendyke, Samuel Brown, and others. Milford Mills were built by 
 Messrs. Davison & Reed, and the nucleus of the town of Milford was 
 formed. The county seat question was agitated during that year, but 
 
36 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 as the settlements were so sparse, it was deemed inexpedient to submit 
 the location of it to a vote until another year. The southern portion 
 of the county was anxious to have the matter brought before the peo- 
 ple at the earliest possible date, but the northern portion of the county 
 thought there would be luck in leisure. They knew that they were 
 gaining steadily, and it would only be a question of time when 
 they would be able to more fairly cope with them single-handed. 
 It was finally agreed that the county seat should be voted for at the 
 October election of 1867. Milford, Camden, and Seward contested 
 for the prize. We very much regret that we find it impossible to get 
 from the records the number of votes cast at that election. The 
 returns of the election of that year seem to have been entirely lost. 
 We remember that Milford led and Seward was second, with Camden 
 in the rear, having about thirty votes; and we also remember that 
 the whole vote cast did not much exceed one hundred. A special 
 election was then called, and Camden from that time threw her votes 
 in favor of Seward. 
 
 W. H. Reed here comes upon the scene, and cuts a very important 
 figure. He was elected county clerk at the October election, conse- 
 quently at the special county seat election he had an important part 
 in the canvass of tlie votes. He chose the canvassers, and so arranged 
 that Milford's interests should be well cared for. Seward had a clear 
 majority of the votes cast of ten votes, but our friend Reed was not 
 to be trifled with. So he, together with his canvassers, concluded to go 
 behind the returns and throw out such votes as they found or thought 
 to be illegal. They found a sufficiency, of course, and threw out 
 twelve votes, which left Milford two majority. 
 
 At the next meeting the commissioners and clerk wrangled over the 
 matter, and it is very hard to tell just what they did do. Two of the 
 bof\rd, Imlay and Parker, assert one thing, and Thompson and Reed 
 assert to the contrary. The clerk, however, made a record of the fol- 
 lowing import: "It was resolved that the county clerk be instructed 
 to post notices of the location of the county seat in the various pre- 
 cincts." 
 
 At the next meeting of the board Mr. Imlay offered the following: 
 "That so much of the record of December 2 as relates to posting 
 notices of the location of the county seat be expunged from the 
 record." 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 37 
 
 Imlay and Parker supported the motion, and insisted that no such 
 resolution had been passed at the meeting above stated. Mr. Thomp- 
 son voted in the negative, and the clerk also assumes to record his 
 vote in the negative in the language following: "And so saith the 
 county clerk." 
 
 Articles of impeachment were filed against the clerk for falsifying 
 the record, and then commenced a long, tedious litigation that assumed 
 different shapes at every change of the moon, and continued for four 
 years with varying successes. Interested parties threw their whole 
 soul and lots of their money into the contest. Reed's trial lasted un- 
 til late in the winter. Much bitterness was manifested on the part of 
 partisans of either side. The first session of the court of impeach- 
 ment was held at Seward, in the old log school-house, and the jury 
 of course disagreed. 
 
 The second trial was held at Camden, and resulted in a verdict of 
 acquittal. There were numerous arrests of commissioners and clerk 
 at different times during the next year, first on the one side, then the 
 other. Every court in the county and in Lancaster county was 
 brought into requisition at various stages of the game. One fracas 
 we must relate, it being so full of fire and vinegar that it ought not 
 to be lost to the children. Warrants had been issued by Judge Cad- 
 man (then a probate judge in Lancaster county) for the arrest of 
 Messrs. Parker and Imlay, on some charge — we forget what. Officers, 
 under the guidance of Lawyer P., of Lincoln, and in company of 
 that gentleman, went one dark night to the residence of H. W. Parker, 
 in search of him. Mr. Parker had smelled a rat and was not there. 
 Lawyer P. was very anxious to secure his game, and believing Parker 
 was in the house, rushed into the bedroom and stripped the clothing 
 off the bed in which Mrs. Parker's hired girl, now Mrs. Dan. Harris, 
 was sleeping. This raised a storm of indignation at Camden and 
 Seward that would have cost the sleek young lawyer his life had he 
 been seen at either place before the blood was cooled. 
 
 Parker came to Seward neighborhood and put Imlay on his guard. 
 It seems that one object was to hinder these commissioners from 
 attending a suit that was to take place at the office of Judge J. D. 
 Maine, at Oak Grove, the following day. Parker and Imlay evaded 
 the officers and posse and made their way to Judge Maine's office. 
 Court was duly opened, and the trial of the case was in progress, 
 
38 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 wlieii these officers, led by the young attorney and a large posse from 
 Milford, broke in upon them and arrested the two commissioners and 
 started with them for Lincoln. John Olney, we believe it was, 
 mounted a horse and rushed over to Seward and spread the news, and 
 the settlers rallied at the house of Lewis Moffit just at dark, and it 
 was a dark, dreary night, having rained much during the day. About 
 a dozen of us resolved to go to Lincoln that night to the relief of the 
 prisoners. We went way around by the Oak Grove settlement, and 
 rallied them to our assistance. The night was so very dark that one of 
 the company had to go on foot ahead and carry a lantern. We reached 
 Liucoln just at daylight. It was raining. We were mad when we 
 left home, and by the time we had reached Lincoln we were ready to 
 fight a tiger. Our crowd was the biggest, and we were probably the 
 maddest. You ought to have seen those Milford fellows keep out of 
 our way. The sympathy of the Lincoln people was with us, and we 
 had everything our own way on the streets. In due time Judge Cad- 
 man opened his court. 
 
 We remember that Judge Pound was employed by our folks to 
 conduct the defense, and he made on that occasion probably the ablest 
 speech of his life, and probably that speech gave him the boost that 
 has resulted in his splendid success in life. 
 
 We have never been able to find out where Judge Cadman got his 
 jurisdiction over cases arising in Seward county. Mr. Imlay was 
 dismissed, but Parker was held to bail for his appearance at the dis- 
 trict court. This he peremptorily refused to give. The Seward boys 
 said, "They can't take you to jail, Mr. Parker," and they didn't try. 
 They wanted us all, including Parker, to go home. We were in no 
 hurry, but we went when we got ready. The Lincoln folks cheered 
 us, and the Milford fellows went home chop fallen. That case was 
 never heard of in the courts afterwards. 
 
 This was only one of the many ludicrous scenes connected with the 
 contest. It seemed in many instances that each party vied with the 
 other to see which could act the most ridiculously. Both parties were 
 fleeced out of hundreds of dollars by smooth-tongued Lincoln lawyers, 
 which only helped to complicate matters and get us all into deeper 
 trouble. This sectional strife so embittered the people against one 
 another that they could not reason about the matter as intelligent men 
 should. Looking backward through the years, we can see many 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 39 
 
 things that were done in haste and anger, that were born of prejudice, 
 that we should all be heartily ashamed of. We were many times 
 misled by unscrupulous lawyers into snares which cost us dearly. 
 Our time and our treasure were sacrificed without stint. In many 
 instances our prejudice and our ambition got away with our better 
 judgment. The county seat cost many of us that got it more money 
 and time and hard labor than it has ever been worth to us, while 
 those that lost it were still worse off. It is our advice to the children 
 to never engage in a county seat contest, for when a stubborn fight 
 ensues it will cost more than it will be worth. 
 
 The winter of 1866-67 was one long to be remembered by all the 
 old-timers. The snow began falling December 1st, and continued 
 with short intervals until April. It was a succession of storms fol- 
 lowing each other rapidly through the whole winter, and on the first 
 day of April there were two feet of solid snow. As an index of what 
 some of the storms of that winter were we will relate this instance: 
 We were teaching the first school that winter in a little log school- 
 house that stood near Mrs. Spear's residence. The building was com- 
 paratively tight, with a sod covered roof. It began snowing during 
 the day on Friday, and continued over Saturday and Sunday, but 
 calmed down so that we thought we must go to the school on Monday 
 morning'. 
 
 We waded through the drifts to the school-house, and attempted 
 to open the door. It would not open, and upon investigation we 
 found the house full to the roof of snow. 
 
 We were compelled to abandon the school. On the 6th day of 
 April the waters began to find their way through the huge drifts into 
 the river, and it was a sight to behold the torrents of water rolling 
 down from the high lands. The bottom lands became a sea of water 
 — every ravine was a river. All the settlers on the bottom lands 
 were driven from their homes. Communication was entirely cut off, 
 provisions were very short, and much suffering ensued. Breadstuff 
 had become entirely exhausted. Some painful scenes of suffering oc- 
 curred, among which we note the removal of Mother Rogers from 
 her death-bed from her home, which was inundated by the rising waters 
 near Ruby station. Her deliverers barely escaped being overwhelmed 
 by the floods. They took her to Milford, where she died a few days 
 afterward. No such an amount of snow has accumulated in this 
 
40 HISTOEY OP SEWAED COUNTY, NEBEASKA. 
 
 couutry since that winter, and Blue river has never been on such a 
 wild rampage since. It was a happy circumstance that all the settle- 
 ment was handy to the timber, else they would have perished. It 
 would have been utterly impossible to have opened a road anywhere 
 across the high prairie during January, February, and March. Small 
 game, such as rabbits, quails, and prairie chickens, nearly all per- 
 ished. The settlers lost a large proportion of their stock. Cattle 
 and horses that lived through the terrible ordeal were but Avalking 
 shadows when grass came to their relief in the spring. We were all 
 in a sorry plight that spring. The people were half starved them- 
 selves, so that they had but little strength or courage to work, and 
 their teams were still worse off, and it was almost next to impossible 
 to get in crops. The summer proved to be a good one for crops of 
 all kinds, and we were all blessed with an abundant harvest. We 
 soon forgot our trouble, and renewed our courage, and from that time 
 fair success crowned the efforts of the early pioneers. The formation, 
 of the state government and the location of' the capital in an adjoin- 
 ing county gave a wonderful impetus to settlement during the sum- 
 mer and fall of 1867. 
 
 The Seward folks held out all possible inducements to the commis- 
 sion to locate the capital on section 16, just north of Seward, but 
 their efforts were of no avail. While our location was acknowledged 
 to be by far more central in the state, and in every way more desir- 
 able for the building of a great central city, convenient to the people 
 of the whole state, and surrounded by scenery most magnificent, the 
 influence brought to bear from Nebraska City was so great that the 
 commission yielded to their demands to locate on Salt creek. Ne- 
 braska City has had occasion to regret her own fatal mistake, for her 
 child has grown so great as to suck her life-blood and left her to 
 mourn her departed greatness. While we were cheated out of what 
 "we were justly entitled to by our position, yet we were in condition 
 to be largely benefited, and we gracefully accepted the situation, and 
 went to work with a will to make the best of our opportunities. The 
 building of a city so near us must facilitate development and advance 
 values very greatly. A flood of immigrants poured in upon us dur- 
 ing the fall and following spring. These were happy days for all 
 who had j^roduce to sell. Those fellows that were building Lincoln 
 were awfully hungry, and they had plenty of money. They would 
 
HISTORY OF SEAVARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 41 
 
 buy auythiug good, bad, or indiiferent, if it could be eateu. Hay, 
 grain, meat, aud wood brought very high prices. The oak groves 
 that filled the canons in the north-east part of the county were stripped 
 of timber to keep Lincoln warm and cook her victuals. Under the 
 stimulus of high prices and the general prosperity a large proportion 
 of the government land in the county was taken up during the spring 
 of 1868. 
 
 During this summer Seward was surveyed and platted. It was a 
 misfortune that the place had not been surveyed and platted two years 
 previous. Had this been done we would have probably fared better 
 in our county seat contest, for while we were fighting for a prospective 
 town, one that only existed in the minds of men, Milford was a town, 
 in fact, ready to welcome anyone that desired to make it their home. 
 We would also have been better prepared to contest for the capital 
 prize, but this the community could not help. This matter was, of 
 course, in one man's hands, and he was inclined to move slowly. But 
 better late than never. The new town was popular from the first with 
 all the people north of what we called Mason & Dixon's line. Mr. 
 John Roberts built the first frame building in June, 1868, and rented 
 it to Beatty & Davis for a general store. It was a small aifair, and 
 occupied the lot on the west side of the square, where Mrs. Tressler's 
 restaurant now stands. J. N. Beatty built the first frame residence 
 on the Windsor hotel block. 
 
 This was followed by the residence of W. R. Davis, at his present 
 home. The Commercial house, in embryo, was built by W. H. Tut- 
 tle. Dr. L. Walker had located on a farm three miles north-east of 
 town, and what proved to be a lucky wind blew his house to pieces, 
 and scattered it and the family all over the prairie. The doctor was 
 induced to gather up the fragments and rebuild his house in town, on 
 the site of the opera house. By the 4th of July we could fairly say 
 that we had a town, and were ready to celebrate. A flag staff was 
 found in an adjoining grove, and our fair women hastily made a flao-. 
 We raised the pole where its many successors have stood and fallen, 
 and sent our little flag skyward to flutter in the gentle zephyrs for 
 the first time. A pile of dirt from the public well served as a plat- 
 form, and many eloquent speeches were made to the assembled multi- 
 tude (about twenty persons). Sweet" songs were sung, and a general 
 jolly good time was had. Seward grew and prospered, and was the 
 
42 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 jov and pride of the neighborhood. H. L. Boyes located in the early 
 spring, and built a saw milJ, which proved to be of great value to the 
 people. The first frame school-house was built in the fall of ]869. 
 
 Up to the spring of 1869 the old log school-house had answered 
 the triple purpose of school-house, meeting-house, and town hall. 
 
 The Milford folks had possession of the county books, and claimed 
 the county seat by virtue of the count made by Reed and his can- 
 vassers, while the Seward folks made most desperate efforts to have 
 the election declared in favor of Seward or entirely invalidated and 
 again remanded to the people. 
 
 A strong effort was made in the election of 1868 to elect H. W. 
 Parker to the legislature, that we might get such legislation as would 
 hasten a final settlement of the vexed question. He was the republi- 
 can nominee for the district comprising Saunders, Butler, and Seward 
 counties. Marcus Brush (now deceased), of Ashland, was his oppo- 
 nent. A sharp and bitter sectional fight terminated in the election of 
 Mr. Brush in a strong republican district. The Milford fellows for- 
 got their republicanism, and swallowed Brush, democracy, and all. 
 
 Thus we (outgeneraled) were for a further time destined to hold an 
 empty sack. We must fight on and wait through weary years for 
 the prize we so much coveted. Meantime Seward prospered and was 
 gathering strength from month to month. Samuel Manly opened a 
 grocery store during the winter of 1868-69, also a Mr. Humphrey 
 opened a drug store, and Samuel Stevenson started a blacksmith shop 
 on the ground now occupied by the Pritschau block. Frank M, 
 Elsworth opened the first law office during the summer of 1869. 
 March 10, 1870, Hon. O. T. B. Williams issued the first number of 
 the Nebraska Atlas. It was a rather small affair, but it was a begin- 
 ning, and served a very good purpose in its day. It was a very up- 
 hill business to publish a paper in so new a community, and in order 
 to keep the Atlas from winter killing we made a festival, and devoted 
 the proceeds to relieving its wants. 
 
 Seward was a great place for sociables and festivals in the early 
 times, and they were quite enjoyable, being always attended by old 
 and young without distinction of race or color. All stood upon an 
 equality, and they were always successful, both financially and other- 
 wise. 
 
 On the 20th of September, 1869, the people voted on the first rail- 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 43 
 
 road bond proposition. This was the first proposition by the Mid- 
 laud Pacific company, in which they agreed to build their road to the 
 west bank of the Blue river in Seward county for $50,000 in 10 per 
 cent bonds. 
 
 The proposition was so indefinite that it created neither opposition 
 nor enthusiasm. It sort o' went through by default, having fifty-two 
 majority. But the railroad company did not build the road, and our 
 railroad matters rested until the winter of 1871-72, when Dr. Con- 
 verse requested the business men of Seward and other citizens of the 
 county to meet him at Lincoln, when he offered to build the Midland 
 road through Seward county via the city for $150,000 in 10 per cent 
 twenty year bonds. This proposition was submitted to a vote of the 
 people in the spring of 1872, when a most bitter sectional fight en- 
 sued. There were so many of the folks that were opposed to railroad 
 bonds from principle living in and around Milford and Beaver Cross- 
 ing, and in fact all over the south half of the county, that the propo- 
 sition was defeated, and Seward was clothed in sackcloth and fairly 
 rolled in ashes for a little season. We remember, when the election 
 returns came in showing our defeat, the long faces of some of our 
 prominent citizens. It would seem that they had lost the last friend 
 they hud on earth. A photograph of W. H. Tuttle, J. N. Beatty, Dr. 
 Walker, W. R. Davis, and Jim Harris, together with some others 
 (the writfer not included), would, if taken that morning, clearly show 
 how woe-begone our little city appeared, but " behind the clouds we»e 
 all the stars," and the day of deliverance was near at hand. 
 
 We must return to the county seat embroglio. Every effort to get 
 the decision of Reed's board of canvassers overruled by the courts had 
 proved unavailing, and we were in a dilemma to know just what to 
 do. We were afraid to attempt the removal by a two-thirds vote. 
 They understood voting too well over at Milford. We must get the 
 assistance of the legislature, and finally we got their help in the win- 
 ter of 1870-71. One day while the enemy was napping we got such 
 legislation as gave us the privilege of locating anew the county seat 
 by majority vote. 
 
 Now we must measure swords on an even plane, but we had a 
 wily foe. A new project was sprung to locate a B. & M. town at 
 the exact center of the county, about two and a half miles south-west 
 of Seward, with Mr. Phillips, of Lincoln, at the head. This new 
 enemy had for a time most terrible proportions. 
 
44 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 Milford had made up her mind to die happy if she could effectually 
 kill Seward, and now was her opportunity. She would throw all her 
 force in favor of the new town. Seward men trembled for awhile, 
 but the clouds rifted. The B. & M. concluded to build her road 
 through Saline county, and was content to take a lion's share of our 
 land — her road she would give to others — and leave us to settle our 
 own domestic affairs. The day of final battle came, and on the 10th 
 day of October, 1871, in one of the most hotly contested elections ever 
 held in Nebraska, we triumphantly established the county seat at Sew- 
 ard by twenty-two more than two-thirds of the votes cast. Then was an 
 hour of rejoicing. Seward was now the " big Ingun," and poor Mil- 
 ford was sorry. But she had made a brave fight and left no stone 
 unturned. 
 
 There is an old saying that, "everything is fair in war." Many 
 people in Seward county acted upon that principle, and they were 
 not all Milford people, either, but it is safe to say she had her full 
 share, and if many of her generals and soldiers didn't throw as much 
 dirt as the Seward folks, it was because they were not smart enough. 
 Their intentions were to keep their end up. It is our pleasure, how- 
 ever, to note the fact that in all the bitter fight of four years we 
 believe there was not a fist fight connected with the contest, and, 
 what is to the credit of all concerned, the most bitter partisan of 
 Seward was cordially entertained by all the better class of 'the Mil- 
 ford people, and vice versa. Hospitality was so much a part of their 
 very nature that their sectional enemy must be fed and kindly cared 
 for. This was the universal rule among the whole people, and we 
 are heartily glad that it was so. We are also glad to know that those 
 who fought one another the hardest are to-day the warmest of 
 friends. 
 
 Among the notable workers in the interest of Milford, those that 
 were ever ready to bear her banner aloft and fight her battles, first 
 we mention Hon. J. L. Davison, the founder of Milford, and one of 
 the best citizens the county ever possessed ; Judge Henry Wortendyke; 
 Abram Courtwright, now resting from his labors in the better land; 
 Hon. D. C. McKillip, now of Seward ; Wm. H. Reed, the irrepres- 
 sible county clerk. He was a "Hector" in the fight. His watch- 
 word and battle cry was "Greece or Troy must fall." His battles 
 fought, he rests with his fathers. Then comes Hon. J. H. Culver, 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 45 
 
 who was at the head of the firm of Culver & Parsons, who had the 
 honor of printing the Blue Valley Record. The Record was sent 
 out to au admiring world on the 29th day of December, 1870. 
 Friend Culver tells us that the Record was a financial success, that 
 they started it on a cash capital of twenty-five cents, and when the 
 paper was retired some years afterward the cash balance was thirty- 
 three and one-third cents and lots of experience. It was a good 
 paper and used to whoop it up for the Seward fellows lively. 
 
 The Record steadfastly refused to pander to the whisky interest 
 in any way, but was forever pouring broadsides of hot shot into 
 their camp, and the"Shogo Island Picnickers" thought it rather 
 thin. 
 
 There were many others worthy of mention, such as Uncle Sammy 
 Brown, Father Merriam, L. D. Lauue, Lee Smiley, George B, France, 
 now of Yorkj Father Hazlewood. These men and many others 
 acted well their part and strove manfully to make Milford the prom- 
 inent city of the valley, but stern fate was against her. But if Mil- 
 ford could not be what her founders desired to make her, she has 
 accomplished very much in the race, and is to-day a fine village with 
 pleasant surroundings — a pleasant home place, a beautiful resort. 
 Her splendid water power has helped her to one of the largest and 
 best flouring mills in the state. Her sanitarium and her pleasure 
 grounds will make her prominent through all the years to come. 
 
 Seward, now happy in the possession of the prize she long had 
 sought, was on a genuine boom (in a small way). A comfortable 
 court house M'as built, principally by subscription, new enterpises 
 were started and new people flocked in by the score. 
 
 In the summer of 1872 the third proposition of the Midland rail- 
 road was made to the people, and was somewhat different from the 
 previous ones and was more liberal and more definite. Its salient 
 points were are as follows: 
 
 One hundred thousand dollars in 10 per cent twenty year optional 
 bonds, to be issued and delivered, first $75,000 when track was com- 
 pleted to the city of Seward, or within one-half mile of the public 
 square, if said track was completed and cars running regular trains 
 by the first day of March, 1873, and $25,000 to be turned over to 
 them when said track was completed and trains running to the west 
 line of Jie county. Time indefinite. Also coupled with this prop- 
 
4<; HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 ositiou was a like proposition for $25,000 for Seward precinct, com- 
 prising what is now F and G precincts. One notable specimen of 
 cutting oif one's nose to spite one's own face was manifest in this bond 
 fight. Dr. Converse offered to bind himself to build this road to 
 within a half mile of Milford, thence up the river to Seward, if our 
 southern brethren would withdraw their opposition, but they had voted 
 so unanimously on principle a few months before that they would not 
 yield, but treated the offer with contempt. Therefore the doctor made 
 overtures to the Oak Grove people and took the road just as far north 
 as the ground would permit, and promised a station at Germantown^ 
 thus securing their votes, to the discomfiture of Milford. 
 
 The old-time bitterness was manifested again in this contest. 
 Every family in the county was visited, and the most desperate 
 struggle ensued. Victory perched upon Seward's banner again, and 
 Millord was in deep distress and refused to be coijifopted. She had 
 made a most fatal mistake. In her fit of anger she had seriously 
 blundered, and it well nigh cost her her life. She was in splendid 
 condition to have fairly rivaled Seward had she taken the tide at its 
 flood. The cars rolled into Seward on the first day of March, 1873, 
 according to contract, and the future of Seward was assured. The 
 first brick building (Joel Tishue's) was built during the summer of 
 1873. Wooden structures sprang up as if by magic. This remained 
 the terminus of the road for four seasons, and trade centered Avith us 
 from all the regions round about. Butler, Polk, York, and Ham- 
 ilton counties hauled their grain here and were supplied by our mer- 
 chants. It was a common thing to see the public square fairly blocked 
 with loads of grain. 
 
 The capacity of the railroad was insufficient to carry away the 
 wheat, and we have seen thousands of sacks of it piled up around the 
 grain houses. Money was plenty and everybody was prosperous. 
 Our first bank (state bank) was opened that June by Claudius Jones, 
 in a little wooden shanty which was about twelve feet square, but it 
 held plenty of money. Mercantile establishments multiplied and 
 everything was hurrah. The little town began to put on metropolitan 
 airs. The year had been an exceedingly prosperous one with the 
 farmers. Crops were most excellent and brought good prices. 
 Improvements went on at a rapid rate in town and county. Sod 
 houses and log cabins were rapidly disappearing, being replaced by~ 
 
HISTOEY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 47 
 
 substantial frame buildings. Groves of timber were springing up in 
 all directions all over the great prairies, roads were opened and im- 
 proved, bridges were built on the streams. Mills were built, orchards 
 were planted, and all nature hereabouts seemed transformed. New 
 school houses were shining from the hill tops throughout the county. 
 This transformation reminds us that we had lived in the West twelve 
 years (from the spring of 1858 to 1870); that we never heard the 
 locomotive whistle, and you may be assured that its shrill notes made 
 sweet music for our ears, and we hailed the glad day when we saw the 
 first train penetrating the wilderness, and we still say, God bless the 
 railroads and multiply them 'and give them honest and intelligent 
 management that they may be a blessing to all the people, for they 
 are indispensable to our civilization. 
 
 The schools of which Seward is so proud had a beginning in the 
 old log cabin in the winter of 1866-67, with thirty-two scholars. 
 The children that composed that little school are all now men and 
 women, that are living, but several of them are numbered with the 
 dead, among whom were Miss Lucy Clark, daughter of Rev. E. L. 
 Clark, Leroy Moffitt, and Jasper Roberts. It is still our pleasure to 
 personally know numbers of those children who are to-day occupying 
 honorable positions in life, among whom are, Rev. Moulton Clark, 
 of Wisconsin; Rev. Victor Clark, of Illinois; James, Marion, and 
 Douglas Roberts, of Colo.; Rolla Cooper, of Custer county, Neb.; 
 Addison Imlay, of Montana; Mrs. Elsie Boyes, of Seward; Mrs. 
 Myron Stubbs, of Bradshavv, Neb.; Mrs. Laura Hickman, of Sew- 
 ard; Mrs. Sarah Anderson, of Seward; Mrs. Josephine Williams, of 
 Chase county. Neb.; Mrs. Mary Imlay, of Seward; Mrs. Kate J. 
 Ruby, of Marquette, Neb.; and Mrs. Nettie M. Pingree, of Colby, 
 Kan. We should be glad to remember all other members of our little 
 flock in these pages, but they are lost to us among the hurrying 
 crowds of men and women of the world. We hope, however, that 
 they are enjoying good health and they are all useful and happy. 
 
 Our first resident minister of the gospel was Rev. E. L. Clark, the 
 founder of the Baptist church of Seward. During the summer of 
 1866 he preached for us at the house of Lewis Moffit. Rev. Skaigs, 
 a young Methodist minister, also preached occasionally at the same 
 place. We had an organized union Sunday-school as early as the 
 spring of 1866, which continued to flourish until the organization of 
 
48 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 the churches. This was the first between Lincohi and Denver. 
 Nearly all the people, old and young, met at the Sabbath-school, and 
 they were greatly benefited. The old log school-house was brought 
 into use during the fall of 1866, and was our meeting place until 
 the summer of 1869, for all public purposes. 
 
 The Presbyterian church was organized in the summer of 1868, by 
 Rev. Dr. McCandlish, of Omaha, with a very small membership, and 
 Rev. George B. Smith was called to the pastorate and filled their 
 pulpit very acceptably for several years. 
 
 Under the leadership of Rev. E. L. Clark, the missionary Baptist 
 church was organized March 1, 1870," with seven members. The 
 good old man continued pastor of his flock until the close of his 
 honored life, which terminated in the early spring of 1873. Elder 
 Clark was a great favorite with all the people, and was honored by 
 the county with a seat in the last territorial and first state legislature. 
 He was highly respected by all his colleagues and honored with a place 
 on several important committees. 
 
 The Nebraska Reporter was fifst issued in the summer of 1871, by 
 Charles Crony, shortly after the platting of the Harris, Moflfitt & 
 Robert's addition to Seward. Mr. Crony was here with his paper 
 in time to take a hand in the county seat fight in our last campaign. 
 Also in the railroad fight of 1872. The Reporter was a good fighter 
 in its younger days. It was continually at war with the Blue Valley 
 Record and with its contemporary, the Atlas. 
 
 About this time Cloyd and Ingham purchased the Atlas and tried 
 to convert it into a mammoth literary paper, which proved a splen- 
 did failure. Later Prof Ingham withdrew from it and Mr. Cloyd 
 converted it into a Democratic paper, and so it remained during the 
 remainder of its romantic career, which terminated in 1874. 
 
 About this time the Re^wrter fell into the hands of Thomas Wolfe, 
 and under his guiding hand it improved its fighting qualities. Born 
 in times of excitement, its chief joy was to have a hand in all political 
 and sectional strife. Its life was a vigorous one. It came to stay, 
 and was ever ready to give or receive the hardest of blows, and like 
 all vigorous papers, had the warmest of friends and the most bitter 
 enemies. 
 
 Its contemporaries, the Atlas and Record, had given up the ghost, 
 and left it master of the field for a little season, but its rest was of 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 49 
 
 short duration. In February, 1877, W. S. Walker, a peculiar and 
 erratic character, emerged from his mountain home, and started the 
 Seward Advocate. The two papers soon found occasion to declare 
 war, and they kept the air fairly blue. Notwithstanding both 
 papers were Republican in politics, they were out of their element 
 unless they were in the midst of a fight. In June, 1879, J. H. 
 Betzer bought the Advocate, and rechristened it with the name, 
 Blue Valley Blade. From the first tiie Blade seemed to have both 
 edges sharp, and was prepared to cut a wide swath. 
 
 The bright glimmer of the Blade had about the same effect on the 
 Reporter as the shaking of a red rag in the face of an angry bull. 
 It seemed that both these papers were born to fight, and fight they 
 must. Mr. Wolfe retired from the Reporter in 1882, and F. G. 
 Simmons became the manager, when the hatchets were buried, and 
 these two bright and valuable papers have found more congenial and 
 profitable employment than scratching for each other's eyes, in working 
 for the interests of Seward, the county, and the state. They have each 
 made for themselves a splendid record in the later years. There 
 have been several other attempts to maintain newspapers here, but 
 none have succeeded until H. E. Maclellan started the Seward Dem- 
 ocrat during the campaign of 1884. It seems to have good staying 
 qualities. 
 
 In the winter of 1876-77, Rev. Mr. Haw made a futile attempt to 
 start a Democratic paper, and again in the winter of 1881-82 James 
 Briukerhoff tried the same experiment, but failed. 
 
 Under the leadership of Rev. Mr. Skaigs, a class of the M. E. 
 church was formed in the summer of 1867, but we fail to find the 
 records of the same, and consequently all that we are able to say 
 of the matter is from personal recollection. We remember that our 
 young friend Skaigs was a wide-awake young fellow, and worked 
 faithfully for his little flock. The next important epoch in the his- 
 tory of the M. E. Church, was under the pastorate of Rev. Combs, 
 (now deceased), in about the years 1874-5. When their church 
 edifice w{\s built, our friend Combs was a zealous and fearless worker in 
 the vineyard, and his church flourished remarkably under his pastorate.. 
 Among the noble men that have honored the pulpits of Seward 
 through so many years, there are none that more surely won the 
 affections of the whole people than Brother Combs, and his early re- 
 4 
 
50 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 moval from the labors of life was keenly regretted by all that knew 
 him. In connection with the building of the M. E. church, there 
 was a peculiar character who certainly deserves more than passing notice. 
 The person alluded to still lives, and is a member of this community 
 and the church, but her life is so secluded that she is almost lost to the 
 world, and but few of the present membership of the splendid con- 
 gregation that worship within the walls of the edifice know of her 
 existence, much less of her sacrifices in behalf of the church she so 
 dearly loved. We are apt to forget our benefactors when we have be- 
 come independent of them, but inasmuch as the business of the 
 church is labors of love, we suggest that it would be well that the 
 church should call to mind the debt of gratitude it owes to Mother 
 Herrick in her old age. The principal part of all her worldly goods 
 were freely laid upon the altar of the church, and were used to 
 build its walls, and now she is living under its shadow in poverty, 
 and we fear in sad neglect. 
 
 Great progress was made in town and county from the time of the 
 completion of the Midland Pacific road in March, 1873, until mid- 
 summer, 1874, when the grasshopper scourge fell upon us. The 
 summer of 1874 was dry and well suited for the development of 
 grasshoppers, much more so than for a vigorous growth of vegetation. 
 
 It is an old saying that calamities never come singly, and it was so 
 with us that memorable year. In the early days of July it was exceed- 
 ingly hot, and the wheat crop was seriously injured, so that the yield 
 was light,and thequality was very poor; thus a very large slice of profits 
 was clipped from each side of the wheat crop. Wheat at that time was 
 the main dependence of our farmers, and they felt the loss seriously, and 
 a general stagnation of business was the immediate result; this loss we 
 could have borne, but in the hour when "we thought not," an invading 
 army came on the wings of the north-west wind. The sun almost re- 
 fused to give her light at noonday. The whole heavens Avere a living 
 sea of insect life. As far as the eye could penetrate theskies, there seemed 
 scarcely room for another hopper. They had come a long distance and 
 were hungry and tliey proposed (like all hungry tramps) to dine with us. 
 We were not pleased with our guests, but little did they care. They 
 came for corn, and they took what we had, and made dessert of our 
 garden truck, such as cabbage, turnips, onions, and in fact about 
 every living plant, and finished by each taking a chew of green to" 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 51 
 
 bacco, i. e., if the few tobacco patches furnished each a chew, at least 
 they took the last vestige of it, and our observation showed that they 
 all spit tobacco juice, or something like it. 
 
 Of this we are sure, they are the worst lot of tobacco chewers we 
 have met. Those who never saw a swarm of grasshoppers can form 
 no idea of the immensity of their number; we should judge Seward 
 county cannot produce the same heft in cattle in fifty years as would 
 these insects weigh that foraged on our fields, meadows, and gardens 
 in those memorable days of August, 1874. This calamity fell like a 
 wet blanket on all interests in the county, not only in Seward county, 
 but the whole West. 
 
 Great numbers of our people were very poor, and the loss of a 
 crop was virtually losing their all. Lands depreciated in value, and all 
 classes of personal property were a drug in the market, except grain, 
 of which we had none to sell, and hardly half enough for home use. 
 Hogs were sold as low as one and one-half cents per pound, and slow 
 sale at that. 
 
 Quarter sections of land that would now readily bring $4,000, 
 were begging for a market at $300 to $400. Destitution and svant 
 stared the people in the face, and had it not been for kind people in 
 the old states, the suffering would have been fearful to contemplate. 
 Thousands of noble men and women came to the rescue, and sent of 
 their stores food, clothing, and fuel for the relief of the people, and 
 right here it is fitting that we should acknowledge the important part 
 the railroads had in this work of relief. They generously brought 
 thousands of tons of coal, and millions of pounds of merchandise to 
 the very doors of these famishing people without money and without 
 price, and in those dark hours of sorrow they earned the lasting 
 gratitude of all concerned. 
 
 The well-to-do people of our own county and state were divided 
 into two distinct classes. One class, and we are happy to say the 
 larger class, were ready and anxious to do all in their power for 
 the relief of their less favored neighbors. Many of them gave freely 
 of their own scanty store of money, food, and clothing, and organ- 
 ized relief associations, and used their influence with their eastern 
 friends, and denied themselves of ease and comfort to save others 
 from cold and hunger. These people are entitled to the gratitude of 
 all recipients of their good tavors. 
 
52 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 Then the other class are entitled to remembrance, but in a different 
 way. We mean the vultures that were not only blessed with plenty, 
 and ought to have been anxious to give of their bountiful store, but 
 instead of that, they were ever on the alert to steal from famishing 
 children and helpless widows what better people were sending to 
 them. We speak what we know, for it was our fortune or misfortune 
 to be brought into very close relations with thousands of the suffering, 
 and we well remember what a fight we had to keep these vultures at 
 bay. There were scores of them who richly deserve to have their 
 names published, that they might enjoy the just execration of man- 
 kind. Their names should be covered with everlasting shame. 
 
 During the year 1875, everything pretty much was at a standstill, 
 both in business circles and with the farmers. The railroad lands 
 that had been purchased were nearly all abandoned, and hundreds 
 of homestead entries were shifted off' at whatever they would bring, 
 and a feeling of despondency was brooding over all our land. Many 
 fields were permitted to grow up to tall weeds. 
 
 A mortal dread of a return of our implacable enemies was imbedded 
 in the minds of the people, and the best of them were cogitating in 
 their minds as to whether they had not made a mistake in coming to 
 Nebraska. Some brave spirits were able to look through and be- 
 voud the gloom to brighter days, and such did all they could to en- 
 courage people to hold their lands. 
 
 Fair crops blessed the faithful efforts of the husbandmen, and hope 
 revived, and in the spring of 1876 things began to move again as 
 in other years. New people began to come forward and occupy the 
 vacant places. 
 
 Some valuable improvements were made during the summer and 
 fall in town and county. Walker's opera house and one or two 
 other brick blocks were added to the permanent structures in Seward. 
 The Midland road had been graded to York in the summer of 1875, 
 but no track was laid until the summer of 1877. 
 
 Grasshoppers visited us again in 1876 in great numbers, but they 
 came a little later in the season; and while the devastation wrought 
 was great, it was not so complete as before. They left us a sufficient 
 amount of corn with which to tide over. Our small grain was fairly 
 good that year, and it was secure, and our people were able, with close 
 pinching, to get through the winter without assistance. The centen- 
 
HISTOEY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. bo 
 
 nial year brought many new people into the county, who were at- 
 tracted by our cheap lands, and generally they were men of more 
 means than emigrants of former years, and they began making more 
 extensive improvements in the way of building better houses, build, 
 ing barns, fencing pastures, introducing the tame grasses, bringing in 
 improved breeds of cattle and horses, planting trees, forest and fruit. 
 One special event of this season was our centennial celebration on the 
 4th of July. This was the most notable; gathering that had ever met 
 in the county, both in numbers present and in the general interest 
 manifest. At least five thousand assembled to celebrate the hundredth 
 anniversary of our independence, and it comprised much more than 
 half the entire population of the county. All the people took hold 
 of the matter with an enthusiasm that was truly commendable, and 
 we think that celebration is worthy to be marked as an epoch in our 
 history. 
 
 Now it becomes a painful duty to record the most sorrowful event 
 in all our history. Thus far no tragic event had occurred to mar the 
 peace of our people. We had been noted for sobriety, industry, and 
 general good behavior, notwithstanding we were drawn together from 
 so many localities in our own country and foreign lands. With all our 
 diversified peculiarities, and with all our diiFerent, and in many cases 
 antagonistic, interests, no human blood had been shed in all our bor- 
 ders until the sad event of which we now write. One beautiful morn- 
 ing in the month of May, while all nature was smiling with gladness, 
 and our little city was basking in the sun, enjoying the fragrance of 
 the opening buds of spring, there breaks upon our ears the astounding 
 news that a man, a neighbor, had been murdered. A chill of horror 
 ran through the community as the news rapidly spread that Nathan 
 Clough was the victim, and that he lay in the loft of the Blue Valley 
 House barn wrapped in a bloody mantle of death. Suspicion was 
 fastened upon various characters who harbored around the hotel, and 
 a close surveillance was kept upon many while the coroner and his jury 
 were trying to fathom the mystery. 
 
 The air was filled with rumors, and the people were almost wild 
 with excitement. The jury was in session for about nine days. Mean- 
 time the excitement spread from Seward throughout the county, and 
 then to the uttermost bounds of the state, and far into adjoining states, 
 and it was the absorbing theme of conversation everywhere through- 
 
64 HISTOEY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 out the couutry. The newspapers were full of it. The pleasant sun- 
 shine of that morning was turned into a dark cloud that hung like a 
 pall over our fair city. There was apparently an instantaneous suspicion 
 arising in the minds of the people far and near that the foul deed was 
 committed by the brother of the deceased. It seemed to float in the 
 very air, without the aid of the telephone. The business men of 
 Seward were wisely cautious of their words, but the women and chil- 
 dren would indiscreetly say., upon the spur of the moment, "It's 
 nobody but Warren Clough." People from far in the country would 
 2ome in and whisper, "I believe it's Warren Clough." Traveling 
 men on the cars would read in a daily paper of the murder in Seward, 
 and they would exclaim, "It's Warren Clough." Without evidence, 
 or in advance of evidence, it was whispered into the ears and hearts 
 of thousands of persons that Warren Clough was the murderer of his 
 own brother. We confess that the impression darted through our 
 mind unbidden, and entirely without evidence, and fastened itself 
 upon us so firmly that we have never been able to shake it off. Why 
 it was so it is impossible to explain. The jury traced every shadow 
 to its substance, or until it entirely disappeared in the mist, and finally 
 fastened the crime where the multitude had placed it without evidence. 
 Warren Clough, after a long and tedious trial in another county 
 (York), was convicted and condemned to death, which sentence was 
 commuted to imprisonment at hard labor for life. We hope the jury 
 acted only on evidence, and not preconceived impressions. Now long 
 years have passed, and Warren Clough has become an old man. His 
 punishment has certainly been severe. He was convicted entirely on 
 circumstantial evidence or impressions. We are not certain wliich 
 had the most weight. Is it not time to remember mercy? We do 
 not know whether it would be a mercy to restore him to the world, 
 considering that his friends and property are gone, but, should he 
 desire it, would it not be proper to give him the last few days of his 
 life to enjoy freedom? Let us remember the sentiment of Pope's 
 universal prayer, "That mercy I to others show, that mercy show to 
 me." 
 
 The year of 1877 brought several changes of importance, and 
 marked a new era in the development of the county. The Midland 
 Pacific railroad passed into the hands of the B. & M. company, the 
 road pushed on to York and the. town of Utica was founded. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 55 
 
 Among the first settlers of Utica we mention Hon. G. A. Derby, 
 who settled on a homestead, a little to the north and west of the town, 
 in 1872, and was among the first to commence improvement on the 
 great prairie between Seward and York. Mr. Derby made very cred- 
 itable improvements for that early day, and his house was the genial 
 home of many a weary traveler, it being the only stopping place be- 
 tween Seward and York. He was a wide-awake man, and as soon as 
 the railroad was assured, he projected the town of Utica. He saw at 
 a glance that the rich farming country that surrounded the place must 
 of necessity have a trading point, and he went to work with that 
 energy and determination that always brings succcess, and the flour- 
 ishing town is the result. Mr. Derby has always been to the front 
 as an enterprising citizen of that part of the county, and has used the 
 best energies of his life for its development and advancement. Utica 
 has grown and prospered until it has become an important village, 
 with many fine business houses, good schools, commodious churches, 
 and many excellent residences, with an intelligent and busy popula- 
 tion, and is the third town in the county in population, business, and 
 wealth, beautifully situated, surrounded by a splendid farming coun- 
 try on all sides. Of her business interests we will speak more fully 
 in a future chapter. 
 
 Howard M. Colman was also one of the first to settle on a home- 
 stead in the locality of Utica. The date of his settlement was May, 
 1871. Mr. Colman has been thoroughly identified with the improve- 
 ments and progress of Utica. We remember him when he was a 
 homesteader and had to haul wood from the Blue river to keep the 
 family from freezing. We are happy to note the fact that he don't 
 have to haul wood now fifteen miles to keep the wife and baby warm. 
 
 George Liggett, who commenced the grain trade in Utica in the 
 fall of 1877, took up a homestead on Lincoln creek in 1869, and 
 after one year's enjoyment of a farmer's life, he moved to Seward and 
 tried his hand at making harness for a time, when he thought be 
 could see wealth or glory in Antelope county, and removed to that 
 county; after securing all the glory he needed he gave up the idea 
 of getting wealth there, and returned, like a sensible man, to Seward, 
 and studied the art of buying grain, and after graduating among 
 the grain-buyers of Seward, commenced the practice of his profes- 
 sion at Utica, with marked success, as his ample possessions demon- 
 strate. 
 
56 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 Oscar Ragan, another of the first business men of Utica, settled on 
 Lincoln creek as early as 1867. Mr. Ragan commenced the grain 
 trade on a small scale in the fall of 1877, and has gradually grown 
 rich, and may fairly be counted as one of the rich and prosperous 
 men of the county. We must tell a little story of him that demon- 
 strates some of the hardships of pioneer life. Mr. R. was very poor 
 when he located on the homestead, as were all the neighbors. Many 
 times the entire settlement would get very short of provisions, and at 
 this time Oscar's family had been without meat for a long time. The 
 elk and antelope had taken their departure, but Oscar thought he 
 must have meat, and he went hunting. A long day's tramp, and 
 nothing could be found except a chicken-hawk. Oscar said to him- 
 self: "We're out of meat. I don't know how hawk will taste. I 
 have heard of politicians eating crow. Guess it's all right." So he 
 takes the hawk home, and it was prepared for the next day's dinner. 
 A nice hawk pie was prepared, and, as Oscar was a generous soul, 
 some of the neighbors were invited to the feast. The good wife had 
 made all things ready, and the guests were seated at the table, with 
 Oscar in his place at the head of the table. Each person was served 
 with a plate of the dainty dish, and all commenced eating at the same 
 moment. One mouthful partly swallowed, and Oscar, with a heav- 
 ing breast, found it necessary to find the way to the door. The hawk 
 showed great discontent in his stomach. Oscar was quickly followed 
 by his guests, but they were not going to see what was the matter 
 with Oscar. They each had serious business interests of their own to 
 look after. Oscar has always, since that dinner experience, wondered 
 how it can be that men can eat crow without wincing, as so many 
 politicians have to do. He is quite sure that he never hankers after 
 a hawk pie. 
 
 Thomas Standard and Joseph Jones have the honor of erecting the 
 first building on the new town site, and opened the first stock of mer- 
 chandise in the month of August, 1877. These enterprising gentle- 
 men were homesteaders, each settling, in the year 1870, on lands in 
 the western part of the county. We remember Mr. Standard, at an 
 early date, as being the Standard thresherman of the county, and we 
 are glad to be able to say that he proves Standard in all his under- 
 takings. These men have proved to be quite successful as farmers 
 and business men, and have helj)ed, in no small measure, in building 
 
HISTORY OF SEWAED COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 57 
 
 up Utica. George Goodbroad erected the first hotel in the same 
 month, and Fritz Beckord opened a lumber yard at the same time. 
 In the month of September Messrs, Goehner & Wilkins opened the 
 second store, and C. C. Turner opened a blacksmith shop in October. 
 Wm. Alexander also opened a grain house, and some other business 
 interests were inaugurated during the same fall, and Utica at once 
 assumed quite respectable proportions as a business center. It enjoyed 
 from the beginning a large grain trade, and what is peculiar, her 
 grain dealers have been prosperous in a marked degree. 
 
 We believe that Rev. C. E. Phinney was the first resident minister. 
 He located in the neighborhood in 1874, and organized a Protestant 
 Methodist church. However, a class of the M. E. church was organ- 
 ized in 1872, at what was known as the Kincade school-house, three 
 miles east of town, in the summer of 1872, by Rev. A. J. Folden, 
 which class was re-organized by Rev. G. M. Conifer, of Milford, and 
 established its permanent quarters at Utica in 1878. The church was 
 quite prosperous and built a very creditable church edifice in the season 
 of 1881. Theyhadpreviously built a parsonage. The United Brethren 
 church was organized in the summer of 1873 by the Rev. E. W. John- 
 son (now an honored presiding elder in his denomination), at the Oliver 
 school-house. Rev. Father C. J. Quinn established a Catholic mis- 
 sion about the spring of 1880, and they now have a very neat house 
 of worship. Miss Clara Derby taught the first school in that section 
 of the county, in 1873, and Miss Rosa Hartley was the first teacher 
 of Utica, in the spring and summer of 1878. The schools of Utica 
 have kept pace with other improvements, and they now have a first- 
 class graded school and a commodious building, with ample accom- 
 modations. 
 
 We can hardly forego telling how and when we got our impressions 
 of the great prairie upon which the fair little city stands. 
 
 Early in the summer of 1864, while yet a resident of Lancaster 
 county, a project was set on foot to open a great freight road from 
 the Missouri river leading through Lancaster (now Lincoln) and 
 prospective Seward, and to the west. Uncle Jacob Dawson, of Lan- 
 caster, made terms with the Mormon freighters, who had established 
 their outfitting headquarters at Wyoming, five miles north of Ne- 
 braska City, and led one of their great freight trains through Lancas- 
 ter, and then secured our assistance as a pilot to conduct the train 
 
58 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 over the unbroken prairies through Seward county, and to a western 
 connection with the great overland trail to the mountains. We led 
 the train in triumph as far as the mouth of Plum creek, a half mile 
 south of the present city of Seward. Here we had hoped to find an 
 easy fording place, but when the trainmaster saw the river, he said 
 that it would be out of the question, and a bridge must be built. So 
 we summoned the entire neighborhood to our assistance, consisting of 
 Wm. Imlay, R. T. Gale, David and Joseph Imlay, with Grandfather 
 Imlay to watch the maneuvers and give words of encouragement, and 
 with the help of sixteen stalwart young Mormon teamsters, we 
 slashed down a hundred or more fine trees and built a log bridge and 
 crossed the river with the huge wagons, and wended our way to the 
 westward. Night overtook us on the great plain a little to the south 
 and east of the future Utica. A corral was formed and supper pro- 
 vided, and it fell to our lot to be stationed as one of the outer pickets 
 to guard the cattle. The night was exceedingly hot, and we were in 
 our shirt-sleeves. A heavy thunderstorm was rapidly approaching. 
 The heavens were all aglow with the flashes of lightning. The 
 thunder drums began to play at a fearful rate. Only when the sharp 
 flashes would light up the ghostly surroundings could a thing be 
 seen. The very blackness of the darkness veiled all from our sight, 
 when, all at once, a terrific peal of thunder, with stunning effect, 
 stampeded the cattle, ninety-eight head of great steers, and they came 
 directly toward us, with all the fury of a full grown cyclone. Few 
 and short were the prayers we said, and we thought not of writing 
 these reminiscences, but thought good-by to all this world, but 
 fortunately for the reminiscences, when, like a solid wall, like a great 
 avalanche, they had reached within twenty feet of us, there was a 
 vivid flash that lightened np the whole heavens, and our white shirt, 
 we suppose, caused the herd to divide, and they thundered by us on 
 either side so close as to almost graze our shirt sleeves. We devoutly 
 thanked God for that flash of lightning and the white shirt. We 
 are free to acknowledge that we were badly frightened — so much so 
 that it effectually stopped our growth, and perhaps that night's ex- 
 perience accounts for our diminutive stature. 
 
 It only took our party two days to get the cattle back to camp. 
 The next morning the level prairie was a sea of water. It certainly 
 would have convinced any unbeliever that it rained occasionally west 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 59 
 
 of Salt creek. When Uncle Jake Dawson, Mr. Imlay, and myself 
 got rid of that Mormon train, we were fully satisfied with our ex- 
 perience in leading trains through the wilderness. We tried it no 
 more. 
 
 In the forepart of July, 1878, a stranger irom the state of Kansas, 
 by the name of G. L. Monroe, was traveling through this neighbor- 
 hood, and happened to fall into the company of Orlando J. Gassier, 
 a resident of the south-western portion of this county. The two 
 camped just west of the city on the river bank, on the afternoon of 
 July 7th, and during the night, while a violent thunder storm was 
 raging, Gassier murdered his comrade and new-made friend, sunk the 
 body in the river, and took possession of the team, telling his neigh- 
 bors that he had bought the team. Some of the citizens of the city 
 happened to be fishing a day or two after the occurrence, and found 
 the body floating in the river. The coroner's jury soon found a clue 
 to the murder, and Orlando was arrested, tried, and convicted, and 
 sentenced to be hanged on the 20th day of May, 1879. The black 
 Friday arrived, and a great host of people gathered into the city from 
 all the surrounding country, as word had gone out that the barracks 
 would probably be torn down. The sheriiF had taken what he sup. 
 posed to be ample precautions for the protection of the barracks. He 
 had placed quite a large number of deputies and policemen, properly 
 armed with billies, around the barracks, and had constructed a barb- 
 wire fence around a space surounding the building, which was denom- 
 inated a dead line, and all the people were warned not to step over 
 that line ; but little did they heed the mandate. There seemed to be 
 an inordinate desire to see the wretched man hung, and five or six 
 thousand men, women, and children surged back and forth with an 
 irresistible force, and just before noon some reckless fellow gave a 
 whoop and a hurrah, and those barracks were scattered as if a cyclone 
 had struck them in far less time than it takes to write a line of this para- 
 graph. The sheriff saw in a moment that he was in the hands of the 
 mob, to do the will of their good pleasure; their pleasure was to see 
 Orlando hung, and if the sheriff was unwilling to transact the busi- 
 ness in their presence they would do the work for him in his presence, 
 and that right soon. So he assured the mob that the execution should 
 occur in proper time, and that he did not need their help. The drop 
 fell in due time, and Orlando J. Gassier paid to the full, as far as pos- 
 
60 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 sible, the penalty of his crime, but the demoralizing spectacle of a 
 public execution produced a bad effect upon our people, and brought 
 out a spirit of lawlessness that barely missed producing another mur- 
 der before the day closed. 
 
 We do not wish to mince matters, or in any way excuse the lawless 
 spirit of many people on that occasion in tearing down the enclosure, 
 but we would say that the governor was short-sighted, that provisions 
 to maintain the dignity of the law were not made, and especially so 
 when a like occurrence had happened at Minden only a short time 
 previous. If the law is worth a place on our statute books, then 
 when necessary use all the powers of the state to enforce it, and not 
 allow lawless ruffianism to control. 
 
 We quote for the curious the last words of the doomed man : '^ Well, 
 now this will finish Orlando Cassler's life. Behold the scatfold with 
 Orlando Gassier standing on it here. This is the last of trouble and 
 sorrow. I am forry, gentlemen, that I have to die here, but there is 
 a world above, where there is no trouble and no sorrow. Good-bye, 
 gentlemen." His spiritual adviser was Rev. Shank, of the M. E. 
 "Church, who delivered an eloquent and fervent prayer. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 61 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 GENERAL IMPROVEMENT— DEMANDS FOE ANOTHER RAILROAD— STRUGGLE BE- 
 TWEEN FRIENDS OF THE UNION PACIFIC AND THE ATCHISON & NEBRASKA — 
 THE A. & N.'S TRIUMPH — JONES CARICATURED— INJUNCTION AGAINST BONDS 
 — OFFICERS VISIT BUTLER COUNTY TO SIGN BONDS — INJUNCTION MADE PER- 
 PETUAL — THE B. & M. SWALLOWS THE A. & N. — DEPRESSION AND DESPOND- 
 ENCY—DUST STORMS— POOR CROPS— SEWARD SICK— THE TRAGEDIES OF 1880 
 — BATES' SLAUGHTER PEN — THE BOWKER MURDER — SMALL-POX SCARE — 
 SMALL-POX IN EARNEST— "a" PRECINCT TRAGEDY — MRS. PATRICK'S MUR- 
 DER — TERRIBLE SNOW BLOCKADE — REVIVAL OF BUSINESS AND ADVANCE IN 
 REAL ESTATE — MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE TO THE WEST, AND THE RESULTS — 
 STOCK BREEDING AND FEEDING — NEW INDUSTRIES — TOWNSHIP ORGANIZA- 
 TION — F., E. AND M. V. R. R. — JONAH CAN'T SWALLOW THE WHALE. 
 
 So far as business was concerued everything moved along smoothly 
 during the year 1878, but nothing of special note occurred, yet there 
 was general advancement in the city and county in a quiet way. 
 The Norval block and Goehner block were added to the brick struc- 
 tures, and they made quite an addition to the business houses of the 
 city. 
 
 During this year the feeling began to gain ground with the people 
 generally that the county needed another railroad, and negotiations 
 were opened with the Union Pacific managers, and also with the 
 managers of the Atchison and Nebraska company. The projected 
 line of the Union Pacific was to connect Seward and the south-west 
 with the Republican Valley line at Brainard, on very nearly the 
 same line that is now occupied by the Northwestern road. The 
 Atchison and Nebraska running from Lincoln, via Milford, through 
 Seward, David City, and Columbus. Our people were divided in 
 sentiment. In the city each project had warm adherents. Our 
 Milford friends had suddenly been converted, and were no longer 
 opposed to railroad bonds from principle, and like all new converts 
 were very enthusiastic for the A. & N., and they were manfully 
 backed by the dwellers up the Blue Valley. Outside of the city but 
 feeble efforts were made in behalf of the U. P. project. 
 
62 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 A great mass meeting was called in the spring of 1879, to deter- 
 mine which of the two schemes the people would most heartily endorse. 
 The public square of Seward was filled with people. Hon. S. B. 
 Galey, of Lincoln, assisted by Judge O. P. Mason, represented the A. 
 & N. road, and Claudius Jones, of Seward, the U. P. Excitement 
 ran high that day, and there were some scenes enacted that were not 
 very creditable to our people. 
 
 Unfortunately the person representing the U. P. interests did not 
 enjoy the full confidence of the people, and they looked at the rail- 
 road through the man, and unwisely refused to listen to his proposition, 
 but hooted him down and caricatured him most scandalously, even 
 carrying the joke so far as to bring the matter up in the Fourth of 
 July celebration and representing him in a hoodlum procession as a 
 mammoth hog. 
 
 The pressure was so very great that commissioners and all were 
 swept along without let or hindrance, and the proposition in favor 
 of the A. & N. Co. was submitted under the corporate name of the 
 Lincoln and Northwestern. The amount of bonds asked for was 
 seveuty-five thousand dollars in county and precinct bonds, divided 
 up in a satisfactory manner between the county and C, G, J, O, and 
 I precincts. The propositions were carried in the county and all the 
 five precincts by good majorities. The railroad was speedily con- 
 struct ed and the cars rolled up the beautiful valley to Seward early 
 in October, when there was general rejoicing all along the line. 
 Milford was now happy, as she was connected with the outside world 
 in general, and with the county seat in particular, by rail. There 
 were enemies of the road steadily and persistently at work, however. 
 We will not attempt to divine their motives. It may have been the 
 dear people that they were interested in, or it may have been spite 
 work. Be that as it was, an injunction suit was commenced against 
 the issuing and delivering the county bonds, and also those of C, G, 
 J, and O precincts, leaving I to look out for itself. 
 
 It was the undoubted right of a citizen and tax payer in the county, 
 or any precinct thereof, to commence an injunction suit, and have all 
 matters thoroughly sifted in the courts as to the legality of the prop- 
 osition, and also the legality of the election and the returns, and it 
 was without question the duty of all officers having the custody of the 
 bonds to obey the order of the courts, and let consequences take care 
 
HISTORY OF SEA\^ARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 63 
 
 of themselves; but iu this ease there was some trickery that will 
 hardly bear the light of day. It seems that the couuty clerk, Thomas 
 Graham, was away from home, and the business of the office was left 
 in the hands of his deputy. Perhaps it is not expedient to state all 
 we know, yet it seems clearly proper that these historical sketches 
 should be true, and we can hardly pass over this important matter 
 without relating; the whole truth so far as we know it. 
 
 It seems that there was an inordinate desire on the part of the 
 deputy clerk (Ed. O'Keefe) and the board of county commissioners 
 to evade the injunction, and in the night-time these persons took the 
 seal of the county, and slipped away to David City in Butler county, 
 and signed and placed the seal of the county upon the bonds there, 
 and then returned to Seward and made their record of their proceed- 
 ings as if all had been regular. What motives prompted these gen- 
 tlemen to perform the important duties of their office in Butler county, 
 the reader may judge for himself. It is sufficient to say that they 
 left the way open for censure, and accomplished nothing except a long 
 lawsuit, in which the injunction was made perpetual. There was 
 talk that bribes had been used with certain parties, and that attempts 
 were made to induce other ])rominent men to help along this bond 
 scheme by large bribes. In fact, some individuals have told us that 
 they had been approached by offers of large amounts if they would 
 assist in carrying the scheme through to a successful termination. 
 
 As time rolled on, it developed that the people had been victim- 
 ized, and that they had given seventy-five thousand dollars, or at 
 least they had agreed by their votes to give that amount, for another 
 B. <fe M, R. R. For a few months only did the A. & N. maintain 
 control of the road when it had passed in its checks, and we all awoke 
 to find ourselves sold, and with two B. & M. roads on our hands. 
 
 The competition given our people during the fall and winter of 
 1879-80 was noticeable, and was a great benefit to the farmers. The 
 markets of Seward county that winter were about the best in the 
 state. This had the effect of stimulating the business of the city, and 
 a rapid growtli was the immediate result. Scores of new buildings 
 sprang up, and all went merry as a marriage tell in the spring of 
 1880. But when it became known that the B. & M. had swallowed 
 its competitor, we all heard something drop, and it hurt most fear- 
 fully. One noticeable effect was that it reduced suddenly the number 
 
64 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 of grain dealers from about a full dozen to two, and the competition 
 in the grain trade of Seward became a thing of the past. 
 
 Seward became suddenly sick, nigh unto death. This change fell 
 like a dead weight on all interests, and to further aggravate our 
 trouble we had a series of dust storms during the spring. The 
 weather was exceedingly dry, and heavy winds prevailed to such an 
 extent as had never been known before. Great ridges of dust were 
 carried from the fields and piled up along the hedges and fences like 
 huge snowdrifts, some of which remain visible to this day. Crops 
 were not satisfactory that season, and times were hard. Lands be- 
 came a drug in the market again, and all classes of business languished, 
 and there were more vacant houses in the city than at any time in all 
 her history. Mechanics and laborers were compelled to seek employ- 
 ment elsewhere, and the city was wrapped in a mantle of gloom for 
 a season. 
 
 The Windsor house had been commenced before the depression had 
 fully set in, and it was fully completed during the following winter^ 
 but remained idle for a full year, as no one could be induced to open 
 it under the circumstances. 
 
 The building of this branch of the B. & M. R. R. was of great ad- 
 vantage to some portions of the county. It made but Mttle difference 
 to Milford, Pleasant Dale, or the people of the north-western por- 
 tion of the county whether the road was an Atchison & Nebraska 
 or a B. & M. They wanted a railroad, and now they had it, and 
 they were happy; but it made all the difference in the world to 
 Seward. She had B. & M. roads to her full satisfaction, and she did 
 not need any more in her business. What the city wanted was com- 
 petition in freight, and this hope being deferred again had the ten- 
 dency to make the heart sick. 
 
 However, this road has proved of great value to the county. It 
 has added directly one hundred and thirty thousand dollars to the 
 taxable property of the county, and has opened up four new stations, 
 brought into life and activity three new towns, infused into Milford 
 new life, and added largely to the value of the lands all along its line, 
 and now is, after years of waiting, of great benefit to the city. Since 
 the completion of the Northwestern, we now have three railroads for 
 all practical purposes, whereas before we only had one, and so, as will 
 appear further on, the building of the Northwestern was equivalent 
 to giving us two new roads for most purposes. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 65 
 
 During the financial depression we were doomed to other troubles 
 that are most sickening to relate, but essential facts of history cannot 
 be left untold. The year of 1880 could not pass without its tragedy. 
 In B precinct, in what is known as the Bates school-house, there was 
 a protracted meeting in progress, and there were some young men in 
 the neighborhood who lacked the proper training, or at least had for- 
 gotten that the very genius of our government guarantees the privi- 
 lege of worshiping God as seemeth good to us, and that no man may 
 interfere with these sacred rights. They had on several occasions 
 molested the meetings and were rather incorrigible in their efforts to 
 break up the same, and we are of the opinion that they were not met 
 with a Christian spirit by the church people, as the sequel proves. 
 Perhaps had the admonition of Paul, " Overcome evil with good," 
 been practiced on that dreadful night, it is quite probable that instead 
 of a horrible tragedy there might have been good results. 
 
 It seems that the rough fellows who should have stayed away went 
 armed with revolvers, and some of the church people had provided 
 themselves with clubs, and at least one of them (William Bates) car- 
 ried a revolver. 
 
 When people are anxious to get into difficulty they can always find 
 an opportunity. As was expected, the belligerent feelings soon 
 found vent in hot words, which were quickly followed with blows; 
 revolvers were brought into play, and a scene of desperation ensued 
 that was revolting to our civilization, resulting in the killing of Wil- 
 liam Bates, and so wounding Hilliard Thomas that he died of the 
 the wound. James Thomas also received a flesh wound in the hip; 
 Israel Bates also had a flesh wound in the thigh, and Luther Bates 
 received a heavy blow on the head with a shovel or spade. It seems 
 that the Bates family and the Thomas family were not on friendly 
 terras, and who may have been most to blame for their former trouble 
 it is impossible to say, but in this horrible tragedy it is evident 
 that in a degree at least both parties were at fault. The Bates 
 family were of good repute as citizens, and were very zealous church 
 people, but they had the fault of letting rash tempers get the better 
 of them, and were quick to resent an insult or injury — rather too> 
 much so for followers of Him who taught us to do good to those who 
 would despitefully use us. They did wrong in carrying clubs end 
 revolvers into a Christian meeting in this land of law and order. 
 5 
 
66 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 They had no right to do it. It was unchristian and unlawful and 
 entirely unnecessary. If the unruly persons had shown themselves 
 to be so incorrigible that kind words and Christian courtesy could 
 not reach their case, it would have been easy to obtain the assistance 
 of peace officers. 
 
 The Thomas family personally we know but little about, but of 
 this we are certain, we have no words of excuse for any party that 
 will go into a religious meeting for the purpose of disturbing it. The 
 personal enmity of certain members of the congregation is no valid 
 excuse for such outlawry, and however much the Bates family erred 
 in their rashness, still it must be the just judgment of an unprejudiced 
 world that the Thomas family and their abettors were the cause of 
 this fearful catastrophe. 
 
 Just why this trouble has never become a matter of judicial inves- 
 tigation we are not able to say. It seems very curious to us that 
 such a scene of lawless butchery, with such far-reaching consequences, 
 should not be thoroughly sifted by the courts and the responsibility 
 placed where it properly belongs. 
 
 Also in March, 1880, a bloody tragedy occurred at East Milford, 
 which terminated in the murder of Samuel Bowker, by two brothers, 
 Milton and John Granger. This difficulty grew out of a quarrel be- 
 tween the old man Granger and Bowker, in which Bowker knocked 
 Granger down. Somehow Mr. Granger was dissatisfied Avith the mar- 
 riage of his daughter, and this is supposed to be the begiuniugof the 
 trouble. This had occurred some months before. Mr. Bowker was 
 quite a pugilist, and was at all times ready to resent what he considered 
 an insult or an injury, with his fist. He was some days after this fracas 
 passing the store of the young Grangers, and was invited to alight 
 from his wagon, which he promptly did, and pulled off his coat and 
 aniiounced himself ready for the two Grangers. 
 
 Some hot words were followed with blows, when Milton drew a 
 revolver and shot twice at Bowker, when bis antagonist knocked the 
 revolver from his hands. Then John opened fire and fired five or 
 six shots, two of which took efiect, one striking near the shoulder blade 
 and passing down the spine, which caused his death. The Granger 
 brothers were arrested and put upon trial, when they pleaded guilty to 
 manslaughter, and received a sentence of ten years in the state prison. 
 
 In the spring of 1880 there was a small-pox scare in Seward that 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 67 
 
 worked great mischief. In the soutliern part of the city a family 
 M'ere reported to be stricken with the dread malady. Physicians 
 reported, after a thorough examination, that it was a genuine case of 
 small-pox. This resulted in breaking up the school and creating 
 almost a panic, which was a serious injury to all the business interests 
 of the city. We have no right to dispute the judgment of skilled 
 physicians in such matters, but there were some things connected 
 with this matter that brought their views into discredit, and very 
 many people think to this day that instead of small-pox the victim 
 had the itch, and was rotting with it. It was reported that the 
 patient broke away from the guards and left the town in hot haste. 
 
 This panic worked a hardship to the graduating class of that year. 
 A goodly number had just finished their course of study and had fairly 
 earned their degree, and while the examination was in progress the 
 school was broken up and the class were robbed of the honors they 
 had justly earned. In justice to one of the brightest classes that 
 ever earned diplomas in our high school, some plan should have 
 been adopted to provide its members with their diplomas. 
 
 In H precinct, in the winter and spring of 1882, small-pox did 
 break out for certain and worked ruin to a large settlement. Many 
 people died and many more were stricken, but by good nursing were 
 saved from death. The county authorities furnished medical and 
 pecuniary assistance, and kept a close surveillance, and it was con- 
 fined to the one settlement. Drs. Hastings and Monteith were given 
 charge of the patients, with proper police powers. This terrible 
 scourge nearly ruined the settlement for a time. There were reported 
 by Dr. Hastings sixty-two cases and seven deaths in all. 
 
 In June, 1882, a peculiar accident occurred near Marysville. A 
 young man by the name of Mentz was plowing corn near the river 
 bank. His team became frightened and by some means dragged the 
 young man into the mill-pond, where man and team were drowned. 
 
 Scarcely had the excitement attending the horrible Bates tragedy 
 died away when, in the spring of 1882, the same locality was called 
 to witness another scene of horror and bloodshed. It was a most 
 unfortunate occurrence that one neighborhood should be the scene of 
 two such terrible catastrophies within two short years, but in justice 
 to the people we can truthfully say that the masses of B and A pre- 
 cincts are just as worthy and law-abiding citizens as are to be found 
 anywhere. 
 
68 HISTOKY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 This last trouble grew out of a family wrangle, in which the 
 father, mother, and children were at variance. Just who were most 
 to blame for the beginning of the trouble nobody knows. Mr. Pat- 
 rick and wife and some other members of the family were returning 
 from Seward, and a quarrel arose on the way home, which resulted 
 in the old lady being shot to death. It seems that several members 
 of the family were mixed into the affair. Many shots were fired at 
 the old man by the boys, and he fired several shots, one of which 
 killed his wife and the mother of his children. There being some 
 discrepancy in the evidence in regard to the condition of affairs, and 
 the embroglio that led to the shooting, etc., the old man's life was 
 spared, and he is now serving a sentence in the state's prison for life. 
 The murder occurred in the first days of April, 1882. 
 
 In the month of February, 1881, this western country experienced 
 a series of terrible storms of drifting snow. The wagon roads were 
 all blocked, and railroad traffic was abandoned. Seward was eight 
 days without mail. The loss of mail was a serious inconvenience, 
 but was nothing compared to the want of fuel. In city and coun- 
 try the people were put to straits for fuel, and had not relief reached 
 us just as it did, very much suffering would have occurred. 
 
 The year 1881 was rather dull and monotonous, but fair crops and 
 a gradual advance in price once again revived the drooping spirits of 
 the people, and as 1882 was ushered in there were brighter skies and 
 cheering promises of better days, which put a new phase on all 
 interests. 
 
 New people flocked in, property began to change hands freely, and 
 soon prices advanced, slowly at first, but later, as the demand 
 increased, prices ran up in many cases over a hundred per cent. 
 Good crops in 1882 set things fairly booming, which continued to 
 the fall of 1884. 
 
 Much valuable improvement was accomplished in both town and 
 country. Prices of property reached the maximum in the winter and 
 spring of 1884. After the presidential election in the fall of 1884, 
 all property matters were at a stand-still. But few immigrants 
 came among us, and great numbers of our people were violently 
 attacked with western fever, and in the spring of 1885 multitudes 
 pushed for the frontier. While this seemed to work to our disad- 
 vantage for a time, it will prove a great blessing to us. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 69 
 
 It has now demonstrated in a measure the value of western 
 lands for agricultural purposes, and thus practically expunged from 
 the map the last vestige of the great American desert, which was 
 such a bugaboo to us during all our younger years. It has helped to 
 plant farms all the way to the foot of the Rockies, and scores and 
 even hundreds of bright towns and cities to-day dot the great plains, 
 where the most credulous thought a few years ago that white men 
 would never attempt to make homes. This all adds stability and 
 value to this region. Any and every improvement in the West can 
 but add value to our homes and lands. 
 
 Since 1880 many individuals have turned their attention to feeding 
 cattle and hogs, also to the production of the tame grasses. 
 
 Feeding is carried on quite extensively now, there being many 
 herds fed in various parts of the county, and this industry adds largely 
 to the value of our staple, the corn crop. 
 
 Timothy and clover are rapidly taking the place of the wild mead- 
 ows, and blue grass that of the wild pastures. The soil and climate 
 are especially well adapted to the production of grasses. 
 
 Within a few years, also, the honey bee is receiving attention, and 
 honey is produced profitably on many farms, and the industrious lit- 
 tle servants find our luxuriant meadows and cornfields just the place 
 for them to thrive. 
 
 In the fall election of 1886, by popular vote the people determined 
 to try township organization, and during 1887 we had a board of 
 supervisors, consisting of one member from each of the sixteen towns 
 and two members from the city. It is yet too early to form any just 
 conclusion as to whether it will prove more satisfactory to the people 
 than the commissioner system. 
 
 For some years our people had been looking anxiously for an op- 
 portunity to secure to the county a competing line of railroad. We 
 had jiarleyed with the U. P. folks, but could get no definite answer 
 from them, but finally when the Northwestern company were building 
 their Lincoln branch, fortunately, Mr. Goehner, being a senator, 
 while at Lincoln formed the acquaintance of some of the officials, 
 and secured a hearing, which resulted in further negotiations, and finally 
 a proposition was submitted to build during 1887 the F., E. & M. V. 
 branch through our county, provided sixty thousand dollars in twenty 
 year six per cent bonds were voted to the company. The proposi- 
 
70 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 tions were submitted to the city and B, G, K, and M towns, as fol- 
 lows: City, $15,000; B, G, K,and M, $10,000 each, and L, $5,000. 
 The propositions were voted by large majorities in each township, and 
 the road was completed in the fall of 1887 and regular trains running 
 in connection with the great system in the East and North. We are 
 happy to say that the road is well built in every particular, and we 
 believe the people have made a good bargain in securing it. Since 
 it has been opened for business there has been a marked change in the 
 freight tariifs for the better. We are all satisfied that we now have 
 a road that the B. & M. cannot swallow, for it would be like Jonah 
 attempting to swallow the whale. 
 
 Now we have three railroads, because while two are under one 
 management they give us additional outlets, and the new line will 
 hold prices down just as well as if both its competitors were in differ- 
 ent hands. The new road adds directly a large amount of taxable 
 property to the county, opens up a vast new field for enterprise, and 
 gives a new impetus to all classes of business. 
 
 Of the opening of four new stations we speak iully in other chap- 
 ters; also of the improvements of 1887. We kindly refer the reader 
 to the special papers on various subjects, institutions, and things; 
 also the very interesting historical letters and personal notices of men 
 and women. These all go as part of the history of our county. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 71 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 CLIPPINGS FROM THE " NEBRASKA ATLAS," THE " BLUE VALLEY KECORD," AND 
 THE "NEBRASKA REPORTER." 
 
 We clip from the first number of" the Nebraska Atlas the following 
 communications and items which we deem of interest. The date is 
 March 16, 1870: 
 
 ''The new school-house is to be commenced shortly. We are 
 greatly in need of the building, and hope the committee will prose- 
 cute the work with vigor. We trust it will be complete in time for 
 the summer school." 
 
 This was our first frame school building, and it was afterwards sold, 
 and is yet occupied as a residence by Hugh Hunter. 
 
 " There are nearly seven hundred dollars subscribed for the Baptist 
 church edifice. This is most encouraging. Our citizens have taken 
 hold of this matter in earnest, and there is no doubt but this summer 
 will see the church edifice completed. Mr. Moffitt gives three lots 
 on which to erect it." 
 
 *' A petition is about to be started for the incorporation of our town. 
 We hope to see every name on it." 
 
 In the same issue Judge J. D. Maine is credited with having raised 
 on his farm in the Oak Grove settlement one hundred and fourteen 
 bushels of corn to the acre, in the previous summer. 
 
 We select the following correspondence, which in the light of sub- 
 sequent events, reads a little like prophecy: 
 
 " Seward, March 15, 1870, 
 " Dea7' Atlas : 
 
 " We are glad to welcome your appearance among us. It makes 
 us feel as if we were getting out of the wilderness. We have been 
 watching and waiting through a long night of anxiety, and now 
 behold a ' sign of promise.' The darkness is giving way, the 
 skv is brightening, the clouds that have overshadowed us are dis- 
 
72 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 appearing, the day is dawning, and we rejoice. Now let us put our 
 shoulders to the wheel of progress, and these waste places shall be 
 made glad, this ' wilderness will smile,' and instead of the yelping 
 of the coyote, oi- tlie hoot of the owl, or whoop of the wild man, as in 
 days past, we will behold a city surrounded by thousands of splendid 
 farms. Here we will see springing into life factories, seminaries, 
 churches, and here will concentrate workshops and multitudes of mer- 
 chants, and here will soon be heard the approaching tread of the iron 
 horse. As the icy fetters of winter are giving way before a genial 
 sun, we can already hear the sound of approaching footsteps from the 
 far-off East, coming to find homes with us, and soon we shall hear 
 the thundering tread of the mighty army that is coming to possess 
 the laud. Truly, 
 
 " W. W. Cox." 
 
 We give also a letter from the county, which throws much light on 
 the situation of things in general of that day : 
 
 "HiCKMANViLLE, March 10, 1870. 
 ''Mr. Editor: 
 
 "Presuming that the Atlas is to be published for the general infor- 
 mation of the whole country, and the inhabitants of Seward county 
 in particular, I propose to give your readers a few items from this 
 settlement, the * land of promise.' This place lies five miles north 
 of Seward and seven miles from Ulysses, and derived its name from 
 its large influx of Hickmans from the state of Iowa, John D. Hick- 
 man being the pioneer, who settled on his land (homestead) in 1868. 
 Since that time immigrants have come so rapidly that all the govern- 
 ment laud in this immediate vicinity has been taken up, principally 
 as homesteads. Some twenty buildings have already been erected, 
 and several more are in course of erection. 
 
 "A school district was organized in the spring of 1869, with Thos. 
 J. Poore as director. A school-house (sod) was built in the fall of 
 that year, and a teacher hired, who commenced his labors January 1, 
 1870. We learn that the average attendance was twenty. A lyceum 
 was also organized about January 1st, which was christened the 
 Pioneer Lyceum, and which has been in full blast ever since, meeting 
 weekly, and as iar as I can learn, giving general satisfaction. In 
 connection with the lyceum a paper was established {Pioneer Banner) 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 73 
 
 •devoted to literature, fine arts, general news, and advertisements. 
 The paper has been well and ably edited, but an exchange of editors 
 being necessary according to the by-laws, a Poore man was placed 
 in the editorial chair. 
 
 " Our school closed its winter term February 25th, with honor to 
 both teacher and scholars, the exhibition — the first in the county — 
 taking place on Monday, the 28th. The house was crowded, and 
 ■everything passed off harmoniously, and to the entire satisfaction of 
 all, Hon. "W. E. Davis delivering the oration. 
 
 " Thrift and enterprise seem to prevail. No less than seven wells 
 have been sunk within sixty days, with gratifying results. 
 
 "The weather for the past few weeks has been magnificent. Prep- 
 arations will be made for seeding soon if the weather continues good. 
 We are looking for an early spring. 
 
 " Plenty of good land to the north and west of us, but none in this 
 immediate vicinity. 
 
 "And now, Mr. Editor, having given you our situation, we trust 
 that your endeavors to establish a first-class county newspaper will 
 prove successful, and that your career may be honorable and pros- 
 perous to yourself and those you represent, is the wish of your cor- 
 respondent. N." 
 
 Clippings from old numbers of the Nebraska Atlas: (Only part of 
 the files have been preserved.) 
 
 Feb. 27, 1871 — Addie, wife of J. P. Losee, died. Mrs. Losee 
 leaves a husband and a wide circle of friends to mourn her loss. She 
 had been married but a year. 
 
 Mrs. Abram Wallick also died same day. She was in her thirty- 
 sixth year, and was the mother of thirteen children, r.nd a very esti- 
 mable Christian lady. Her husband, large family, and a host of 
 friends mourn for her. 
 
 July 21st — Warren Clough's wedding occurred. 
 
 July 28th — The first brick dwelling is mentioned, D. C. McKillip's 
 residence. 
 
 Sept. 1st — Notice is given of the appointment of W. W. Cox as 
 statistical correspondent of the Department of Agriculture 
 
 Sept. 22d — John Robert's new farm house is loomiug up. 
 
 Nov. 3d — Notes the advent of a man, wife, and nine girls, and 
 only one son-in-law. 
 
74 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 The Presbyterian church is raised. 
 
 June 18, 1873 — I. B. Compton has just finished the first tin roof 
 in Seward. (The old post-office building, just west of the Butler block.) 
 
 Same date notes that fourteen Bohemians loaded up with building 
 material for their houses, for Hamilton county. 
 
 The visit of Thomas Scott, the railroad king, and ex-Gov. Denison, 
 of Ohio, is commented on. 
 
 July 2d — Four fights in the streets are mentioned. 
 
 Aug. 27th — The Seward grain-buyers get a rough overhauling. 
 
 Sept. 3d — $5,000 school bonds were voted by a majority of twenty- 
 one. 
 
 July 23d — State Bank is opened for business. 
 
 Aug. 13th — The purchase of the Presbyterian bell is noted. Also, 
 that the telegraph is completed to Seward. 
 
 Dec. loth — The Mohawk Lumber Co. have unloaded one hundred 
 and seventy cars of lumber since March 1st. 
 
 Jan. 21, 1874 — John N. Edwards is advertised for a free lecture 
 at the church. 
 
 Jan. 1st — John Tressler and Carrie Olmstead are married. 
 
 Jan. 28th — The Baptist church was completed. 
 
 March 4th — The paper is badly nettled by the "crusade move- 
 ment," and its columns are full of burlesque notices of them. They 
 were evidently making it difficult for him to get his regular drinks. 
 
 April 22d — War was declared by Foucet's saloon against the cru- 
 saders, and a shameful scene ensued, which reflected no credit upon 
 the town or its officers. 
 
 May 1 3th — The incoming Midland train ran over a pole-cat, and 
 the passengers need no perfumery for some time. 
 
 May 20th — The injunction in the case of Monteith, in regard to 
 planting trees on the square, is yet unsettled. 
 
 May 27th — AVork on the M. E. church is being pushed with vigor. 
 
 May 29th — Leroy Moffit, the only son of Lewis Moffit, died. 
 Leroy was a kind-hearted boy of about twenty years, and the loss is 
 sadly felt by his parents, the friends of the family, and the young 
 people, with whom he was a favorite. 
 
 June 3d — Little, Brock & Curson's elevator is under construction, 
 the first in town. 
 
 July 15th — The drowning of Peter Gerken in Blue river, just 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA 75 
 
 south of town, is noted. Also, that Pricheau's block is going up 
 rapidly ; that Seward has three select schools; and also, that the comet 
 is visible and growing brighter. 
 
 From the Blue Valley Record of December 29, 1870, the first 
 number ever issued, we extract the following interesting items: 
 
 The editor opens his paper with a three-column history of the 
 county, in which he claims that Thomas West made the first settle- 
 ment in 1859, and Daniel Morgan in 1860. He also credits J. L. 
 Davison with being the third settler. This we are quite sure is a mis- 
 take, for we were at Mr. Davison's house on Salt creek as late as the 
 autumn of 1861, a little to the south-west of the present town of 
 Roca. Mr. Davison opened his old Camden ranch in the fall of 
 1862. James West located in 1860, near his brother Thomas ; and 
 Orin Johnson as early as 1 860. 
 
 The editor says that Mr. Davison, with a man by the name of Ellis, 
 located the territorial road from Nebraska City to Fort Kearney, but 
 fails to state the time. We are quite sure this occurred in the spring 
 of 1860, for we distinctly remember thatWm. E. Hill and party, of 
 Nebraska City, went and built the old bridge on the Blue near Cam- 
 den, just above the forks of the river and just by the county line, in 
 the early summer of 1860. So it is quite probable that the road was 
 then located. The editor says that Mr. Davison as he returned from 
 this trip pre-empted a place near Camden, which was afterwards the 
 ranch. This is undoubtedly correct, but pre-emptors did not have to 
 so carefully watch their claims then as later. There were scarcely 
 any to molest or make afraid. The changing the name of the county 
 is noted, and the building of the West mills ; Parker and Roper's 
 mill at Camden, and the Milford mills are all mentioned, and the 
 agricultural resources and possibilities of the county are discussed at 
 length. It is noted that immigration set in in earnest in 1866, and 
 that all the eastern and northern states were represented, and it was 
 claimed that the closing of the year 1870 found full three thousand 
 souls in the county. 
 
 It was claimed that in the summer of 1870 there were broken over 
 four thousand acres of land. The average crop report was noted as 
 follows: wheat, twenty bushels per acre; oats, forty; corn, forty- 
 five. Numerous groves had been planted. Osage, plum, cotton- 
 wood, and walnut were experimented with for hedges. Our soils 
 
76 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 ■are described as rich sandy loam, largely composed of decayed vege- 
 table matter and underlaid with a clay subsoil, and well adapted to 
 withstand drouth. The peat deposits west of Milford are noticed. 
 The surface and drainage of the county are favorably commented 
 upon, and it was claimed that the waste lands were all in some other 
 •county, which was very correct. The water-powers of the rivers 
 receive favorable mention. The red sandstone of Middle creek, and 
 the white limestone in the southern part of the county, also the shell 
 limestone of the north-east, are all noted. The indications of coal 
 are mentioned. 
 
 The school system and first school are mentioned as follows : 
 
 " The county being so thinly settled, the formation of a school dis- 
 trict was not to be thought of until the year 1867, when a few fam- 
 ilies combined and formed an independent school at Camden, and 
 employed Miss Eva Hooker as teacher. This we believe to be the 
 iirst school in the county." In this the editor is mistaken. There 
 was one up near West mills prior to this; also one at Seward as early 
 as the previous winter. The people are represented as wide-awake in 
 educational matters, and every individual was a committee of one to 
 see that there was a school at the earliest possible date, and the result 
 has been a healthy growth of educational interests in the young 
 county. At the date of writing there are sixteen organized districts 
 and one academical association. The teachers are highly commended, 
 and also the patrons, for their zeal. The Southern Nebraska C. C. 
 Academy, under the supervision of Hon. Geo. B. France, is spoken 
 of as highly creditable to the county, and as already well spoken of 
 abroad. 
 
 Three villages — Camden, Milford, and Seward — are all spoken of 
 in the highest terms; a compliment is paid to the Nebraska ^<fe.s, 
 the pioneer newspaper of the county. Milford was well described as 
 the county seat, and with two good water-powers and splendid possi- 
 bilities. 
 
 In summing up the growth it is noted that from three families in 
 1862, now three thousand bright intelligent people have united their 
 fortunes with the interests of the county. 
 
 The editor claims to have set squarely before the world the county 
 of his choice, and he certainly did it; and even now we remember 
 his efforts with gratitude, as he was so earnestly striving to make this 
 wilderness to smile 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 77 
 
 CLIPPINGS. 
 
 "We notice a motto on a prairie schooner as follows: 'York 
 county or bust.' " 
 
 " The apportionment of school money to Seward county for 1870 
 is $1,452.42 to 782 scholars." 
 
 We also note from same table that whole number of scholars in 
 Nebraska was 32,762. 
 
 The editor's salutatory coutains these words : " Morally we shall 
 labor for what we believe to be truth and justice, and shall act upon 
 what we profess." Also it says : " We shall labor for the best inter-^ 
 ests of the republican party, not in a partisan spirit, but in a firm 
 belief that it is the true party of progress and reform." 
 
 January 5, 1871. — "J. L. Davison, of Milford, has nearly com- 
 pleted the largest aud best dwelliug house in the county." The 
 house spoken of is the square house just west of the bridge. It don't 
 look the largest or the best in 1888. 
 
 " A number of prominent Seward people are in town (Milford) 
 attending probate court." That reads strangely now. 
 
 " Wm. G. Keen is recommended for postmaster at Nelden, the new 
 office on Walnut creek ten miles west of Milford." 
 
 January 12th. — " Fresh buffalo meat is on sale, at three cents per 
 pound." 
 
 From a communication by Fair Play, it is claimed that Miss Agnes 
 Baily (now Mrs. Cornelius West) taught the first school in Saline 
 county, near the county line, and was patronized by citizens of both 
 counties. This was in the spring of 1861. She also taught a school 
 near West's mill in 1863. So she has the honor of teaching the first 
 school of both Saline and Seward counties; and Miss Englehouft 
 taught the West Mills school in 1865-66. In 1866 the residents of 
 Camden district organized under the school law, bought the old build- 
 ing in Saline county and moved it over, and Thomas Graham taught 
 during the winter of 1866-67. 
 
 The same article mentions that Thomas Graham has a fine orchard 
 of apple and pear trees which are doing well, and that J. W. Low- 
 rie has peaches of his own planting, probably the first in the county. 
 It is also mentioned that Mrs. Graham, Mrs. Lowrie, and Mrs. 
 Parker are making the prairies blaze with the variety and beauty of 
 their flowers. 
 
78 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 The county superintendent reports the school fund as follows: 
 
 Apportioned by state $1,452 42 
 
 Dog fund 193 38 
 
 Fines aud licenses 100 00 
 
 Total $1,745 80 
 
 This was distributed to twenty-six directors as follows: 
 
 District No. 1, F. L. Roper, Camden $ 85 25 
 
 " 2, Orin Johnson, West Mills 44 58 
 
 " 3, Sam Englehaught, on West Blue 51 15 
 
 " 4, W. J. Thompson, on Walnut creek 74 65 
 
 " 5, Rev. T. M. Skinner, Milford 150 67 
 
 " 6, Matthew Hackworth (east of Ruby) 110 00 
 
 " 7, Geo. W. Lesenby, north of Milford 44 58 
 
 " 8, Wm. Anderson, west of Seward 87 32 
 
 9, H. L. Boyes, Seward 125 92 
 
 " 10, J. D. Thurman, on Lincoln creek 58 72 
 
 " 11, W.W. Cox, north-west of Seward 44 58 
 
 " 12, Thomas Poore, six miles north of Seward... 76 42 
 
 " • 13, C. C. Berkey, center of " A " 88 79 
 
 " 14, E. C. Archer, west of Staplehurst 74 65 
 
 " 15, wanting 
 
 " 16, A.Montgomery, north-westof"N" 78 19 
 
 " 17, M. M. Neeves 62 28 
 
 " 18, Sam Strohm, center of "O" 33 96 
 
 19, Ed. Healy, south-west of "P" 56 95 
 
 '' 20, J. N. McCauley, center of "M" 58 73 
 
 21, J. A. Reymer, south-east of ''!", 53 42 
 
 22, Wolsey Weyant, southeru "H" 46 35 
 
 " 23, Thos. Healey, northern "N" 55 19 
 
 24, R. J. McCall, west of "M" 44 58 
 
 " 25, Wm. Halle, south-east of "N" 34 10 
 
 " 26, George W. Losy (Batchelor) 5165 
 
 This was done at Milford, Jauuary 7, 1881, by George B, France, 
 su per inteu dent. 
 
 The reader will please compare the above table with the present 
 showing of the disbursements to ninety districts. It will be noticed 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 79 
 
 that Milford district at that date was the most populous and had the 
 most money, while Seward was second. 
 
 In March, 1871, it is noted that James Her was appointed post- 
 master at Pleasant Dale. 
 
 April 6th — The organization of the American Bible Society by Rev. 
 McCandlish, of Omaha. Messrs. Birge Keyes, S. Brown, and D. 
 C Tift were elected executive committee. Culver and Parsons were 
 appointed to care for the books. 
 
 Editor noting a visit of Geo. McKay, A. D. Sperry, and E. H. 
 Noxon, of the north county, says: " Perhaps we can visit you by 
 rail before another century." The century proved to be a short one. 
 You can do it now, my friend. 
 
 April 13th — "S. W. Huston has received his appointment as 
 postmaster at Oak Grove." Now a town. 
 
 April 20th — " Wm. Knight has received his appointment as post- 
 master at Groveland north of Seward." 
 
 May 4th — The return of a hunting party consisting of J. W. 
 Hickman, Mr. Davis, Ellis Gaudy, Elias Frane, and others, with 
 three loads of buffalo meat. Their game was caught on the Kansas 
 border, south of the Republican. 
 
 One hundred and eighty-nine immigrant wagons passed through 
 Milford during April. 
 
 Tuesday, May 2d — The second term of the district court met. 
 Judge Lake on the bench. Twenty-four cases on the docket. 
 
 We glean from the county superintendent's report for the year 
 ending April 1st, the following interesting educational statistics: 
 
 Whole number of children of school age 1,247 
 
 Number attending school 697 
 
 Number of teachers employed (male) 19 
 
 " '' (female) 20 
 
 Average daily attendance 457 
 
 Total amount paid teachers during year $3,717.00 
 
 We also glean from an editorial note that there are twenty school- 
 houses — six frame, four log, seven sod, and three dug-outs. The 
 editor remarks that the people must have an inordinate desire to edu- 
 cate the children, to face winter storms across the blighted rail- 
 road lands, long distances to a dug-out or sod shanty to school. 
 We think as much. 
 
80 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 From a Seward correspondent of June 1, 1871, that Seward 
 is a bright town of three summers, and has about one hundred 
 and seventy people. 
 
 We also note that at that time H. M. Coleman was principal of our 
 school. 
 
 The organization of the Odd Fellows' Lodge, with L. G. Johns as 
 Noble Grand. 
 
 Tuesday, June 13th — At Milford the Good Templars organized a 
 lodge. Rev. J. M. Yearnshaw, Dist. D. G. W. C. T., assisted by D. 
 W. Amesbury, of Lincoln. OflBcers elected were: J. L. Davison,^ 
 W. C. T.; Miss Mattie Drake, W. Y. T.; H. G. Parsons, W. R. 
 Scribe ; G. B. France, W. F. Sec; Mrs. J. Laune, W. Treas.; F. 
 J. Culver, W. Chaplain. Onaway was the name chosen. 
 
 Beaver Crossing was mentioned as " Nicholsville," and it is re- 
 ported that work on the mill was progressing finely. Main street is 
 being surveyed, and everything is bidding fair to make a youthful 
 city in a short time. 
 
 June 15th — H. W. Parker's nomination as registrar of Beatrice 
 land office is noted. 
 
 June 20th — "Corn stands about six feet high in the Blue valley.'^ 
 
 July 6th — " Jeff Stevens, a resident six miles north-west of here,. 
 was found dead under a load of overturned lumber, about four 
 miles east of town, near the bridge on Middle creek. Mr. Stevens 
 leaves a wife and ten children to mourn his loss." 
 
 The June apportionment of school moneys shows $2,021.10,. 
 divided among forty districts. 
 
 We also notice that in this apportionment Seward leads with $132.- 
 90, and Milford takes the second place with $125.25. Fourteen, 
 new districts had been formed since January. 
 
 This number contains a sharp letter from " Well Wisher," on the 
 county seat erabroglio. Also a long editorial on a newly discovered 
 coal mine, which it was claimed had been found by Mr. Stockton^ 
 forty-seven feet below the surface, and Mr. S. claimed they had bored 
 four feet and six inches into solid coal. 
 
 July 27th — Milford is announced as a money order office. 
 
 August 10th — Dr. Woodward is announced for a lecture. Sub- 
 ject: " Immateriality of the mind and its relation to the body." 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 81 
 
 August 19th — The Record gives some heavy hits at the Seward 
 liars for reporting small-pox at Milford. 
 
 August 24th— Gold is quoted at $1.12. 
 
 Same date, we find the report of a railroad meeting at Camden, 
 W. C. Scott, chairman, and Ed. Healy, secretary. Judge Hooker 
 and Gen. Vifquain offered the following resolutions: 
 
 Whereas, We, citizens of Seward, Saline, York, Hamilton, and 
 Hall counties, have been fraudulently deprived of the benefits that 
 might have arisen out of the construction of the B. & M.'R. R. on 
 their original survey ; and 
 
 Whereas, We settled along the line with the full understanding 
 that the road should be built on said survey, according to act of 
 congress, donating to them half our national inheritance; and 
 
 Whereas, The said corporation is assisted by Nebraska poli- 
 ticians, in its schemes to plunder the people. 
 
 Be it resolved, That we pledge our sacred honors, without any re- 
 gard to party ties, to send to oblivion by the strength of our ballots 
 any man that comes before us for ofiice who is in any manner con- 
 nected with said corporation. 
 
 Resolved, That we authorize S. M. Boyd to commence proceedings 
 in Nebraska and at Washington against !?aid B. &. M. E.. R. Co. for 
 the purpose of compelling them to build a line of railway on their 
 original survey, or that they be deprived of the lands received under 
 this pledge. 
 
 Resolved, That the people of the United States, looking for loca- 
 tions in Nebraska, are hereby notified that, we hold the purchase oi 
 said railroad lands to be a dangerous bargain for the purchaser. 
 
 Resolved, That these resolutions be published in all Nebraska pa- 
 pers, and in three in Iowa, and at least two in Illinois. 
 
 Resolutions adopted unanimously. 
 
 It was a swindle on the people of this and western counties, to 
 give up half their lands to the rapacious corporation, and then not 
 get a mile of the road. 
 
 Sept. 7th — The county commissioners order an election on location 
 of county seat, and the editor gives them a terrible scolding. 
 
 Report of the election on the new constitution. At this time there 
 were seven precincts, as follows: 
 6 
 
82 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 Milfortl, for constitution 
 
 122 
 
 Against 
 
 
 
 Walnut Creek 
 Beaver Crossing 
 Oak Grove 
 Camden 
 Seward 
 
 
 37 
 
 36 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 33 
 
 30 
 
 68 
 
 25 
 
 858 
 
 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 North Blue 
 Total 
 
 Total 
 
 3 
 
 12 
 
 First number of Nebraska Reporter is received, and is unfavorably 
 commented on, on account of harsh epithets and coarse language 
 used. 
 
 Oct. 5th — S. R. Douglas caught a coon. 
 
 Oct. 19th — The Record has heard of the county seat election, and 
 has its war paint on. 
 
 Oct 25th — " County commissioners have re-districted the county 
 into eight precincts, as follows: Townships nine and ten, range one, 
 form Beaver Creek ; townships eleven and twelve, Lincoln Creek ; 
 township twelve, ranges two and three. North Blue ; township eleven, 
 ranges two and three, Seward ; townships nine and ten, range two, 
 Walnut creek; townships nine and ten, range three, Milford; town- 
 ships nine and ten, range four, Camden ; townships eleven and twelve, 
 range four. Oak Grove." 
 
 The editor takes a ride over to Beaver Crossing, and finds the new 
 town flourishing. Ross Nichols, Daniel Millspaw, Roland Reed, 
 John E. Fouse, McCauley, John Leonard, and Osborne, are men- 
 tioned as thrifty farmers. The new mill of Mr. Smith is highly 
 spoken of. Thomas Tisdale's store is noted as one of the best store 
 buildings in the county. 
 
 Oct 26th — The election of officers of the county agricultural 
 society, at Seward, is noted as occurring on the 16tli inst., when W. W. 
 Cox was elected president; Henry Wortendyke, vice president ; 
 James A. Brown, recording secretary , A. L. Strang, corresponding 
 secretary; Robert McCrossan, treasurer ; directors — E. B. Shafer, J. 
 W. Lee, George W. Standard, and Thomas Graham. 
 
 Nov. 80th — There is a long correspondence from Seward about the 
 court-house location, wherein Croney, Williams (0. T. B.), and Ells- 
 worth, are discussed at large by Mortimer. Wm. Hornbprg, one of 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 83 
 
 the commissioners, also gets a rub. At that time there was a struggle 
 between Harris on the one side and Cloyd on the other as to where 
 the court-house should be located. We note in the commissioners' 
 proceedings of Nov. 21st, that a resolution passed the board by the 
 votes of Imlay and Horuburg to accept the proposition of W. C. 
 Cloyd, to place the court-house on block 35 in Cloyd's addition, just 
 west of the M. E. church, provided a good title to the property 
 should be made to the county without expense. This resolution 
 must have been re-considered at some other and later meeting, for 
 the court-house evidently was not placed on that block. 
 
 Dec. 7th — Notice is given that a lodge of Good Templars will be 
 instituted at Beaver Crossing, Dec. i6, 1871. 
 
 Dec. 14th — Contains a report from County Superintendent France, 
 from Avhich we glean that during the year 102 teachers had been 
 examined, seventy-four of whom obtained certificates, sixty third 
 grades, and fourteen second grades; fifty-two were employed during 
 the year. Superintendent's salary, $200. A healthy growth and 
 improvement is noted, and many new school-houses were erected. 
 An appropriation is recommended for charts, globes, and other fix- 
 tures for the schools. 
 
 Jan. 4, 1872 — The railroad bond proposition gets an overhauling 
 by the editor. 
 
 Jan 11th — There was a wide-awake meeting at Beaver Crossing, 
 wherein the bond proposition receives the following send-off : 
 
 Resolved, That the county commissioners have disgraced them- 
 selves in the eyes of the tax-payers, etc., etc. 
 
 Resolved, That this scheme to vote bonds is to aid a monopoly, a 
 one-sided railroad aifair, a disgrace to the people, and a binding curse 
 upon our county, etc., etc. 
 
 This interesting document was signed by W. J. Thompson, T. H. 
 Tisdale, and Daniel Millspaw, committee. 
 
 Also notices that Col. Vifquain will stump the county against 
 bonds. Bond meetings, pro and con, will be held throughout the 
 county. 
 
 " Monday last a crowded house voted unanimously against bonds. 
 A committee, consisting of W. H. Reed, D. C. McKillip, P. J. 
 Goodrich, Ed. Healy, and Cummins, were appointed to hold meet- 
 ings for defeat of the bonds." 
 
84 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 The burden of the song for all the weeks prior to the election day, 
 February 22d, is down with the bonds, and on that day they downed 
 them. 
 
 We notice among the writers and speakers that were conspicuous- 
 in opposition to bonds, was Rev. T. N. Skinner. 
 
 Result of the election is noted as follows: 
 
 Milford, for bonds 5 votes. Against bonds 147 
 
 Camden " 6 " " 138 
 
 Walnut Creek" 10 " " 13a 
 
 Beaver Creek" 2 " « 135 
 
 Seward " 232 " « 3 
 
 North Blue " 136 « " 
 
 Oak Grove " 47 " " 60 
 
 Lincoln Creek " 109 " " 9 
 
 Total vote 540 Total 622 
 
 Majority against, 82. 
 
 This ended the first chapter in this desperate sectional struggle,, 
 with Seward the under dog. 
 
 March 7th — The first issue of the Beaver Tribune, a semi-monthly 
 paper at Beaver Crossing, is noticed. This was published by Y. W. 
 Wilson & Co. 
 
 March 11th — A mass meeting of the people of Camden is held, in 
 which the county commissioners are handled without gloves for dis- 
 franchising Camden precinct in the bond matter. It has always been 
 supposed that a young Seward lawyer stole from the clerk's office the 
 returns from Camden precinct, and when the canvass of the vote 
 was made, there were no returns from Camden, so the commissioners 
 felt obliged to ignore the Camden election, and this Camden mass 
 meeting was ready to take up arms, as it seemed that ballots had 
 failed. 
 
 Rev. T. N. Skinner heads an epistle to the people, "Ballots or 
 Bullets." 
 
 April 4th — Seward correspondent says another bond proposition, 
 will be submitted ; and also says the commissioners will dismiss thteir 
 county attorney, because he is such a consummate liar that they can't 
 believe a word he says ; and he is also accused of taking fees on two 
 sides of a case. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 85 
 
 Milford money order office shows business for three months to be : 
 
 Orders issued $2,653 38 
 
 Orders paid 961 61 
 
 Amount deposited 2,140 00 
 
 Total business $5,755 19 
 
 April 4th — Also has the minutes of a mass meeting in Seward to 
 •express their abhorrence of the idea of stealing an election. The 
 meeting resolved that the people of Seward firmly believe in a free 
 and untrammeled election, and in jealously guarding the purity of 
 the ballot box; and 
 
 " Be it further resolved. That we here assembled express our disap- 
 probation of any scheme or plan for the purpose of defeating the ex- 
 pressed will of the county at the late election ; and further we are 
 desirous to know the truth or falsity of the charges preferred, and 
 will heartily engage in any movement to ascertain who are the guilty 
 parties, whether in Seward, Camden, or elsewhere, and to bring them 
 to merited punishment." Signed by J. N. Beaty, Chairman ; T. J. 
 Hamilton, Secretary. 
 
 April 18th — Appears a clipping from the Atlas on the bond elec- 
 tion, in which Prof. Ingham says : " Blessed, yea, thrice blessed, are 
 the peace-makers, and most benign would be the labors of any, if only 
 successful in allaying that bitter animosity and uncompromising hos- 
 tility which excites the different sections of our county. This spirit of 
 ■evil which pervades our county, will, we fear, unless exorcised by a 
 gentle spirit of forbearance and reconciliation, become so powerful as to 
 utterly ruin the highest prospects of the whole county." The editor 
 of the Atlas takes occasion to charge in this article the blame on the 
 older settlers of both sections, and charges them with being narrow- 
 minded, etc. This waked up a hornet's nest, and the learned 
 professor soon heard a tremendous buzzing around his ears, and in a 
 subsequent issue he takes everything back, and gets down on his knees 
 in good shape to the old settlers ; not only asks forgiveness, but at- 
 tempts to " bring forth fruits meet for his repentance," and pitches into 
 Milford like a wild cat, and so the battle rages. 
 
 May 2d — It is noted that the commissioners have divided Lincoln 
 Oreek, Oak Grove, and Camden precincts, so that there are now 
 ■eleven. Also, it is noted that Pi-of Ingham has retired from the 
 
86 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 Atlas, and assumed the role of iustructor. It is also noted that t^e 
 History of Seward County, by O. T. B. Williams, is just out, and 
 was printed at the Record office, which has disgusted many of the 
 Seward people. The county superintendent reports thirty male and 
 twenty-eight female teachers employed, and an expenditure of $4,- 
 721.95 between April 3, 1871, and April 1, 1872. Whole number of 
 scholars were 1,731. Approximate number of inhabitants, 5,203. 
 
 May 9th — The erection of Tuttle's new hotel is noticed in the 
 Seward correspondence ; also the near completion of the Presbyterian 
 church edifice; also a call for the corporation election of the town of 
 Seward; also that Miss Lizzie McKillip (Mrs. Buck) is engaged for 
 the summer school. 
 
 May 16feh — It is noted that the injunction suit against commission- 
 ers in the railroad bond case is made perpetual by Judge Lake, and 
 everybody is satisfied. 
 
 June 13th — Notice of a new railroad bond proposition is given. 
 The Seward correspondent calls Hon. Wm. Imlay the county com- 
 missioners. The same gentleman, whoever he was, predicted that the 
 same blunderers would in like manner come to grief again. He 
 remarks, no one has any idea that they will carry. The drowning of 
 Miss Hattie Tift is commented on. She was partially insane. 
 Croney's sale of the Reporter is noted, and of Prof. Ingham assuming 
 the post of editor again. 
 
 July 4th — The Record says, in flaming head-lines: "Stop the 
 reaper and protect yourselves," thereby meaning that they must stop 
 their work and go and vote against bonds again. 
 
 July 11th — The second bond election is reported, in which the 
 famous "Mortimer" is buried under an avalanche of votes, bonds 
 having carried by a majority of 123 votes. It puzzled the editor to 
 know how Seward could swell her vote 81 since last February. 
 
 September 19th — The division of Beaver Creek precinct is noted. 
 
 September 26th — The removal of D. C. McKillip is commented 
 on. 
 
 October 3d — Specimens of peat from Walnut creek are examined 
 and pronounced good. 
 
 October 10th — Reporter has again changed hands. 
 
 October 17th — Two wild deer were seen just west of Milford. We 
 also quote: "The second annual fair at Seward was a success, with 
 a fine display, especially of stock, and a large att'^idance." 
 
HISTORY OF SEWAED COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 87 
 
 December 5tli — The Record announces the death of Horace Greeley, 
 with a fitting eulogy. Mortimer says in same number that a scandal- 
 ous story is afloat about one of our county officials. This must mean 
 McPherson, county treasurer. 
 
 December 12th — A discovery of free lime, phosphates, and silicon, 
 a vein twenty-two feet thick. This is on West Blue, in sections 7, 8, 
 and 9, in town 9, range 2 east. The French leave taken by our 
 county treasurer is reported, with a probable loss of five or six thou- 
 sand dollars. 
 
 December 26th — The action of the county board in the removal of 
 the treasurer, McPherson, and the appointment of AVm. B. Thorpe, 
 is commented on. 
 
 January 9, 1873 — It is noted that a silver-headed cane was voted 
 to W. W. Cox, as the homeliest man in the county. The same paper 
 notes the scalding of the child of Thomas Osborne on Lincoln creek ; 
 also the resignation of W. J. Thompson as representative; also the 
 removal of E. L. Clark, Jr., from the Seward post-office, for embezzle- 
 ment. Said defalcation is thought to be about $2,000. L. G. Johns 
 was appointed to the place. The apportionment of school money to 
 Seward county is, to 1,701 scholars, $3,690.07. 
 
 January 16th — Announcement of the election of D. C. McKillip, 
 representative, to fill vacancy. 
 
 January 23d — School moneys apportioned among fifty-nine districts. 
 
 February 13th — It is mentioned that at the commissioners' meet- 
 ing held on February 3d, the geographical townships were made 
 into precincts, and were named from the first sixteen letters of the 
 alphabet. The same issue mentions four marriages in Seward, viz.: 
 Ethan Atwater, Walter Briggs, Mr. Spear, and Andrew Wright. 
 
 March 6th — The bill incorporating Seward is noticed by Mortimer, 
 who also says that the railroad track is just being laid into Seward. 
 This letter is dated March 4th. Mortimer made a mistake, as the 
 track was complete and the cars reached Seward on the evening of 
 March 1, 1873. He also notes that Rev. Rockwell preached his fare- 
 well sermon to the Methodist congregation. 
 
 April 10th — The editor publishes his valedictory. 
 
 We have looked through every page of the files of the Record from 
 first to last, and it is our pleasure to say that the paper was a credit 
 to the county and the state. While the editors worked manfully for 
 
88 HISTORY OP SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 the interest of Milford in all her battles, yet they manifested a gentle- 
 manly and courteous attitude towards all. We wish the Becord had 
 continued its publication. In quoting so liberally from its columns, we 
 feel that we are giving bits of history, both interesting and profitable, 
 and we hereby extend our warmest thanks to Mr. Culver for the use 
 of his files. 
 
 The following items are taken from the Nebraska Reporter. We 
 regret to say that the earlier files are only fragmentary, most of them 
 are destroyed, but we are able to get from what we have at command 
 some items of interest: 
 
 December 13, 1872 — The Baptist church is up and nearly enclosed. 
 A letter from Shoe String Joe complains bitterly of the manage- 
 ment of the Seward post-office. He says the P.M. is an inveterate 
 novel reader and don't like to be bothered by people asking for mail. 
 January 4, 1873 — A mush and milk sociable for the benefit of 
 Rev. J. H. Rockwell was a success, and from fifty to sixty dollars 
 realized. 
 
 Also, that homely man getting the cane is noticed. 
 The organization of the Seward Literary Club is noticed, of which 
 V. Danniels was chairman, and in which Wm. Leese, T. L. Norval, 
 H. C. Page, D.C. McKillip, T. F. Buck, J. W. English, and C. P. 
 Dick each figured. 
 
 The New Year's address, by O. S. Ingham, is also given. 
 January 11th — Returns show a total vote of 396 in the special 
 election, wherein D. C. McKillip was elected to fill vacancy in this 
 legislative district. D. C. M. received 208 votes and there were 
 three opposinp- candidates, viz., Elsworth Hamilton, T. J., and 
 Campbell. 
 
 January 18th — The editor is impressed with the number of dead 
 tom cats in the streets. 
 
 The marriage of E. M. Spear, of Seward, to Miss May R. New- 
 land, of Rochester, N. Y., is noticed. 
 
 May 8th — The charter election of the town of Seward is reported 
 as follows: resulting in the election of V. Daniels, Sam Stevenson, 
 Herman Diers, Wm. Hays, and T. L. Norval, as trustees of the 
 village for the coming year. There were 93 votes cast. 
 
 May 22d — The air is filled Math grasshoppers, also that work is 
 being pushed on Tishue's store, and the editor says we may well be 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 89 
 
 proud of such a fiue building. Well, we were, but have got bravely 
 over it. 
 
 Tiie advent of Claudius Jones is welcomed. 
 
 May 29th — The new jail is nearly enclosed. 
 
 It is noted that the grasshoppers are doing some damage in a few 
 localities. 
 
 June 12th — Sixty buildings in two months, by actual count. 
 
 June 26th^ — Ed. Ingham gets eloquent over a little street fight. 
 We quote : " On the morning of the 21st of June the sun in unclouded 
 splendor issued from the pearly portals of the Orient to pursue his 
 daily journey through the shining concave heavens, past the lofty 
 zenith, down to his purple, cloud-draped ocean couch, behind the 
 western hills," etc. 
 
 July 3d — The M. P. E,. R. depot and water tank are about 
 completed. 
 
 Sept. 30th — The county fair is pronounced a success. 
 
 Sept. 4th — Says from one to two hundred loads of grain received 
 •daily, and threshing hardly commenced. 
 
 Feb. 1st, 1873— F. M. McPherson joins the editorial force of the 
 Heporter. 
 
 The marriage of Ethan Atwater is noted. 
 
 The town council is scored for voting a hundred dollars to W. C. 
 Oloyd for his pamphlet. 
 
 Feb. 13th — H. T. Clarke is building a bridge west of town on the 
 river. 
 
 The city is full of strangers. 
 
 The organization of the Seward cemetery association is noted. 
 
 McPherson, our defaulting treasurer, receives encouragement and 
 is assured that he has plenty of friends. 
 
 May 8th — The editor complains that the Atlas man calls him a 
 lunatic. 
 
 Sept. 4th — Dick Norval is building a cosy cage for his prospective 
 bird. 
 
 July 31st — School report from district number 9, with J. A. 
 Brown director, shows 139 scholars in district; enrolled QQ; present 
 that day 14; average attendance 33. 
 
 The following was clipped from the Toledo Blade: 
 
 ^'Out at Seward, Neb., they build houses for editors in about eight 
 
90 HISTOEY OF SEAVARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 days. The editor of the Reporter gave an order for a residence to a 
 building firm, and in less than two weeks the editor moved into the 
 house, and his wife immediately presented him with a fine pair of 
 twin babies. They do things up in a hurry in Nebraska." 
 
 The above clippings are not in their regular order, but they were 
 jotted down from miscellaneous papers. 
 
 Nov. 15th, 1887— Total vote cast in G precinct, 286, of which 
 Judge Lake received all but one tor judge of supreme court. Total 
 vote of county, 1,166, of which Judge Lake received 1,130. 
 
 Nov. 22d — Discusses in detail the street fight at Utioa, which oc- 
 curred some days before, in which railroaders and citizens exercised 
 their pugilistic ability. Also, a stabbing aifray north-west of the 
 city, in which the Manning boys stabbed Frank Slonecker five times 
 with a pocket knife. In same paper it is noted that township organ- 
 ization carried by a large majority. Also the result of the liquor 
 damage case of Eliza Perkins, wherein she gains a judgment of $3,000 
 agaiust three saloons (this is the first case of the kind ever tried in the 
 state) lor selling her husband liquor and thereby causing his death. 
 
 Dee. 6th— We notice that R. R. Shick sold, in 1873, bonds for 
 school district number 46 (now the Purdam district) $1,000 for $750, 
 in order to build the little frame school-house. We quote the above 
 to show just how our people were bled iu-the early days by capitalists. 
 These bonds were ten ]>er cent bonds and run for ten years. 
 
 April 10th, 1879 — School census shows in district number nine 
 (Seward) four hundred and eighty- nine school children. The same 
 census gives the total population of the city at 1,250 and of the entire 
 district at 1,666. 
 
 April 17th — Is noted financial condition of the city. Amount 
 on hand April 22, 187fi, $68.14; collection to date, $1,101.11; paid 
 out, $885.86; balance on hand, $283.29. 
 
 April 24th — Chronicles the arrest of P. B. Thompson for robbing 
 the mails in Seward post-office. 
 
 May 15th — Gives Orlando J. Cassler's autobiography. We will 
 not quote it. 
 
 May 22d — A full history of the execution is given. 
 
 May 29th — Is noticed the purchase of the fire apparatus. 
 
 Also the shooting of Mcintosh by Gordon on the road from the 
 Gassier execution. Whiskey is charged with being the cause. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 91 
 
 June 5th — The triumph of the A. & N. bond election is dwelt on 
 at large. The total vote cast on county bonds was 1,798. 
 
 The commencement of Goehner block, on the corner of 7th and 
 Seward streets, is noted. Also Henigan & Ashton's meat market 
 on the east side. 
 
 June 26th — The injunction suit commenced by Claudius Jones 
 against the commissioners in the matter of issuing railroad bonds to 
 the Lincoln & Northwestern company is fully commented on, with 
 severe strictures. 
 
 The arrest of Isaac Whitman for making counterfeit fifty cent 
 pieces is announced. His factory was a dugout near West Mills, 
 He worked over pewter and ground glass into silver half dollars, and 
 was doing a thriving business. 
 
 July 10th — We clip the following from the description of the 
 Fourth of July celebration parade. It speaks for itself, and shows to 
 what extremes people can be led in hours of wild excitement. We 
 trust those responsible for this scene have long since become ashamed 
 of it. 
 
 "An immense hog, which some of the people mistook for an Africani 
 elephant instead of a Seward county swine, on each side of its back 
 were hung large letters * B. & M.' A gaudily arrayed man was 
 leading this hog by a strong rope, and this disguised personage was 
 labeled ' U. P.' Following the hog came a man with a large shovel 
 on his shoulder, with his hat festooned 'Banker,' and carrying a 
 banner on which was inscribed the device, 'I do the dirty work for 
 this hog, but it pays.' 
 
 "A large caricature representing first the figure of a man striking a 
 lively gait, holding in his hand a roll inscribed 'Injunction,' which 
 he is handing to an attendant near, accompanied with the exclamation,. 
 'My only refuge is Salt Lake — serve this.' Following comes a 
 woman with a carpet sack, and hanging to the coat-tails of the first 
 described figure, exclaiming, ' Run, I smell tar !' In hot pursuit comes 
 a crowd in the distance carrying buckets marked tar and fieather beds. 
 On the other end of this large standard was a large sleek man who 
 had ' U. P.' on his hat, and held a rope that had been tied around a 
 partly finished man inscribed 'A. & N.,' but the rope was broken in 
 trying to hold the 'A. & N.' man, and the 'U. P.' figure exclaming 
 'the A. & N. must be stopped at all hazards.'" 
 
'92 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 Also, the departure of Claudius Jones and family for Salt Lake is 
 noted. 
 
 July 24th — It is noted that Fred D. Grant, a young lad living in 
 N precinct, was killed by being dragged by a runaway horse. 
 
 July 31st — Says the contracts for the Norval block are completed. 
 
 Also, the death of Mrs. M. W. Warner, in M precinct, which oc- 
 curred July 23d, 1879. This lady was the former wife of our late 
 school superintendent. 
 
 Aug. 7th — It is reported that $60,000 had been received for 
 freight at the B. & M. depot in Seward during the year ending July 
 31st, 1879. 
 
 Oct. 16th — Is noticed at length the shooting by accident of Miss 
 l/izzie AVelty, which resulted in the death of a noble young woman. 
 
 Also the completion of the railroad to Milford. 
 
 Oct. 23d — The visit and speech of Hon. De La Matyr is com- 
 mented on. 
 
 Nov. 6th — Is noted the completion of the A. & N. road, and the 
 visit of fifty distinguished citizens of Lincoln. 
 
 Nov. 13th — It is mentioned that the following two-story brick 
 buildings have been erected during the season: Henigan & Ash- 
 ton's, John Cattle, Sen., Goehner Bros.' engine house, Bischof 's, John 
 Roberts', and Norval Bros. 
 
 Dec. 15th — We find an estimate of the corn crop of that year as 
 follows : 2,300,000 bushels. The highest reported yield was eighty- 
 five bushels per acre. In the same article it Avas estimated that the 
 reduction in freight, consequent upon the building of the A. & N. 
 R. R., was three cents per bushel, or $69,000 on the crop of that 
 year. According to our memory the estimate was rather low than 
 high. It was a noteworthy fact that the Seward grain dealers of 
 that fall and winter were able to pay from three to five cents more for 
 <3orn than any town on the main line of the B. & M. west of Lincoln. 
 Jan. 8, 1888 — The founding of Staplehurst and the shipment of 
 eight cars of corn is recorded. Also the death of Mrs. Thomas Best, 
 at Pleasant Dale, which occurred Dec. 18, 1879, aged sixty years. 
 We also append from its columns the following useful information : 
 " Edmund Mclntyre has made the following statement for the 
 B. & M. Land Department of the acreage and yield of cultivated 
 lands in Seward county for 1879 : 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 9^ 
 
 "Total acres in county, 368,640; under cultivation, 109,590 acres : 
 in rye, 1,283 acres, yield 1,924 bushels ; in spring wheat, 43,825 
 acres, yield 482, 362 bushels ; in barley (must be a mistake, too many 
 acres or not enough barley), 8,900 acres, yield 17,800 bushels; in 
 oats, 6,718 acres, yield 227,720 bushels; in buckwheat, 112 acres, 
 yield 2,240 bushels; in flax, 2,109 acres, yield 18,981 bushels; in. 
 broom corn, 160 acres, yield 53|^ tons; in corn, 46,584 acres, yield 
 2,096,280 bushels; in potatoes, 906 acres, yield 36,840 bushels; in 
 turnips, 28 acres, yield 4,200 bushels; in blue grass, 17 acres; in 
 timothy, 1,272 acres; clover, 1,189 acres; cultivated timber, 4,500 
 acres. Number of apple trees 30,500, pears 300, peaches 26,450, 
 plums 8,000, cherries 16,000, grapes 33,000 vines; 175 miles of 
 hedges. 
 
 " These estimates are made on the returns of 1877 and estimates of 
 the proportionate increase." 
 
 Sept. 9th— Is recorded the death of E. N. Wingfield, of "K" 
 precinct, aged seventy-five years. His death occurred Sept 4, 1880. 
 Mr. W. was a worthy Christian, and a member of the M. P. church. 
 
 Aug. 12th — The dedication of the U. B. church by Bishop Wright 
 is favorably mentioned. 
 
 Also the death of Robert Walker, at the residence of his son 
 James, aged seventy-seven years. The deceased was one of our old 
 settlers, and was the father of W. H. Walker of our city. He was 
 well known and highly respected. 
 
 Also, in D precinct, Aug. 2d, Henry Newjahr, of cancer, aged 
 fifty-five years. He was one of the first settlers of that part of the 
 county. 
 
 Aug. 25th — The editor, speaking of his contemporary, calls him 
 "the bay-windowed, brazen-faced liar." 
 
 July 29th — Is recorded the death of Mrs. L. E. Tisdale, of Beaver 
 Crossing, aged forty-five years. Mrs. Tisdale settled in Seward 
 county in 1869. Her death occurred July 23d. Also the death of 
 John S. Bartlett, at Milford, on July 25th, aged thirty-six years, of 
 quick consumption. 
 
 June 10th — Records the freaks of the wind, the heaviest gale in 
 many years, in which the Catholic church was partially wrecked, and 
 many buildings damaged. 
 
 Feb. 19, 1880— Is recorded the death of Wilber McNall, by acci- 
 dental shooting. 
 
94 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 April 8, 1880 — Eecords the result of city election, in which the 
 anti-license party elects the whole ticket. 
 
 April 22d — Records the suicide of Chas. L. Docken. It was the 
 result of unappreciated love. 
 
 April 22d — Also records the death of Ira Wendall, caused by get- 
 ting his hand caught in machinery at West's mill. Deceased leaves 
 a wife and two children to mourn his sad fate. 
 
 May 6, 1880 — Is recorded the death of Mrs. Joseph H. Ballard, 
 after a long and painful illness. Mrs. Ballard was an estimable 
 Christian lady. 
 
 The visit and lecture of ex- Vice President Colfax is discussed at 
 large. 
 
 The small-pox scare with its attendant results is noted. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 95 
 
 CHAPTER Y. 
 
 AGRICULTUEAL SOCIETY — FIKST OFFICERS — ITS HISTORY AND GROWTH — NAMKS 
 OF ITS PRESIDING OFFICERS— VALUABLE PROPERTY ACQUIRED— WATER AND 
 WATER-COURSES OF THE COUNTY— ALTITUDE— LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE — 
 HEALTHFULNESS OF CLIMATE— NO CHILLS AND FEVER— COOL NIGHTS IN 
 SUMMER — RAINFALL IN SUMMER — WELLS — POLITICS OF THE COUNTY— INDE- 
 PENDENT CHARACTER OF VOTERS— TABLES OF COUNTY OFFICERS— SENATORS, 
 REPRESENTATIVES, COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, JUDGES, CLERKS, TREASURERS, 
 SHERIFFS, SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS, CORONERS, SURVEYORS, SUPERVISORS 
 — ASSESSMENTS FROM 1865 TO 1887— TAXES PAID STATE TREASURER IN 
 1887 — CENSUS RETURNS BY PRECINCTS— COMPARATIVE TABLES OF WEALTH 
 AND POPULATION — SEWARD COUNTY AS IT IS NOW. 
 
 Seward County Agricultural Society was organized August 7, 1871, 
 by the adoption of a constitution and set of by-laws, and the election 
 of the following officers: Milton Langd on, president; F. M. Ells- 
 worth, vice president; T. F. Hardenburg, secretary; Geo. W. Stand- 
 ard, treasurer. The first fair was held from the 21st to 23d of Sep- 
 tember, in the grove south-west of Seward. By referring to the 
 Nebraska Atlas of Sept. 29, 1871, we find in its columns that the fair 
 was a success, and that there were over a thousand people in attend- 
 ance. We have our memory refreshed also by finding in a later issue 
 of the same sheet that our secretary got away with some of our funds. 
 We have no means of learning just how much. 
 
 At the regular annual meeting in October, 1871, we find that W. 
 W. Cox was elected president. There is no record of who were the 
 other officers, but we remember that James A. Brown was chosen 
 secretary, and Hon. T. L. Norval clerk; that we held the second 
 annual fair at the same jjlace as the first, and that it was quite success- 
 ful. We arranged a very creditable premium list, and were able to 
 pay all the indebtedness caused by the default of the former secretary, 
 and every expense of the fair, including the premiums, and turned 
 over sixty dollars to our successors in office. The exhibits were good, 
 especially in farm products and in the fine arts. The trees of the 
 
96 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 beautiful grove fairly blossomed with the handiwork of our women.. 
 The editor of the Nebraska Farmer delivered the annual address. 
 
 It is most unfortunate that all the records of the society from the- 
 date of its formation until 1881 have been lost or destroyed; and 
 what is more surprising, the most diligent search through the files of 
 the newspapers of those years discloses nothing from which we can 
 learn anything of importance, except the first organization in the sum- 
 mer of 1871, in the Nebraska Atlas. We remember, however, that 
 Mr. Campbell was elected president in the fall of 1872, and Joseph. 
 Lossee was secretary, and that they held a fair in the fall of 1873. 
 
 James A. Brown was elected president in the fall of 1873, and as 
 fair was held in the fall of 1874. If we remember correctly, Mr» 
 Brown was re-elected, but of tl«s we have no means of being certain.. 
 They held a fair in the fall of 1875, and Mr. Brown delivered an^ 
 address, which we find in the Nebraska Reporter in full, but not 
 another word about the fair. The speech was a good one, and full 
 of good hints and suggestions. 
 
 If memory serves us correctly (and we have searched diligently and 
 taxed the memory of all who would be most likely to remember), Ed. 
 Mclntyre was elected president, and re-elected in the fall of 1876, or 
 held over on account of there being no election in 1876. There was 
 no fair held that year. In the fall of 1877 a fair was held, and was 
 quite a success. 
 
 During the summer of 1877 an association was formed known as 
 the Seward Trotting Park Association. This association bought forty 
 acres of laud of the B. & M. R. R. Co. at ten dollars per acre, and 
 raised the money by selling stock in five dollar shares. Arrange- 
 ments were made with the agricultural society to hold the fairs oni 
 these grounds for a certain consideration, and our fairs have been held 
 there since that time. 
 
 There is much unwritten history connected with this trotting park 
 association. In the first place the railroad folks were induced to part 
 with the land at half price, because it was apparently for a public 
 benefit. Men subscribed for stock in small quantities, just to help the 
 enterprise, and had no thought of realizing any income from the 
 investment. The stock was transferable, and it was but a short time 
 until it was discovered that one man had a majority of the stock, and 
 enjoyed complete control of the whole concern ; so the association largely" 
 
HISTOEY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 97 
 
 consisted of one man. The community did not take kindly to the 
 matter in that shape, and it was a source of continual trouble and 
 annoyance until the citizens made up funds the second time and pur- 
 chased the property outright for the agricultural society, in 1886, when 
 the county commissioners made a liberal appropriation for improve- 
 ments. 
 
 Claudius Jones was president in the fall of 1877, and held the fair 
 in the fall of 1878, when William Gill was elected, and held the 
 fair in the fall of 1879. In that year John Henderson was elected, 
 and held the fair of 1880, when Wm. Redford was elected president. 
 In that year we find a record (the first) of their proceedings. 
 
 The fairs were measurably successful as exhibitions, but the society 
 was generally hard pressed for means, and frequently the more enter- 
 prising members were taxed almost beyond endurance to keep life in 
 the society. Among the more notable persons who always had a 
 shoulder to the wheel were James A. Brown, Ed. Mclntyre, Wm. E. 
 Gill, E. M. Hickman, and Claudius Jones. These men, and perhaps 
 some others, are entitled to much credit for untiring energy and a free 
 use of their money in keeping the society alive through many years of 
 adversity. 
 
 We see by a record of a meeting held August 6, 1881, that Ed. 
 Mclntyre was elected secretary pro iem. We notice that J. A. Brown 
 offered a resolution that the oflEices of secretary, treasurer, vice presi- 
 dent, and three of the directors be declared vacant, on account of their 
 negligence in performing their duties. Resolution adopted. Where- 
 upon Geo. C. McKay was elected vice president, Ed. Mclntyre, sto 
 retary, J. A. Brown, treasurer, and Wm. Gill, J. B. Courtwright, 
 and Allen Price, directors, to fill vacancies. The fair was held Sept. 
 29th, 30th, and Oct. 1st of that year. 
 
 We notice in the report of their October meeting that the receipts 
 were as follows: Total receipts, including $300 from county, were 
 $1,135.10; total expenditures, $1,016.36; leavinga balance of $118.74. 
 
 At their December meeting Wm. Redford was re-elected president,, 
 and Ed. Mclntyre was re-elected secretary, and R. S. Norval wa& 
 elected treasurer. The time fixed for the fair of 1882 was Sept. 27th 
 to 30th. J. S. Henderson was chosen superintendent. Wm. Gill 
 was elected delegate to State Board of Agriculture. It was resolved 
 at this meeting to hold a farmers' institute in February next, and the 
 
 7 
 
98 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 secretary was instructed to correspond with Gov. Furnas and Prof. 
 Thompson, and they voted to tax tliemselves fifty cents each to defray 
 the expenses. 
 
 At a meeting of the board in August, 1882, $40 was appropriated to 
 pay expenses of a county exhibit at state fair. 
 
 Records of the meeting in July, 1883, show that there was received 
 at last fair $1,407.50, and expended, $1374.10, leaving a balance of 
 $32.67. Wra. Redford was re-elected president; also, Mr. Mclntyre 
 was re-elected secretary by acclamation, and Wm. Gill was re-elected 
 delegate to state board. 
 
 At the August meeting, 1883, Wra. Gill was employed to take 
 charge of exhibit at state fair. 
 
 At the annual meeting of January 5, 1884, the report showed 
 $1,849.45 received from all sources, and $1,744.20 paid out. E. M. 
 Hickman was elected president, and C. S. Ailing was elected secretary 
 and treasurer. Wm. Gill was again elected delegate to state board. 
 
 At a called meeting in April the time for holding the annual fair 
 was fixed at Oct. 1st, 2d, 3cl, and 4th. 
 
 At a meeting in August the president was instructed to conclude a 
 contract with C. Jones for sixty shares of the Driving Park Associa- 
 tion stoclv at $1,000, and authorized to draw on the treasurer for $50 
 to bind the bargain. 
 
 At a meeting in October an order was voted to Ed. Mclntyre of 
 $50, to help pay expenses of exhibit at World's Fair at Xew Orleans. 
 
 At the annual meeting in January, 1885, Geo. Pickerel was elected 
 president, and C. S. Ailing was re-elected secretary and treasurer; 
 E 1. Mclntyre was elected superintendent, and J. H. Culver was 
 elected delegate to state board and instructed to cast his vote to re-elect 
 Gov. Furnas as secretary of said board. Dates fixed for the fair of 
 J 885 were Sept. 2d, 3d, 4th, and 5th. We find no report of treas- 
 urer, although it is recorded that report was approved. 
 
 At the annual meeting, February 6, 1886, Claudius Jones was 
 elected president, C. S. Ailing, secretary, and H. T. Jones, treasurer. 
 Here again we find no report of treasurer, but a record that his report 
 •was approved. 
 
 At a special meeting held in July, a resolution is passed accepting 
 a donation of $2,000, secured by the Board of Trade of Seward, by 
 its president, G. Babson, for the j)urchase of the Driving Park Asso- 
 ciation's grounds. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 99 
 
 A general meeting of the society Mas authorized to be called by the 
 secretary for July 23d, we suppose to finish the purchase of the 
 grounds, but the secretary is silent about that, and we find no record 
 of said meeting. 
 
 At the annual meeting in January Mr. Wm. Redford was elected 
 president, and the secretary's office was left vacant, which was filled by 
 the Board — H. T. Jones. J. N. Edwards was elected treasurer. Again 
 we have no record of treasurer's report. An invitation was voted to the 
 citizens to plant trees on the fair grounds on Arbor Day. The fair 
 was held in October, 1887, and was a very successful show. It was 
 without doubt one of the best stock exhibits at any county fair in the 
 West. 
 
 The society have met and overcome grave obstacles within the two 
 last years. First, a vast amount of money was raised to pay for the 
 grounds and improve them, and during the last summer a heavy 
 wind wrecked all the buildings, which were rebuilt at great expense, 
 but now the society has the grounds and they are fairly improved 
 and measui-ably free from debt, and with bright prospects for the 
 future. 
 
 At the annual mee<^^ing in 1887 J. B. Courtwright was elected 
 president, H. T. Jones was elected secretary, and George Dickmnn 
 was elected treasurer. Treasurer's report showed : Total receipts of 
 $8,300 ; total expenditures, $3,400. 
 
 Considering the valuable property and improvements, it is fair to 
 say that the society is in a very prosperous condition. 
 
 WATER AND WATER-COURSES. 
 
 The drainage of the county is supplied by the following rivers and 
 creeks: The west fork of the Blue river enters the county in sec- 
 tion 30, in "L" precinct, passes into "M" precinct, in section 
 4, and passes through it in a south-east direction into ''N" 
 precinct in section 18, continues in a general south-east course, 
 enters "O" precinct in section 30, and crosses the Saline county 
 line near the south- east corner of section 32, and joins the Korth 
 Blue just at the county line on the south line of section 32, in "P" 
 precinct. Its principal tributaries are Johnsori creek, which risof 
 in western Saline county, passes through "M" and "N" precincts, 
 and joins with the river just at the county line. Beaver creek passes 
 
 L.ofC. 
 
100 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 through the southern portion of York county and through " L," and 
 joins the main stream just west of the village of Beaver Crossing in 
 "M" precinct. Walnut creek rises in ''L " precinct, and joins the 
 river near the south line of section 7, in " M " precinct. Indian 
 creek traverses the south-western portion of " M " and empties into 
 the West Blue just south-west of Beaver Crossing. West Blue is a 
 most excellent mill stream, and carries two flouring mills in this 
 county, and furnishes drainage to all the south-western portion of 
 the county. The river and tributaries are furnished at convenient 
 distances with bridges. The river is noted for an abundant supply of 
 superior fish. The North Blue enters the county in section 3 in "C" 
 precinct, and its course is south-easterly through "C" and "G," and 
 gracefully swings to the west and south of the city of Seward, and 
 passes through " J," " O," and " P " precincts. Its principal tribu- 
 tary, Lincoln creek, enters the county in section 34 in "D" precinct, 
 and traverses the southern portion of " D " and " C " precincts and 
 the north-western portion of " G," and joins the river just west of 
 Seward. Lincoln creek is a beautiful mill stream, and its broad val- 
 ley is grandly beautiful. One mill in this county, at Marysville, 
 only as yet responds to its invitation. Plum creek enters the county 
 in section 3 in "B" precinct, and cuts the precinct centrally and 
 empties its water into the river just south of Seward. Various other 
 small streams join the main river and help in the excellent system of 
 drainage. 
 
 Blue river furnishes ample power for mills and factories, but these 
 water-powers are only utilized at three points, viz., Seward, by H. L. 
 Boyes & Son, with a very creditable mill ; at the Cooper & Hender- 
 son mill, and at Milford^ where Messrs. Johnson & Co. have, at 
 least, one of the most extensive merchant mills in the West. 
 
 Several branches of Oak creek traverse " A " precinct, and numer- 
 ous branches of Middle creek have their rise in " H " and " I " pre- 
 cincts, furnishing ample drainage and supplying numerous running 
 streams of pure water, making the eastern portion of the county par 
 excellent as a stock growing region. 
 
 The general surface of the country is a slightly undulating plain, 
 with a southern inclination, and probably presents as many acres of 
 first-class tillable land as any county of our state. The altitude of 
 the county is from 1400 to 1500 feet above tidewater. Our geo- 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 101 
 
 graphical positiou is sixty miles west of the Missouri, tweuty-five south 
 of the Platte, and forty-eight miles north of the Kansas line. The 
 forty-first parallel of uorth latitude forms our northern boundary, and 
 our western limit is the sixth principal meridian line. The ninety- 
 seventh meridian of west longitude from Greenwich passes through 
 the eastern portion of the county and about three and one-half miles 
 €ast of" Seward. Our elevation seems to be just about right ; we are 
 generally free from malaria ; chills and fever are scarcely known 
 since the pioneer days. At the dates of the early settlement, when 
 great quantities of the new prairie sod were in the process of decay and 
 the people had to endure unreasonable exposure, we were subject to 
 <'hills and fever, or ague. We are free from that close, humid 
 atmosphere of lower elevations, and yet we are not high enough to 
 produce the inconvenience in breathing experienced in the higher 
 altitudes. Our atmosphere is peculiarly bracing and energizing, 
 Nights are cool, yet we are not subject to early or late frosts. We 
 have usually a very small amount of snow, and scarcely no winter 
 rains. Occasionally we have winter storms that are simply terrific, 
 but they do not often occur. Our principal rainfall is between 
 March 1st and September 1st, and is usually as well distributed 
 through the growing season as in any portion of this continent. 
 Our streams are not subject to disastrous overflows, as they are deeply 
 imbedded and of rapid current. Our wells are of moderate depth, 
 varying from twelve to twenty-five feet on the bottom lands and 
 from forty to one hundred feet on the upland ; however there are but 
 few that exceed sixty feet. The water is uniformly very excellent 
 and abundant. ^Ye are especially fortunate^ in the all-important ele- 
 ment of water and water-courses. 
 
 POLITICS. 
 
 There are some peculiarities connected with the politics of Seward 
 county. On the national ticket, also the state ticket, the county has 
 been thoroughly republican from the beginning. In fact at our first 
 and second elections every county officer elected was a republican. 
 
 Our first presidential election Grant received a very large majority, 
 and likewise in 1872. The abstracts of election returns of 1865 to 
 1875 are not to be found in the county clerk's office. In 1876 
 Hayes received 905, and Tilden 593; in 1880 Garfield received 
 
102 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 1,352, and Haucock 699; iu 1881 Blaine received 1,630, and Cleve- 
 land 1,332. 
 
 Governor Butler received a. large majority in 1866 and 1868; also 
 Furnas iu 1870; also Garber; and Nance in 1878 received 105 over 
 all, and iu 1880 he received 353 over all. Dawes majority over all 
 in 1884 was 186, and Thayer's in 1886 was 279 over all. In fact 
 every candidate on a state or congressional ticket of the republican 
 party has secured fair majorities, yet strange as it may seem the dem- 
 ocrats controlled the important office of county clerk for nine con- 
 tinuous terms, or eighteen years, from January, 1870, to January, 
 1888. Hon. Thomas Graham served five continuous terms, Eel. 
 O'Keefe one term, being an anti-monopolist, but supported by the 
 democratic party, and Joseph Dupin served three successive terms. 
 Also the office of sheriff has been in the hands of the democrats ten 
 years continuously. They have also controlled the state senatorship 
 three terms out of six. The only explanation that we are able to give is 
 that we are a wonderfully independent people, and determined to do 
 just as we please on election day, without asking any odds of con- 
 ventions. Notwithstanding the majority has always been strongly 
 republican, the party never succeeded in electing the whole ticket 
 since the fall of 1868, till the fall of 1887, when they made a clean 
 sweep. It is perhaps proper to say that the democrats elected were 
 very strong men, and many of them at least made excellent officers; 
 and further, it is fitting to say that our county records are acknowl- 
 edged to be equal to the best in the state. 
 
 Below we give as complete a list of senators, representatives, and 
 county officers as it is possible to obtain. We give the year cf the 
 election of the several officers, and where parties held more than one 
 term the terras are noted. Parties representing Seward county con- 
 jointly with other counties, but citizens of other counties, are gener- 
 ally not noted, especially in the senate. 
 
 STATE SENATE. 
 
 1st. — Hon. E. C. Cams, elected 1876. Republican. 
 2d.— Hon. T. L. Norval, elected 1878. ' Rei)iiblican. 
 3d. — Hon. Thomas Graham, elected 1880. Democrat. 
 4th. — Hon. R. E. Dumphy, elected 1882. Democrut. 
 5th. — Hon. J. F. Goehner, elected 1884. Republican. 
 6th. — Hon. C. J. Wrip-ht, elected 1886. Democrat. 
 
HISTORY OF SEAVARD COUXTY, NEBRASKA. 103 
 
 REPRESENTATIVES — TERRITORIAL. 
 
 1st. — Hon. Wm. Imlay, 1864. Republican. 
 2d.— Hon. E. L. Clark, 1866. Republican. 
 
 REPRESENTATIVES — STATE. 
 
 1st.— Hon. E. L. Clark, 1867, Republican. 
 
 2d. — Hon. Marcus Brush, 1868, from Saunders county. D'mocrat. 
 
 3d. — Hod. A. Roberts, 1870, from Butler county. Republican. 
 
 4th.-^Hon W. J. Thompson, 1872, resigned. Republican. 
 
 5th. — Hon. D. C. McKillip, 1873, to fill vacancy. Republican. 
 
 6th.— Hon. D. C. McKillip, 1874. Republican. 
 
 7th. — Hon. T. A. Healy, 187<', resigned. Republican. 
 
 8th. — IJon. Wm. Hickman, 1877, to fill vacancy. Republican. 
 
 9th. — Hon. Thomas Wolfe, 1876, two members. Republican. 
 10th. — Hon. Wm. Hickman, 1878. Republican, 
 nth.- Hon. H. A. French, 1878. Republican. 
 12th.— Hon. Henry Bick, 1880. Republican. 
 13th. — Hon. H. P. King, 1880, resigned. Republican. 
 14th. — Hon. L. Chaduck, 1881, to fill vacancy. Republican. 
 15th. — Hon. J. Swearingen, 1882. Republican. 
 16th.— Hon. D. J. Brown, 1882. Republican. 
 . 17th. — Hon. Thomas Carr, 1884. Republican. 
 18th.— Hon. C. M. Turner, 1884. Republican. 
 19th. — Hon. Nicholas Wolenweber, 1886. Democrat. 
 20th. — Hon. Henry Bick, 1886. Mugwump. 
 
 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. 
 
 1st. — William Imlay, H. W. Parker, and W. J. Thompson, elected 
 1865. Republicans. 
 
 2d. — Wm. Imlay, 1866, re-elected. Republican. 
 
 3d. — W. J. Thompson, 1867, re-elected. Republican. 
 
 4th. — J. L. Bandy, 1868. Republican. 
 
 5th. — Wm. Imlay, 1869, re-elected. Republican. 
 
 6th. — Wm. Hornburg, 1870. Republican. 
 
 7th. — D. H. Harris, 1871. Republican. 
 
 8th. — Samuel Manley, 1872. Republican. 
 
 9th. — Benj. Hunkins, 1873. Democrat. 
 10th. — M. Dunigan, 1874. Democrat. 
 11th.— W. G. Hazelwood, 1875. Republican. 
 
104 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 12th.— G. F. Hulburt, 1876. Republican. 
 13th.— L. D. Bates, 1877. Republican. 
 14th._Geo. C. McKay, 1878. Republican. 
 16th.— B. N. Learned, 1879. Republican. 
 16th. — M. Dunigan, 1880. Democrat. 
 17th.— 0. E. Bernecker, 1881. Democrat. 
 18th.— E. L. Blanchard, 1882. Republican. 
 19th.— D. B. Palmer, 1883. Republican. 
 20th.— Wm. Redford, 1884. Republican. 
 21st.— H. G. Hosford, 1885. Republican. 
 
 PROBATE JUDGES. 
 
 1st. — J. L. Davison, 1865. Republican. 
 2d.— J. D. Maine, 1867. Republican. 
 3d. — Henry Wortendyke, 1869. Republican. 
 4th.— J. W. Shields, 1871. Democrat. 
 6th.— O. T. B. Williams, 1873. Republican. 
 6th. — George W. Lowley, 1881. Republican. 
 7th.— C. E. Holland, 1887. Republican. 
 
 COUNTY CLERKS. 
 
 1st. — Thomas "West, 1865. Republican. 
 
 2d.— Wm. H. Reed, 1867. Republican. 
 
 3d. — Thomas Graham, 1869, five terms. Democrat. 
 
 4th.— Ed O'Keefe, 1879. Greenbacker. 
 
 5th. — Joseph W. Dupin, 1881, three terms. Democrat. 
 
 6th.— R. T. Cooper, 1887. Republican. 
 
 COUNTY TREASURERS. 
 
 1st. — C. J. Niehardt, elected 1865. Republican. 
 2d. — E. L. Clark, Jr., elected 1869. Republican. 
 3d. — M. A.McPherson, elected 1871. Republican. 
 4tli._W. B. Thorp, elected 1873 and 1875. Republican. 
 5th. — L. G. Johns, elected 1877 and 1879. Republican. 
 6th.— R. T. Cooper, 1881; re-elected 1883. Republican. 
 7th.— D. H. Figard, 1885; re-elected 1887. Republican. 
 
 SHERIFIS. 
 
 1st. Chapin, elected 1865. Republican. 
 
 2d. — A. J. Wallingford, elected 1867. Republican. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 105 
 
 3cl._W. H. Tuttle, elected 1869. Republican. 
 4th. — J. W. McCabe, elected 1871. Republican. 
 6th. — I. D. Niehardt, elected 1873, two terms. Republican. 
 6th. — John Sullivan, elected 1877, two terras. Democrat. 
 7th. — John Brown (died in office), elected 1881, two terms. Dem- 
 ocrat. 
 
 8th. — C. H. Adams, elected 1885. Democrat. 
 9th. — J. M. Smiley, elected 1887. Republican. 
 
 SUPERINTENDENTS OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. 
 
 1st. — Thomas Graham, appointed 1867. Democrat. 
 
 2d. — Geo. B. France, elected 1869, three terms. Republican. 
 
 3d. — J. D. Messenger, elected 1875, two terras. Republican. 
 
 4th. — E. Benson, elected 1881. Republican. 
 
 5th. — M. Warner, elected 1883, two terms. Republican. 
 
 6th.— G. F. Burkett, elected 1887. Republican. 
 
 CORONERS. 
 
 1st. — AY. W. Cox was elected, but did not qualify, in 1867. 
 
 2d. — J. M. Evans, elected 1869. Republican. 
 
 3d. — E. L. Clinton, elected 1871. Republican. 
 
 4th. — Leland Walker, elected 1873, two terms. Rei>ublican. 
 
 5th. — J. H. Woodward, elected 1877. Republican. 
 
 6th. — G. B. Brandon, elected 1879. Democrat. 
 
 7th. — A. K. Siep, elected 1881, four terms. Republican. 
 
 SURVEYORS. 
 
 1st. — R. T. Gale, elected 1865, two terms. Republican. 
 
 2d. — J. H. Anderson, elected 1869, two terms. Republican. 
 
 3d. — J. V. Ainsworth, elected 1873. Republican. 
 
 4th. — G. A. Kilpatrick, elected 1875, two terms. Republican. 
 
 5th. — E. Jull, elected 1881. Republican. 
 
 6th. — G. A. Kilpatrick, elected 1873, three terms. Republican. 
 
 SUPERVISORS ELECTED IN 1886. 
 
 It will be noted that the commissioner system was changed in 
 January, 1887, to that of township organizations. 
 
 A precinct — E. W. Olney. Republican. 
 
106 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 B precinct — M. Dunigan. Democrat. 
 C precinct — W. H. Dobson. Democrat. 
 D precinct — A. D. Sperry. Republican. 
 E precinct — B. 0. Ta^an. Republican. 
 F precinct — W. H. Miner. Democrat. 
 G precinct — Wm. Redford. Rejiublican. 
 H precinct — Carl Koch. Democrat. 
 I precinct — Fred Fosler. Democrat. 
 J precinct — O. E. Bernecker. Democrat. 
 K precinct — J. H. Robertson. Democrat. 
 L precinct — Adam Seed. Republican. 
 M precinct — W. H. Mygatt. Republican. 
 N precinct — F. W. Upton. Republican. 
 
 precinct — J. L. Burkey. Democrat. 
 P precinct — Henry Rogge. Democrat. 
 
 SUPERVISORS ELECTED IN 1887. 
 
 A precinct — J. J. Martin. Democrat. 
 B precinct — C. J. Wright. Democrat. 
 C precinct — Andrew Schultz. Republican. 
 D precinct — A. D. Sperry. Mugwump. 
 E precinct — B. C. Ragan. Republican. 
 F precinct — Morris Underhill. Republican. 
 G precinct — Chas Lyon. Republican. 
 H precinct — Carl Koch. Democrat. 
 
 1 precinct — D. Dankers. Republican. 
 
 J precinct — O. E. Bernecker. Democrat. 
 K precinct — John Florin. Republican. 
 L precinct — Adam Seed. Republican. 
 M precinct — D. Blanchard. Republican. 
 N precinct — R. C. Rhea. Republican. 
 O precinct — Cyrus Wyandt. Republican. 
 P precinct — Henry Rogge. Democrat. 
 
 SEWARD CITY TWO MEMBERS. 
 
 J. F. Goehner, Republican. 
 W. R. Dickison, Republican. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 107 
 
 ASSESSMENTS. 
 
 1865 — Total number of acres deeded land, 4,728. This was all or 
 about all speculator's land. The assessment on laud that year was 
 $18,867, or nearly $4 per acre; personal assessment, $10,880; total 
 assessment, $29,747 ; total tax levy for the year, $423, ol* nearly 
 thirteen mills on a dollar for all purposes. We have no means of 
 ascertaining just how much of the tax of that year was collected. 
 
 We now skip over to the year of 1870, and find_ 33,670 acres on 
 the list, and together with the personal property (they were not 
 divided) amounts to $120, 160, or an increase of 28,942 acres of 
 land, and a total increase of assessed value of $90,413 in five years, 
 or an average of increase of more than $18,000 per year. 
 
 In 1885, we have assessed 275,203 acres of land, at $1,025,439^ 
 or about $3.72 per acre. This year town property begins to cut 
 some figure, and we find it assessed at $92,091 ; eleven miles of rail- 
 road, $67,480; personal, $412,234; making a total of $1,597,244. 
 
 In 1880, we find upon the assessment rolls 338,799 acres of land 
 valued at $3.56 per acre, or $1,216,669 ; town property, $130,905 ; 
 personal, $506,316; railroad (fifty-four miles), $183,447. A grand 
 total of $2,037,337. In this year we find that 155,193 acres were 
 improved, and the following acreage of crops reported: wheat, 53,- 
 877 ; corn, 67,294; oats, 6,824; meadow, we suppose it to be tame, 
 but it is not so stated, 1,614; number fruit trees, 53,176; forest 
 trees, 1,053,853. 
 
 1885. — We find the lands assessed at $4.01 per acre, and total 
 land assessment, $1,391,385; town property, $197,175; personal^ 
 $805,610 ; railroad, $270,437. Total, $2,664,607. 
 
 1887. — Lands were assessed, $1,489,287 ; town property, $234,- 
 651; personal, $805,311; railroads, $271,965. Total, $2,801,214. 
 
 These tigures are sufficient to show something of the growth of 
 property for the twenty-two years, from 1865 to 1887, and that will 
 answer our purpose without an overdose of tables, which are usually 
 rather dry reading. 
 
 We find that there was paid to the stale treasurer during the year 
 1887, as our share of state tax, the snug sum of $21,821.74, and that 
 there was paid in collecting on principal and interest on school and 
 other state lands the additional sura of $11,380.90. We are quite 
 well satisfied with this showing. 
 
108 llISTOltY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBEASKA. 
 
 CENSUS RETURNS. 
 
 YEAR. POP. 
 
 1st returns for the county 1870 2,953 
 
 2d returns for the county 1874 7,429 
 
 3d returns for the county, after grasshojipers 1875 6,601 
 
 4th returns for the county 1876 6,875 
 
 6th returns for the county 1878 7,991 
 
 6th returns for the county 1880 11,095 
 
 7th and last returns for the county 1885 15,225 
 
 Estimated returns for the county 1887 18,000 
 
 PRECINCTS BY CENSUS OF 1885. 
 
 POPULATION. NO. FARMS FACTORIES. 
 
 A 394 76 
 
 B 571 112 
 
 C (hicluding Staplehurst) 1,076 139 11 
 
 D 777 140 
 
 E (mcluding Utica) 1,225 160 10 
 
 F (including Tamora) 882 190 
 
 G (including Seward) 2,728 169 61 
 
 H 1,095 155 
 
 1 690 131 
 
 J 776 149 
 
 K 672 180 
 
 L 843 139 
 
 M 750 91 
 
 N 748 134 
 
 O (including Milford) 1,462 146 15 
 
 P.! 536 93 
 
 Totals 15,225 2,154 97 
 
 Or about one improved farm to every seven persons. Now de- 
 ducting the population of the towns, viz., 3,567, and it leaves a county 
 population of 11,658, making a farm for a little less than five and 
 one-half population. It is fair to presume that the number of farms 
 has increased ten per cent since this census was taken, and that would 
 make the present number of farms at this time 2,369. 
 
 The manufacturing industries, as given in the census tables, 
 include every class of manufacturing, such as mills, creameries, wagon 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 109 
 
 shops, blacksmith shops, shoe sho{)s, tinners' shops, etc. We are 
 sorry that it seems impossible to obtain the amount of capital invested 
 in manufacturing industries. The growth of such industries within 
 the last year has been most remarkable. Of these we will treat 
 fully in another place. 
 
 COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF WEALTH AND POPULATION. 
 
 In 1883 Seward had $2,346,480, and was No. 13 in the list of 
 counties of our state. 
 
 1884, $2,513,184 and 12th. 
 
 1885, 2,664,607 " 9th. 
 
 1886, 2,722,020 " 8th. 
 
 
 
 
 POPULATION. 
 
 1870, Seward 2,953 and ^ 
 
 ivas 15th. 
 
 1874, ' 
 
 ' 7,429 
 
 a 
 
 8th. 
 
 1875, ' 
 
 6,601 
 
 (I 
 
 10th. 
 
 1876, ' 
 
 6,875 
 
 u 
 
 9th. 
 
 1878, ' 
 
 7,991 
 
 K 
 
 11 rh. 
 
 1880, ' 
 
 ' 11,095 
 
 l( 
 
 nth. 
 
 1885, * 
 
 ' 15,225 
 
 H 
 
 12th. 
 
 SEWARD COUNTY AS IT NOAV IS. 
 
 As the chiming bells ring in the glad New Year of 1888, we find 
 well-nigh twenty thousand just about as intelligent, and certainly 
 just as happy, people as may be found anywhere in all our vast 
 domain. 
 
 We are pleasantly situated in the state, and now have easy access 
 to all the markets of the country. We have been especially blessed 
 with an abundant harvest. Certainly "our barns are filled with 
 plenty," and the needs of the world are such that we command a good 
 price for our vast surplus. The general health of the people is most 
 excellent. Prosperity, peace, and good-will reign in all our borders. 
 The advance we have made in developing the wilderness into fruitful 
 fields and blooming gardens, is truly wonderful. 
 
 We are now, while yet in our infancy, the happy possessors of 
 nearly twenty-five hundred farms, as good in all essential elements of 
 wealth as can be found in the north-western states, and that means 
 
110 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 the wide, wide world. We generally have pleasant and comfortable 
 homes, with nice yards and gardens. Most of us have orchards. We 
 have beautiful and very luxuriant tame meadows. We have at least 
 two thousand groves of planted timber, so dotting the plain that it 
 almost looks like a timber country. We have excellent roads, as 
 good as could be desired. We have excellent bridges generally, at 
 convenient distances on all the streams. We have good drainage, 
 and our soil is just good enough. An abundant supply of pure 
 health-giving water. Three grand mill streams. A magnificent and 
 ever- in creasing school fund, with ninety organized school districts 
 and ninety-tive school-houses, thickly set like sparkling gems on hill- 
 top and plain. Thirty Christian churches, shedding their beams of 
 holy light among the people, and pointing them upward toward God 
 and heaven. Three great lines of railway traveising the county in 
 all directions and furnishing to the people twelve stations for shipping 
 produce and receiving merchandise. Three telegraph and one tele- 
 phone line running through the county, bringing all the people, as it 
 were, right at the focus of intelligence and the general news of the 
 world. 
 
 We have nine thriving villages, and one grand city within our 
 borders. We have abundant water-power awaiting development. 
 Although we have many fine mills, and one perhaps the best in the 
 state, yet the utilizing of this precious gift is scarcely begun. 
 
 With the capital of our state almost at our door, and with all our 
 varied resources of grains, grasses, vegetables, and fruits, of cattle and 
 swine, with plenty of clear cold water to drink, why should we not 
 have a happy New Year ? 
 
 We are a favored people. Ours is most truly a land of milk and 
 honey. Our aggregate wealth surpasses ten millions of dollars, and 
 is constantly growing with the years. Our towns and city are grow- 
 ing and expanding, and are from month to mouth adding new conven- 
 iences, comforts, and luxuries to lessen the burdens of all our people. 
 Our progress is the wonder of the age, yet its progression will be 
 accelerated from year to year. We have added during the year just 
 passed very many valuable improvements, and we may fairly say 
 that 1887 has marked a new epoch in our rapid advancement. 
 
 We see signs of new life, activity, and vigor, here, there, every- 
 where within our borders. 
 
HISTORY OF SEAVARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. Ill 
 
 A new railway has been commenced and completed, cutting the 
 county centrally from north-east to south-west, opening up a great 
 new artery of traffic, and bringing in its train joy and gladness for 
 thousands of our people, building up three new villages along the 
 way and infusing new life and activity into the fourth, and adding 
 new life to the city. Truly this was a grand achievement, and will 
 pay many times its cost to the people. "B," Goehner, and Ilunkius 
 have been added to our list of villages. 
 
 Beaver Crossing has been thoroughly awakened from her Rip Van 
 Winkle sleep of years and years, and now bids fair to become a city 
 of no mean proportions. 
 
 Good depots, elevators, business houses, and numerous dwellings 
 already grace the new towns, and in one at least (^*B") a new church. 
 
 Milford shows new life and activity, valuable improvements and 
 additions to the great grain elevators at the mill, a great livery barn 
 that looks large for Omaha, the new sanitarium building, some pala- 
 tial residences, and the final assurance of the new Industrial Home, a 
 state institution; and with the grade complete of a new railroad con- 
 necting the town with Crete and the south, she has much to gladden 
 the hearts of all her sons and daughters. 
 
 Pleasant Dale, while not pretentious, but modest, is fitly named. 
 She is the " gem " of that beautiful valley, is constantly growing, and 
 day by day becomes more beautifid. 
 
 Utica, always prosperous, is enjoying substantial prosperity, and to 
 its other grand' achievements of the past has added a live newspaper. 
 
 Tamora continues the young "wonder" of the prairie. She never 
 ceases to grow. She will never cease to pi'osper, adding to her acqui- 
 sitions month after month churches, residences, schools, and new 
 homes of taste and elegance. 
 
 Staplehurst, nestling in the valley of the upper Blue, while not 
 growing rapidly, is in a prosperous condition, and has a strong vital- 
 ity, and will always maintain her position as a splendid grain and 
 stock market. 
 
 Germantown is coming to the front in splendid shape. Although 
 having received a baptism of fire, which may prove a good and pre- 
 cious gift as a cleanser and purifier, she has just completed a beauty 
 of a school-house, and many new residences have been added to her 
 number. She is prosperous and happy. 
 
112 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 The county is prosperous in all its parts. Many fields of new sod 
 have kissed the bright plowshare during the past summer, tens of 
 thousands of fruit trees planted, hundreds of miles of new pasture 
 fences have been built, new bridges have spanned the streams, much 
 of grace and beauty has been added, and all sections seem determined 
 to push forward to grander results. 
 
 Seward county, the home of our choice, chosen when we were in 
 the prime of our mauhood's strength, the home where the most of our 
 children were born, the home of pleasant memories, and where peace 
 and plenty have generally rewarded our efforts, but where at times 
 we have been overshadowed with dark clouds of want and sorrow, 
 when first we set foot on thy soil we loved thee, and now when long 
 years have passed and we are on the shadowy side of the hill of life 
 we love thee still. God bless Seward county and all her people, is 
 our humble prayer. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 113 
 
 CHAPTER YI. 
 
 HISTORY OF PEECINCTS FROM " A "* TO "p" — THEIR FIRST SETTLEMENTS — IN- 
 CLUDING HISTORIC LETTERS FR03I "A " BY E. W. OLNEY — FROM "b" BY F. 
 M. TIMBLIN — FROM "g" BY JAMES A. BROWN — FROM "n" BY I. M. K. 
 JOHNSON — FROM '' P " BY MRS. H. W. PARKER, AND FROM "g" BY MRS. 
 SARAH F. ANDERSON. 
 
 " B ' PRECINCT. 
 
 The ten first settlers in "B" precinct, or town twelve north, range 
 three east, were as follows : 
 
 John D. Hickman, in 1867; William, Joseph, Andrew, Henry, 
 and Wesley Hickman, Thomas Poore, and Duncan McVaine, in 1868; 
 John Quillon and F. M. Timblin, in 1869. 
 
 The first school-house (a sod house) was built in the fall of 1869^ 
 and the school was taught by F. M. Timblin during the following 
 winter. The teacher was paid by subscription. 
 
 A literary club and debating society was formed, and the settlers 
 often met for mental culture and entertainment. Herewith we ap- 
 pend the instructive letter of F. M. Timblin, and also a communica- 
 tion taken from the first number of the Atlas. 
 
 In 1887 the F., E. & M. Y. railroad was built through the precinct, 
 and a station located at " B," which is rapidly coming to the front as 
 a business point. They now have a good depot, a grain elevator, a 
 lumber yard, two stores, and several dwellings, and it bids fairly to> 
 become quite an important village. The new church is nearly com- 
 plete, of which we give the history elsewhere. 
 
 The precinct has six miles of railroad, has on the census rolls 571 
 inhabitants with 112 farms, which rank among the best, and has five 
 school-houses, all good frame buildings. The farmers are most uni- 
 versally prosperous. 
 
 " C " PRECINCT 
 
 Was first settled by Frank Shields in the winter of 1863 and 1864, 
 on what is known as the " Casey place." His settlement was not 
 
 * For the history of " A " precinct the reader is referred to the valuable letter of E. W. Olney, 
 Esq. 
 
114 HISTORY OF SEWAED COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 very permauent. Among the first to make permanent settlement 
 were Wm. Reed, Judge John W. Shields, Geo. Reed, John A. Dur- 
 land, and Frank E. Pitt. These all settled in 1864 and 1865, and 
 were soon followed by Moses Mitchell, Walter Hoops, and two or 
 three others whose names have escaped our memory. These early 
 settlers all located by the river, for the sake of the timber and water. 
 Settlements did not penetrate the high prairie much until 1868, when 
 people came like a flock of pigeons. 
 
 " C" precinct is cut in two unequal parts by Blue river, and has 
 excellent water-powers that are yet undeveloped. Lincoln creek also 
 cuts the south-west corner of the precinct, and furnishes a splendid 
 water-power, which has a fine mill at Marysville. This mill was 
 built by Luke Agur in 1870, and has been lately rebuilt, enlarged, 
 and much improved. It is now a first-class country flouring mill 
 with all modern improvements. 
 
 Marysville is the nucleus of a large German settlement that extends 
 far up and down the creek, and overreaches the boundaries of the 
 precinct. They had located a store and church, with a school-house, 
 soon after the founding of Seward. Wm. Hornburg, John Schoepp, 
 and old Mr. Hartman's family were among the first to settle there. 
 George C. McKay, John Gladw'ish, Father Archer and his family, 
 and some others settled on the prairie between the river and Lincoln 
 creek, and further up the river Thos. Corr and John Gillbanks set- 
 tled in 1868. Marysville remains a trading point and ]>ost-office, and 
 the Lutheran church makes it a prominent gathering place for the 
 people. 
 
 Staplehurst was founded by George C McKay in the autumn of 
 1879, immediately after the completion of the A. & X. R. R. Mr. 
 McKay erected the first dwelling. T. W. Lowrey opened a grain 
 house the same fall. Staplehurst grew slowly at first, but in 1882-83 
 it began to assume importance as a shipping and trading point. 
 Messrs. Goehner & Co. laid out a large addition to the town, and 
 many business houses sprang up immediately, including two first class 
 elevators, a good hotel, a fine church, and a host of dwellings. They 
 have two school-houses, and maintain a graded school. The jilace 
 contains near three hundred inhabitants, and is organized as a village; 
 enjoys a good trade, and is prosperous. 
 
 *'C" precinct has 1,076 inhabitants, with 139 farms and eleven 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 115 
 
 manufacturing industries, and six school-houses. Many of the farms 
 are well improved with fine orchards and many good barns. The 
 precinct has six miles of railroad. 
 
 T. C. Allen is responsible for the following story: Probablv the 
 first time a religious meeting was held old Father Worley, of Ulysses, 
 was preaching in a sod school-house, and was talking of hell and 
 heaven in an old-fashioned way, and had the congregation prettv well 
 excited, when a serpent fell into the lap of one of the ladies, from the 
 brush covering of the house. The audience were worse scared at the 
 snake than at the ])reacher's hell, which he was so ably describing. 
 For further particulars the reader is referred to the Rev. Father 
 Worley. 
 
 '' D " PRECINCT. 
 
 This is the north-western precinct of the county, and is principally 
 situated on the great divide between Blue river and Lincoln creek; 
 however, the latter creek runs through the southern portion of it. 
 This precinct is a most excellent farming region, and is the home of 
 many of our best and most successful farmers. It has no village 
 within its borders, and only a short piece of railroad. The F., E. & 
 M. V. just clips the corner of the precinct. The peoj)le are provided 
 with five rival markets, viz.: Ulysses, Surprise, Poston, Utica, and 
 Staplehurst; so that all portions of the precinct are handy to good 
 market towns. 
 
 The census tables give the precinct 777 po])ulation, 140 farms, and 
 5 schools, all with good frame buildings. The post-office is named 
 Orton, and is kept at a farm house, and the mail service is by star 
 route. 
 
 The first settlement \vas made in 1867 by Mr. "VVm. Jackman and 
 Mr. Jesse Horton. We remember his moving to the county with a 
 pair of oxen harnessed like horses. Mr. Wm. Reynolds settled in 
 1868. He it was who committed suicide in Utica some years ao-o 
 while in a fit of temporary insanity. Also Mr. Johnson, a lame man, 
 who bought the first harvester ever taken to the Lincoln creek set- 
 tlement, in 1870, and O. C. Ragan, of the hawk story, came the same 
 year; also Wm. Hornburg; and in 1871 the Richies — A. D., Wm., 
 and his brother — with T. C. Allen and several others, made settlement 
 on the high prairie, among whom were E. B. Hatch, who taught the 
 first school in Jackman's duo;-out in 1872. 
 
 I 7- 
 
116 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 This portion of the coimty is finely developed, and we are free to 
 say that it is our favorite precinct for farming purposes. 
 
 " E " PRECINCT. 
 
 Town eleven, range one east, is an unbroken plain without a 
 running stream, and with the exception of a few marshes is wholly 
 an excellent body of farm land. 
 
 M. C. Wright, Joseph Jones, Samuel Gleason, G. A. Derby, Mr. 
 Greenwood, and H. M. Coleman were among the first to settle, in 
 1871, and were followed in 1872 by great numbers. About the 
 time of the first settlement the state road was located from Seward to 
 York and passed through this precinct. 
 
 In the early history of " E " there were no such incidents of 
 thrilling interest as occurred on the great freight roads, and the few 
 settlers on the prairie were not so isolated from the world, as Seward 
 was quite a town when the settlement of this prairie began. Yet the 
 first settlers saw some rough times, although they were free from 
 Indian scares and not in any positive danger of starving, as older 
 settlements were near at hand. The growth and development of the 
 farmers' portion has been steady and kept full pace with other por- 
 tions of the county, and now has fine improvements throughout. 
 Finely improved farms, innumerable groves of planted timber and 
 orchards, etc., etc. 
 
 Miss Clara Derby had the honor of teaching the first school in the 
 precinct, in the summer of 1873. There are now outside of Utica 
 three school-houses, and two others in which the people are interested. 
 
 Population, including Utica, 1,225, with 160 farms and ten 
 manufacturing industries, and six miles of railroad. Their railroad 
 station and village is the bright town of Utica, which was founded 
 in the autumn of 1878. The first beginning and growth of Utica is 
 related in another chapter, but its present status may be named here. 
 The village contains between 600 and 700 people, and is third in 
 population and business importance in the county, and has many live 
 and energetic business men ; maintains a graded school with a fine 
 structure, a large steam grist mill, an opera house — a commodious 
 brick structure, three grain elevators, two lumberyards, two banks, 
 quite a large number of mercantile establishments, several churches^ 
 a fair-sized hotel, two livery stables, numerous shops, and many 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. - 117 
 
 fine dwellings. The A. F. and A. M., the I. O. O. F., and G. A. R. 
 each have themselves established orders. Flourishing Sabbath- 
 schools are maintained by the churches, and taken all together Utica 
 is a pleasant village and is fairly prosperous. 
 
 "f" precinct. 
 
 Thomas Skillman made the first settlement on Sec. 13, in the spring 
 of 1865. Joseph Roberts either pre-empted or homesteaded the laud 
 now owned by Rev. E. W. Johnson, in the fall of 1864, but failed 
 to make settlement, and the place was homesteaded by Rev. Johnson 
 in 1866. Mr. Roberts built or partly built a log cabin on his claim. 
 George and Russell Rogers and their mother, Widow Rogers, each 
 made settlement in the autumn of 1866. D. H. Figard, James 
 Anderson, and Charles and Joseph Thurman each settled in the spring 
 of 1867; also Abram Wallach. During the spring of 1868, a large 
 number came, among whom were George Slonecker, Sam Stevenson, 
 Aaron and Allen Anderson, Mr. Shockey, and Mr. Osborne. 
 
 The first school was taught in the summer of 1868, in the old log 
 cabin on Rev. Johnson's place. 
 
 The first church organization was effected by Rev. Johnson, at the 
 Slonecker school-house. It was the United Brethren church. 
 
 " F " precinct, according to the last census, has 882 inhabitants 
 and 190 farms, being the banner precinct in that she has the largest 
 number of farms of any precinct iu the county. She has five school 
 districts, each with a creditable building; has seven miles of railroad; 
 has one excellent mill stream, but it is not utilized in the precinct at 
 present. Some years ago a mill was built by Mr. Jul), but it burned 
 down and as yet has not been replaced. It has probably the largest 
 belt of excellent wild meadow of any one of our precincts. 
 
 Tamora, ^' F " precinct's railroad station and village, w^as surveyed 
 into lots in 1879, and during the fall of that year, Mr. J. W. Scott 
 built a small grain house, put in scales, and bought grain, and Wm. 
 Butler opened a small store. P. G. Tyler's family was the first to 
 settle in the new town. There was very little growth until the sum- 
 mer of 1882; however Morrisey Bros, built an elevator in 1881. 
 T. W. Lowrey built his in 1882. The first school in the town was 
 opened in the spring of 1884. The Presbyterian church was organ- 
 ized in 1880, and they bought a little building and used until the new 
 church was built, in 1883. This church was dedicated Nov. 9, 1883. 
 
118 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 The M. E. church was built in 1882. lu 1886 the new two-story 
 four-room school-house was built, at a cost of $2,100. A graded 
 school is maintained, with two teachers, aud is in a flourishing con- 
 dition. There are now thr.ee elevators, a good depot, three general 
 stores, one first-class hardware store, a fair-sized hotel, a good livery 
 barn, two banks, a lumber yard, a drug store, and various shops, with 
 a goodly number of cosy dwellings. 
 
 Tamora is a beautiful village with a good trade, and is a very de- 
 sirable place in which to live. The people are universally intelligent 
 aud wide-awake. Have always been free from the contagion of saloons. 
 They say that they never had any use for saloons, aud they throw 
 their surplus energy into beautifying their homes and maintaining 
 their schools and churches. The village coutaius near three hundred 
 inhabitants, aud is surrounded by a beautiful and rich farming country. 
 Anyone desiring a neat, quiet home, with excellent church aud school 
 facilities, where they are within a few minutes ride of the city, aud 
 where they are free from the influence of saloous, we cheerfully 
 recommend Tamora as the place Avhere they can riud a genial home. 
 
 " G " PRECINCT. 
 
 So far as is definitely known, William Wymore and a brother-in- 
 law of the name of Olrastead made the first settlement, in the fall of 
 1863 — Mr. Wymore on Sec. 8, what is now part of W. W. Cox's 
 form, Mr. Olmstead on Sec. 1 7, Mr. John Roberts' north farm. These 
 parties were deserters from the Union army and the provost marshal 
 (Hon. O. P. Mason) had discovered their whereabouts, and they 
 having learned this, hurriedly made their escape early in March, 1864. 
 Mr. Cox purchased Mr. AVymore's claim for seventy-five dollars, and 
 Mr. O. abandoned his, aud tlie land was entered by John Roberts in 
 1865. 
 
 In the first half of April, 1864, Hon. Wm. Imlay aud his father's 
 family moved to their claims, aud Mr. R. T. Gale moved to his at 
 about the same time. Father Dunaway settled in July, aud W. W. 
 Cox on the first day of December. In April, 1865, Thomas Dun- 
 away and wife made settlement, and were followed in May by Richard 
 Sampson and J. N. Roberts. Lewis Moffitt came in July, and built 
 a log house on the future site of the city, and Rev. E. L. Clark came 
 iu October. This completed the settlements of 1865. In the early 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD C0U:NTY, NEBRASKA. 119 
 
 spring of 1866 the settlement was increased by the addition of E. L. 
 Ellis, John Roberts, Sen,, Joseph Sampson, and, later in the season, 
 James A. Brown on Sec. 20, J. F. Duncan who settled on Sec. 8, 
 Stites Wooley on See. 15, and Roger Cooper on Sec. 12. E. B. 
 Shafer settled just south of the present city, and Wm. Cooper just 
 north-east of the city. 
 
 The first homestead entry was that of Mr. Gale, of January 2, 
 1863; Stites Wooley (lately deceased) was the second; W. W. Cox, 
 third, dated March 27, 1864; Father Dunaway, fourth; David P. 
 Imlay, fifth; Wm. Iralay, sixth ; David Imlay (Grandpa), seventh; 
 Richard Sampson and J. N. Roberts, eighth and ninth ; Thomas 
 Dunaway and Joseph Imlay, tenth and eleventh. 
 
 During the summer of 1864, there were broken thirty acres of land 
 on three farms, viz., Wm. Imlay's, D. P. Imlay's, and Mr. Gale's. 
 The following summer there were broken about one hundred and 
 fifty acres, on seven farms. It may be a matter of surprise that no 
 more land was broken, but it is equally surprising, to us that under- 
 stand fully all the conditions, that so much was accomplished. In 
 the first place, we were all as poor as church mice. We had but few 
 and very poor teams, and very few and miserably poor breaking 
 plows. Had the reader seen the writer with a pair of plowshares, 
 wending his way on foot to old man Morgan's to get them sharpened 
 by a corn-cob fire, then seen the vexation and delays in adjusting 
 them to the work on our return, then followed us in our perambula- 
 tions hunting for the lost oxen, and then accompanied us with our 
 old ox team seventy-five miles to mill, and watched all our struggles 
 to keep soul and body together, menaced by Indians on the one side, 
 begging us out of countenance, and frequently showing a spirit of 
 arrogance and impudence, so that we hardly dare leave our families 
 any length of time. Frequently we were compelled to scour distant set- 
 tlements of Lancaster, Otoe, and Cass counties for meager supplies of 
 provisions, fording streams and camping out nights. With very little 
 or no money, no credit (there was no one in reach to credit us), a 
 scanty supply of provisions, and still more scanty supply of clothing, 
 we struggled against wind and tide through the weary years of our 
 first settlement. In many instances we had to make " bricks without 
 straw." Houses were to be built without proper tools, also bridges, 
 and every class of work was accomplished under the most discourag- 
 
120 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 ing circuiustaDces. The wonder is that we did uot all become so much 
 discouraged as to pull up stakes and go back to our wife's relations, 
 as some of the more weak-kneed folks did. 
 
 During August, 1864, the little settlement of four families became 
 seriously alarmed on account of the Indian panic, at the same time of 
 the exodus from Salt creek. Mr. Gale was away from home at Salt 
 basin. The families had all gathered on Plum creek, at Grandpa 
 Imlay's house, and were hurriedly preparing for flight, when suddenly 
 Wm. Imlay's wagon tire burst, and while they were all dismayed at 
 the catastrophe it proved a blessing in disguise, for the rest of the 
 company could not leave him and family to perish alone, and before 
 they succeeded in getting the old wagon in shai)e to travel the scare 
 was over, and all were ready to return to their homes. Thus the in- 
 fant settlement was saved from abandonment by this lucky accident. 
 
 A few days after our arrival with our family at the new home, 
 about the night of the 8th of December — a very cold winter night — 
 the gentle rapping of Joseph Imlay was heard in the small hours of 
 the night, with the refreshing news that a child was about to be born 
 at the house of Mr. Gale. Wife hurriedly dressed, and Joseph 
 hitched our old "Nig" and "Darb" to the wagon, and away they 
 went down the bottom and across the present city to the bank of 
 Plum creek, just to the east of Mr. Bemis' home, where a huge snow 
 drift was encountered. The oxen were chained to the wagon, and 
 Our good wife was compelled to slide down the steep bank over the 
 great drift of snow to reach the creek. When she reached the house 
 she found that Miss Clara Gale had come to life and light to bless 
 the home of her parents. We are ha]>py to say that the young lady 
 is yet living, and is highly accomplished and a resident ot East 
 Portland, Oregon. 
 
 During 1867 and 1868 settlement increased quite rapidly. The 
 latter year witnessed the birth of the future city, and the history of 
 the precinct from that time is so blended with that of the city that 
 we couple them in a future chapter. This, in connection with the 
 earlier chapters of " reminiscenses," we deem a suflicient history of 
 the early times of this immediate locality. However, there are many 
 incidents of those days that it would be gratifying to the author to 
 see in print, but it is not our aim to bore the reader with details 
 unnecessarily. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 121 
 
 " H " PRECINCT OR TOWN, 
 
 Or town eleven, range four east, is one of the eastern townships, aud 
 situated on the head of the north fork of Middle creek. It is roll- 
 ing land, with numerous springs and bright running streams, many 
 of them fringed with nice young timber. The settlement is largely 
 German. The first settler was Lewis Leibrock, on his present farm 
 near the stone church. Conrad Grant and Deidrick Brant settled 
 soon afterwards. Wm. Luber, Gillman Garland, B. W. Walker, 
 Fritz Ropke, and Wra. Leppe made settlement in 1868, and in 1869 
 Chris. Thomas aud Jacob Thomas, John Westerhoif, and C. C. Davis; 
 also Chas. Ruchtassel made settlement just at the edge of the plain on 
 the west side of the precinct; also Henry Petrie and John Olwiler. 
 
 The first school was organized in 1869, with Wolsey Wyant, L. 
 Leibrock, aud Conrad Grant as school officers. They erected a school- 
 house on section 28, and Thos. Cowen taught the first term. The 
 second school-house was built in 1873, in district No. 32, and Mrs. 
 J. P. Loose, then Miss Kate Miller, taught the first term. The stone 
 church, of which we give elsewhere a history, was built under the 
 pastorate of Rev. Theo. Gruber, in 1872, valued at ^3,000. The 
 Lutheran society laid out a cemetery in 1868, on the farm of Mr. 
 Leibrock. July 14, 1869, the two sons of Conrad Grant were killed 
 by lightning, and these were the first deaths in the precinct. 
 
 Charles Grant was the first child born in the settlement, in 1868. 
 
 The Midland railroad was built through the precinct in 1873, and 
 Germantown was laid into lots in 1874, by Hilaud Frazier. F. Bick 
 opened the first store. John Westerhoff was appointed postmaster. 
 Charles Rowland opened the second store in 1878. The first frame 
 house was built in the precinct by Conrad Grant, in 1870. The 
 precinct now has 1,095 inhabitants and 155 farms, with seven school- 
 houses, all frame. 
 
 The village of Germantown now has near two hundred inhabitants. 
 They have just erected a fiue two-story school-house. They have two 
 large grain elevators, two general stores, one drug store, a blacksmith 
 shop, and numerous good dwelliugs. The town is in a prosperous 
 condition. The precinct has near seven miles of railroad track. 
 
 "l" PRECINCT, 
 
 Town ten, range four east, is one of the eastern precincts of the county. 
 
122 HISTORY OF SEWAED COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 The north fork of Middle creek cuts it iu two unecj[ual parts, and the 
 south branch cuts the south-east corner. 
 
 These streams furnish ample water supply and drainage. The 
 north-western portion is a wavy plain, and is well adapted for farm- 
 ing purposes; and also the valleys are very rich, producing corn and 
 grass to. perfection. The eastern portion is somewhat broken, and is 
 well adapted for stock growing. The creeks are bright and pure 
 water, and the banks are lined with a growth of young timber, adding 
 a charm to the scenery. 
 
 This precinct has but two and one-half miles of railroad, but 
 has a station at Pleasant Dale. The eastern part is only twelve miles 
 distant from the capital, and the western part is in close proximity to 
 Seward and Milford. They have four schools, with good frame 
 buildings. The population is 690, with 131 farms. 
 
 Deloss Brown and old Mr. Bird, now deceased, were the first set- 
 tlers of whom we have record. They each settled as early as 1863, 
 on the south branch of Middle creek. Joseph Forest settled in 1864, 
 and James Her about the same time ; also one or two others. Abram 
 Courtright settled on the farm near the railroad, where the stone 
 house stands, in 1866. 
 
 "j" PRECINCT. 
 
 A Mr. Horton, Daniel Morgan, and his two sous, Louis and 
 Thomas, were the first to make permanent settlement near where 
 Ruby station now stands. They claim to have located in 1858, but 
 of the correctness of this there is doubt. Evidently they were the 
 first that made permanent homes on the North Blue in this county. 
 Job T. Reynolds, J. C. Neihardt, Thomas L. Rogers, and Samuel 
 Long settled in 1863. Mr. Rogers and wife have been dead many 
 years. Mr. Long died in the early part of laet year. 
 
 Blue river runs centrally through the precinct, and furnishes ex- 
 cellent water-powers, but there are none of them improved at this 
 time. 
 
 According to the census reports there are 776 inhabitants, with 149 
 farms. They have no village, but a railroad station with a store, 
 two elevators, and a post-office. Ruby. They have six miles of rail- 
 road and five good school-houses. They have excellent land and 
 good farms, and are very handy to the city. They rank third in 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 123 
 
 number of farms in the county. An excellent precinct with many 
 advantages, although no thriving village. It seems impracticable to 
 make a town in a precinct that nearly reaches both the city and Mil- 
 ford, and where thirty minutes drive will reach either of them. 
 
 " K '' PRECINCT. 
 
 This beautiful township has 130 farms, 672 population, six miles 
 of railroad, and one station (Goehner). It has five school-houses, 
 with the same number of schools, all in a prosperous condition. 
 
 This precinct is nearly all level land, and it has many of our most 
 beautiful and valuable farms. There is but very little running water 
 within its borders, 
 
 Goehner, its station, was platted in the fall of 1887, upon the com- 
 pletion of the railroad, and now it contains several business houses 
 and several dwellings, including a depot, elevator, two general stores, 
 two grocery stores, one hardware, and one drug store. 
 
 Abram Windsor built the first house in the precinct, in the spring 
 of 1869. Wm., George, and Alfred Livesey made settlement the 
 following summer. L. Allison, Martin and Edward Jensen, S. S. 
 H. Williams, Martin Madson, C. Tunecliff, and Peter Oglesby made 
 settlement in 1870; also some others whose names we have failed to 
 obtain. 
 
 The progress of " K " precinct has been rapid, both in settlement 
 and improvement. There are many very fine farm houses and good 
 substantial barns; many excellent orchards, and over a hundred fine 
 groves of planted timber. 
 
 This precinct can boast of the only regular cheese dairy in the 
 county. Jerome Aldrich, near Goehner, has in successful operation 
 a cheese dairy, in which he made and sold forty thousand pounds of 
 excellent cheese during 1887, and he proposes to enlarge the capacity 
 to 140,000 pounds in the near future. Mr. Aldrich finds a ready 
 sale for his product, which is accounted number one among the dealers. 
 
 " L " PRECINCT. 
 
 Town ten, range one east, was first settled by John E. Fouse, at 
 the crossing of Beaver creek, in 1862, where he opened a ranch on 
 the old freight road. Mr. Fouse lived here many years in a sort of 
 a rough-and-tumble way, trading with travelers and Indians. The 
 
 f b 
 
^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 124 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 writer was at his place iu 1864, and at the time the ranch was kept 
 in an immense dug-out on the bank of the creek. There were a great 
 many tough stories tokl in connection with this ranch in the pioneer 
 •days, but we will not reiterate them, as we are hardly able to vouch 
 for their truthfulness. Mr. Fouse was a peculiar character, and his 
 place became somewhat famous for the many tragic events there en- 
 acted. Whiskey was an important article of trade at the ranch. 
 
 Thos. Tisdale opened his little store and the post-office in 1869, 
 and a Mr. Donovan also settled in the neighborhood about the same 
 time. The real substantial settlement began in 1870, when the prairies 
 began to be homesteaded. Thomas Foster built the first frame house 
 in April. His mother. Widow Foster, and family, and F. M. Hor- 
 ton made settlement shortly afterwards. In 1871 there were great 
 numbers who made settlement. The first school of which we can 
 learn was taught by John Turner, on what is known as the Norman 
 ■Gassier farm, in the summer of 1873. While " L " is one of our fore- 
 most farming precincts, it has no railroad and no village within 
 its borders, but is happily situated convenient to four stations on 
 two different railroads, and has a choice of markets within an hour's 
 drive from any point. The south-western portion is somewhat rough, 
 but the lands are good. The other and larger portion is as fine farm- 
 ing land as can be found anywhere. It contains 139 farms and 848 
 people, with five schools. The precinct has the choice of Utica, 
 Tamora, Goehner, and Beaver Grossing for market places, and the 
 farthest farm from a station does not exceed six miles. 
 
 " m" precinct 
 
 Is the south-western geographical township of the county. Daniel 
 Millspaw settled in 1862, just west of Beaver Grossing, on what is 
 now J. W. Thompson's laud, and opened a ranch. In 1863 John 
 Xiconard made settlement a short distance further west. In 1865 a 
 Mr. Buzzard settled north-east of town, and Mr. G. Glark and Gol- 
 umbus Clark settled just to the south-east of Ross Nichols' farm, and 
 about the same time Isaiah and Phillip Michael located on the Migatt 
 farm, east of town. Eoss Nichols came in 1869, and located on the 
 present town site, and had a small portion of his land surveyed into 
 a town site in 1871, its first name being Nicholsville. Smith and 
 Ingalls opened a store, and Mr. Smith built the flouring mill the 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 125 
 
 same season. Thomas Tisdale had a little store at John E. Fouse's 
 ranch, and was postmaster, and the store and post-office were moved 
 to the town in the fall of 1871. They had a weekly, or weakly, mail 
 carried on horseback. 
 
 Beaver Crossing was a rather dull and sleepy cross-roads trading 
 point, where a few families have resided — two little stores, a black- 
 smith shop, a small hotel, and a doctor's office, with the grist-mill, 
 and so it remained until the spring of 1887, when the building of 
 the F., E. & M. V. R. R. was assured, then it awoke to a new life,, 
 and now all is vigor and activity. Beaver Crossing now supports a 
 newspaper. The Bugle, a bank, presided over by T. E. Sanders, eight 
 or more mercantile houses, and some pretty good ones, two large ele- 
 vators, two lumber yards, two smith shops, a hotel, and tM^o livery 
 barns, and is growing in earnest, bidding fair to become one of the 
 important towns of the county. A church and school-house adorn 
 the place. 
 
 "M" precinct is abundantly supplied with water-courses, and the 
 drainage is most thorough. The West Blue and its tributaries, John- 
 son creek, Indian creek, and the Beaver, furnish ample water and 
 drainage. There is quite an amount of natural timber along these 
 streams. The south-western portion of the precinct is a broad plain, 
 and contains very many beautiful farms. The northern portion is 
 somewhat broken. The population is 750, and there are 91 farms, 
 according to the last census, but the population has increased greatly 
 within the last year. There are six school-houses, each good frame 
 buildings. The precinct, so long isolated and kept back by circum- 
 stances, will now take a forward step, and become from this time one 
 of our most important possessions. The precinct has seven miles of 
 railroad. The nev/ town of Hunkius, named for Benj. Hunkins, i& 
 situate near the extreme south-west corner of the county in the midst 
 of a splendid farming country, and will be an important shipping 
 point. 
 
 " N " PRECINCT, 
 
 Part of the old historic ground of the county, is largely noticed in 
 the valuable and instructive letter of Mr. Johnson, but there are 
 some points that should be mentioned. 
 
 This precinct at an early day was part of Walnut Creek precinct. 
 W. J. Thompson was the first to settle and open a ranch on Walnut 
 
126 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 creek, in the fall of 1862. The Johnson family came in 1864, also 
 David Barton and Samuel Englehoupt; and in 1865 the Campbells, 
 the Wilsons, and McCrackens; and in 1869 and 1870 large numbers 
 came — Irwin Stall, George Foster, S. C. Tremper, J. D. Black- 
 burn, the Richardson family, and many others. The first school 
 was taught by Miss Agnes Baily, now Mrs. C. West, at the school- 
 house on David Bartin's farm in 1863, in what is district No. 
 3. The precinct has no village or post-office at present, but in the 
 early days it had one at Walnut creek, called Welden, with S. G. 
 Keen as postmaster, and at a later date one at Pittsburg. There was 
 a town surveyed at Pittsburg in 1873, by Chris Lezenby, where a 
 peat deposit had been discovered, Avhich for a time was thought to 
 be of great importance, but its life was ephemeral. 
 
 " N " precinct is well situated so far as markets are concerned. 
 The southern portion is very near and handy to Friend and Dor- 
 chester, the eastern part to Milford, the western portion to Beaver 
 Crossing, and the northern portion is within easy reach of Goehner, 
 and it is only from ten to twelve miles to the county seat. 
 
 The 1885 census gives the precinct 748 inhabitants and 134 farms, 
 with five frame school-houses. There is splendid water-power, but 
 as yet it remains unimproved. There are great numbers of very 
 superior farms and orchards. 
 
 " O " TOWN 
 
 Is happily situated, so that it takes in a long stretch of our two 
 laro-est streams. The North Blue cuts the north-east corner, and the 
 South Blue cuts the south-west corner, each stream furnishing very 
 superior water-powers of immense capacity, and they are improved 
 at Milford and at West's mills, yet there is ample room for more ex- 
 tended improvement. Had a population of 1,462 at the last census, 
 and 146 farms, with fifteen manufiicturing establishments. Has 
 three post-office3, two flouring mills, at present only two miles of rail- 
 road, but has the track graded for about three miles additional on 
 the Crete line down the valley. Has five schools, including one 
 graded school, each with a good building. There are many very 
 beautiful and tastefully arranged farms, with good buildings and 
 orchards. 
 
 The historic town of Milford is its principal place of trade. JNIil- 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 127 
 
 ford Avas one of the first settled portions of the county, and was for 
 many years the leading town of the county. Held the county seat 
 from 1867 to the fall of 1871, and was the only town in fact until 
 the summer of 1868. Was established as a ranch and trading point 
 in 1864, Built the bridge in the spring of 1866, and the first mill 
 the following summer. Now has a population of near 800 souls, a 
 central trading point with many mercantile houses ; a station on the 
 A. & N. division of the B. & M., with two ver}' large elevators. 
 The largest flouring mill in the state, with elevator attached, with a 
 capacity of ninety-five thousand bushels of wheat, several fine brick 
 blocks, the sanitarium, and the assurance of the State Industrial 
 Home. Milford has become noted for a pleasant summer resort for 
 tourists, where parties can fish, bathe, or take pleasure rides on the 
 great pond, or ramble to their heart's content in the beautiful groves. 
 Hotel accommodations are good. The surrounding scenery is very 
 pleasant to look upon. The village is situated on a commanding hill, 
 where the eye can feast on the beauteous landscape either northward 
 or southward. There are very many pleasant and commodious 
 dwellings, with several very tastefully built churches, a commodious 
 graded school-house; maintains two banks, and many shops of diifer- 
 ent kinds, among which are two large livery barns and several im- 
 plement houses. We can see many reasons why Milford should, in 
 years to come, be a very important town, and enjoy wonderful pros- 
 perity. If she will grasp the opportunities that present themselves, 
 •she will become a tine city ere another decade. 
 
 " P " TOWN 
 
 Is old historic ground. Camden neighborhood was one among 
 the earliest settlements. J. L. Davison located a ranch one mile west 
 of the old bridge in 18G2, and A. J. Wallingford opened one at the 
 bridge shortly afterwards. James Johnson settled near the bridge in 
 the spring of 1863, and also old Mr. Bingaman. The great freight 
 trains and thousands of movers across the plains made Camden 
 bridge a noted place, as it was a favorite camping ground. Gen. 
 Vifquain lived just across the county line; also Mr. Stanton and 
 James West lived a couple of miles or so west of Camden. It was a 
 common sight to see a hundred camps in the vicinity of the bridge. 
 All classes of people were among the throngs of passengers, some 
 
128 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 very rich and some miserably poor. They were with all sorts of ve- 
 hicles jwith gilded carriages, with finely caparisoned horses, and 
 others with an ox and a cow yoked together, with old rickety wagons; 
 sometimes from thirty to sixty great freight wagons, with six yokes 
 of steers to each, loaded with meat, flour, machinery, and merchan- 
 dise ; great droves of cattle, and once we saw an immense drove of 
 turkeys, several thousand, wending their way to the mountains. 
 Some of these pilgrims were of the best of people and some were of 
 the worst. Many of them were refugees from Missouri, fleeing 
 from the wrath that their crimes had engendered in the bloody 
 work of that state in the early years of the war. Some of these fel- 
 lows were blood-thirsty and vicious in the extreme. All classes of 
 men carried weapons for defensive and oflensive purposes, and occa- 
 sionally fearful crimes were committed. Grain and hay were in 
 great demand and brought extremely high prices. We have known 
 corn to sell at $2.50 per bushel, and hay to bring six cents per pound. 
 The traffic on the road was immense, and continued to increase in 
 volume until the U. P. railroad reached Grand Island. Then this 
 business all ceased. 
 
 H. W. Parker and Ford Roper, of Beatrice, commenced the erec- 
 tion of the Camden mills and founded the village of Camden in 1866. 
 For a time Camden seemed to be a very important point, and bid 
 fair to be the great city of this valley, but the change in the route of 
 the main line of the B. & M. railroad changed the whole face of 
 matters, and killed Camden as dead as a mackerel. Mr. Parker did 
 much to build Camden, and his mill was of incalculable benefit to 
 the early settlers. 
 
 At the old bridge was the first post-office of the county established^ 
 and for several years Camden was the distributing point for a vast 
 area of country. James Johnson was the first postmaster. Wm. 
 Buchanan was the first regular merchant of the county. Thomas 
 Graham taught Camden's first school in the winter of 1866 and 1867. 
 
 " P " precinct has much rough laud, and consequently has fallen 
 behind many other precincts in population. The census gives her 
 536 population and ninety-three farms. The mill was sold to liord 
 Jones and moved off", and now one of the finest water- powers of our 
 state lies idle, but we trust that when the track is laid from Milford 
 to Crete that that splendid power may attract attention. The pre- 
 cinct has six school-houses and one church edifice. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 129 
 
 HISTORIC LETTER FROM THE PEN OF JAMES A. BROWN, FORMERLY 
 OF SEWARD, BUT NOW^ OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA. 
 
 Los Angeles, Cal,, Dec. 12, 1887. 
 W. W. Cox: 
 
 Dear Sir — Yours of Dec. 5tli came to hand a few days ago. 
 When I declined to write you a historical letter upon the early his- 
 tory of Seward county, I then hoped that you would not further 
 insist upon my writing, as at present I have but little inclination in 
 that way. But as you still insist that I must do it, I will attempt to 
 record some of my first experiences connected with my making a home 
 in Seward county. In February, 1866, as I was on my way from 
 Leavenworth, Kan., to Denver, Colo., and while waiting at Fort 
 Kearney for teams enough to get together to make a train large 
 enough to defend ourselves from the Indians, who were very bad at 
 that time, I became acquainted with Ramsey Grant, who lived on 
 the south side of the Platte, opposite Columbus, and who was after- 
 •wards killed by the Indians. He described to me in glowing terms 
 the country, to such an extent that I promised to visit him on my 
 return from Denver, and take a look at his country. In the month 
 of April, 1866, I came down and spent a few days with him, and 
 spent the time in looking at the country. While there I heard that 
 a settlement had been started on the Blue River to the south of them, 
 and that there was considerable timber there, which was a main con- 
 sideration, as the soil was good everywhere in the country. I 
 resolved' to go and see it, and when I saw it considered it good, and 
 resolved to remain and help develop it. 
 
 I found in the north half of the county the following families, at 
 the time of my visit: David Imlay, Sen., and two unmarried sons 
 and a daughter, and being a bachelor, I " corralled " the daughter, and 
 whether it was for my everlasting happiness or eternal misery is none 
 of your business;* Wm. Imlay, W. W. Cox, R. T. Gale, E. L. 
 Clark, Sen., Thomas Dunaway and Mother, Richard Sampson, Lewis 
 MoflStt, J. N. Roberts, Thomas Skillman, John Durland, and F. E. 
 Pitt. A number of other families came in that spring, among whom 
 were the Hagamans, E. L. Ellis, John Roberts, Sen., J. C. Sampson; 
 and in the fall a few more families arrived — Roger Cooper, Wm. 
 
 * The author happens to know that Mr. Brown made no mistake in choice of a wife. 
 
130 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 Cooper, E. B. Shafer, and Geo. W. Rogers. There were also a few 
 people at the Oak Groves, amoug whom were J. D. Main, Mr. John 
 A. Scott, and a few others, I think, but am not positive about it, as 
 I did not become acquainted over there the first year. After that 
 year it would be difficult to keep track of all that came. 
 
 In April, 1867, the river was higher than I ever saw it afterwards, 
 caused by the heavy snows of the previous winter, which was the 
 coldest winter that I ever saw there or anywhere else. In fact it was 
 terrible, and as the people had poor houses, I was glad there were no 
 more of them at the time. In 1867 there was a good crop of wheat 
 and some corn and vegetables, but the grasshoppers got most of the 
 corn. With the experience of the winter before, and with the time 
 to prepare for it, the people were in better condition for the next 
 winter, which being a mild one in comparison with the preceding 
 one, but little suifering was experienced. 
 
 In the summer of 1868 the first buildings were erected on the town 
 site of Seward. I think there were five that year, and on the Fourth 
 of July a few of the people congregated on the public square and 
 elevated a pole that was used as a flag staff for a number of years. 
 Yearly additions were made to the town by buildings and people, till 
 at present it has become as fine an inland town as can be found in 
 Nebraska, Lincoln excepted. As I notice that you have described 
 the county seat troubles I will not mention them. 
 
 In August, 1869, Mr. S. G. Mathewas and T. L. Norval first 
 made a visit to Seward. At that time ''Op," now the honorable 
 judge of the sixth judicial district of Nebraska, looked like a school 
 boy just out of school, but since that time he has acquired enormous 
 proportions. The Norval Bros, were among the first attorneys who 
 located in Seward, though F. JNI. E.'s worth was there about a year 
 before, but we had but little use for lawyers, as it took all we could 
 make to i\e<[ ourselves, and as to clothing, we will not mention the 
 " old rags" that we covered our nakedness with, for we were truly 
 what the people of Colorado called the Nebraskaus when meeting 
 them on the plains, " ragged Nebraskaus." In fact the name was 
 applicable to us for a number of years after I went there, and I do 
 Dot think I should feel at home in Nebraska now unless I could be 
 allowed to let my rags float in the breezes as of yore. 
 
 I omitted to chronicle the advent of H. L. Boyes and family in the 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 131 
 
 fall of 1867, who started a saw-mill, I think iu the following sum- 
 mer, which was a great convenience to the people in getting lumber 
 to make themselves and stock more comfortable. Said saw-mill after- 
 wards gave place to a flouring mill, which enabled the people to feed 
 themselves better. All the people owe Father Boyes a debt of grat- 
 itude for first providing them with means to erect houses and then 
 with bread, and may he and his estimable lady long live to sit upon 
 their porch and listen to the whir of the old mill wheel, and enjoy 
 the society of their hosts of friends. While the people had grass- 
 hoppers to contend with, Mr. Boyes had the Blue river to watch dur- 
 ing freshets. His first grist-mill was so ruined as to be comparatively 
 worthless, but the old man had the " sand " in his crop, and Avent to 
 work with energy and rebuilt the structure, which he has again 
 replaced with the present splendid structure to take the place of the 
 old saw-mill. In the freshets above mentioned the people were 
 frequently put to straits by the bridges on the streams washing out, 
 when they would often have to travel many miles to cross the river, 
 or swim it. A little cotton wood skiff" that I made in the spring of 
 1867 aided a great many people to cross the river, which they other- 
 wise could not have done. 
 
 Although we were all poor, and at times had hard work to make 
 ourselves comfortable, yet I think we enjoyed ourselves as well as 
 Claudius Jones does to-day with his fine houses and barns and pre- 
 mium Short-horns and untold treasures. This teaches us that wealth 
 is not indispensable to happiness. 
 
 In the year 1874 the whole country west of the Missouri river 
 suffered severely with drouth, which nearly annihilated the corn and 
 vegetable crop, but the grasshoppers came in August and took what 
 the drouth had not already destroyed, and unjustly the loss of the 
 whole crop was charged to them. 
 
 Since 1876 the grasshoppers have not visited the state, and from 
 that time Nebraska can date the dawning of her prosperity. With 
 her fine soil, even if the climate is at times severe, it must soon rank 
 as an agricultural state second to none. But as Hon. Geo. Geddes 
 remarked some years ago, in a communication to the New York 
 Tribune: "Any country that will produce grass will sustain a popu- 
 lation," and Nebraska has become a better grass producing country, 
 especially for the tame grasses, than the most sanguine dared hope 
 
132 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 for fifteen years ago. With tlie surety of producing cheap food for 
 stock, Nebraska must ever take rank among the first as a stock pro- 
 ducing state, aud the people of all stock countries may at least become 
 independent. 
 
 I have written more than I first intended. I mean more Avords, 
 but I fear that when you come to use the critic's eye of a historian 
 you will find but little that you can use in your book. I hope you 
 will thus treat it, for this is not intended for publication without such 
 treatment, as I hardly know what to write, my not knowing what 
 you have written, but if I have even furnished you with some ideas 
 and expressions I shall be pleased. 
 
 I hope some day to visit Nebraska again, as, " with all her faults, 
 I love her still," even if I do like the winters of Southern California 
 better. With my best wishes for the success of your efforts, and for 
 the future of that fair land and her prosperity, 
 
 I am yours, 
 
 James A. Brown. 
 
 LETTER FROM E. W. OLNEY, OF " A " TOWN. 
 
 December 18th, 1887. 
 W. W. Cox: 
 
 Dear Sir — John A. Scott located on his claim on section twenty, 
 township twelve, range four east, in the spring of 1864, and John 
 Owens settled on section twenty-eight in the summer of 1864. Asa 
 Munn made settlement on section two in 1866 ; John Royce on sec- 
 tion twenty-eight, J. D. Maine and J. D. Olney on section twenty- 
 two, Warren Brown on section twenty-three. Royal Dart settled on 
 section thirty-two in 1867 ; S. M. Darnall on section twenty-two, 
 and John Darnall on section twelve, the same year. 
 
 The first school was taught by Miss Sarah A. Scott, on the Jack 
 Royce place, in a log school-house, in 1867. Rev. George Clapp 
 preached the first sermon in the old log school-house, in the same 
 year. Rev. Robert Rowbottom organized the first church (M. E.) 
 in 1875. 
 
 Until 1869 we had to goto Lincoln for our mail. At that time an 
 office was established. G. B. Hardenburg was our first postmaster, 
 and held his office in the old house of Milton Langdon, on section 
 twenty-one. A steam saw-mill was established in 1868, by Kirkam 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 133 
 
 aud Hughes, and proved of great help to the people. Our mail was 
 carried by a buckboai'd tirst, and later by a stage. 
 
 Our growth and progress have been slow but sure. Our growth has 
 been steady. Quite a number of the first settlers have passed off the 
 stage of action, among whom were Milton Langdon and wife, Mrs. 
 Gillman Garland, David Hawkins, J. D. Maine and wife, and Simeon 
 Munn. 
 
 This region has always been known as the Oak Groves, and it is 
 quite historic ground. It is unlike any other portion of the county. 
 The land is what we term rough or broken, has many quite deep 
 caiious, and each of these has a beautilul rippling brook of clear 
 .spring water. Excellent springs are numerous. When the settle- 
 ment began in 1864, these canons were all thickly set to oak timber. 
 This timber was hauled to the salt works for fuel, and to the table- 
 land for Jill purposes, and finally, when the capital was located at 
 Lancaster (Lincoln), scores of teams were kept busy hauling wood, 
 and before the cars had reached the new city, these fine groves were 
 all, or nearly all destroyed. There was a vast amount of valuable 
 timber all through this section of country, and it seems sad that it 
 should have been so ruthlessly destroyed. Many of these hills are 
 full of a very superior quality of limestone Many kilns of lime 
 were burned, and the lime found a market at Lincoln, Seward, and 
 throughout the farming region roundabout. While this is not 
 deemed as desirable for farming purposes as the level plain to the 
 westward, yet we have very many excellent farms in the valleys, and 
 for stock purposes our advantages are unsurpassed. 
 
 We have three railroad stations within easy reach — Germantowu, 
 on the B. & M., Eaymond, on the U. P., and " B," on the North- 
 western. 
 
 Our soil is excellent, our water is of the very best, and abundant, 
 and we generally have happy and comfortable homes. How we got 
 our start of hogs was related hy Mr. Cox, the author of this book. 
 There was an old Missourian, we forget his name, wanted to get his 
 hogs out of reach of the soldier boys in war time, so in about the 
 spring of 1863, he di'ove forty or fifty shoats up to the Groves, 
 moved his family along with them, and sojourned there while the 
 war clouds hung heavily over Missouri. The hogs, like the family 
 ran wild, and were rather more untractable, aud when the old man 
 
134 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 found it convenient to move again the hogs were faring so Avell in 
 the timber and tall weeds that they concluded not to move on 
 uncertainties ; they would rather stay, and they did stay. So the 
 early settlers found the timber full of fat hogs, and they did not 
 suifer for meat ; and frequently an old sow with a fine litter of pigs 
 was captured, and a start of hogs was secured. 
 
 LETTER FROM MRS. H. W. PARKER. 
 
 Beatrice, Nov. 28, 1887. 
 Mr. W. W. Cox: 
 
 Dear Sir and Friend — Mr. Parker received your letter, and 
 being very much engaged in a public way, as city councilman, etc., 
 and just on the eve of his departure for California on a visit, he has 
 delegated me to answer yours. 
 
 I am truly interested in your letters of " Then and Now," and ara 
 very willing to contribute my remembrances if they will add interest 
 to your work, but I have forgotten exact dates and have not the 
 faculty of condensing and making brief my letters, so as to be suit- 
 able for publication, but I will do the best T can. 
 
 At one time (perhaps you remember), the Camden Mills was a 
 popular resort for social and Christmas parties, dances and New 
 Year's gatherings, etc. One time at a large dance, when there were 
 over a hundred and fifty people present, after the dance Major Strunk 
 read a beautiful poem, after which he read a notice which a Methodist 
 circuit preacher had handed me, giving notice that there would be 
 preaching at the Mill two weeks from the following Sunday, and re- 
 questing as large a turn out as was there on the present occasion. 
 The result was we had a large congregation, but it was hard to get a 
 second audience, for in those days they came from ten miles distant 
 and seemed to be attracted by amusement and recreation, rather than 
 stale would-be pr each.il} g ; but we were all interested in having good 
 singing and enjoyed that part immensely. In those days there were 
 no paid chorister or select singers, but all the audience joined whether 
 they could sing or not. Ha ! Ha ! 
 
 The raising the mill, the washout, the high water, the losing of all 
 our lumber, so that we had to live in a dugout two years more^ 
 made a deep and feeling impression on my mind. Propping up the 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 135 
 
 roof of our dugout with six or eight posts inside, to keep the roof 
 from falling in, and burying us up with the wagon loads of sod and 
 soil that formed the roof. 
 
 FLEAS. 
 
 For six months I know I suiFered torture enough to atone for the 
 'sins of a life-time. Did I believe in eternal punishment I should 
 say fleas had filled the bill. 
 
 The venison, elk, and antelope meat were pleasant attractions 
 with our Indian friends, who camped one winter for about three 
 months near Camden. The squaws used to come over and cut wood 
 for us. At one time I had two chopping wood at the door, and I 
 had the papooses strapped on their boards and kept inside for me to 
 watch. When they cried, the squaws would motion me to tilt the 
 board, and the little fellows would go to sleep. 
 
 There were many little incidents of interest, but 'twas so long ago 
 that I cannot remember them well enough to fix them up in shape to 
 put them into print. I forget their proper connections. 
 
 It was not me that Lawyer P. pulled the bed clothes from, but my 
 hired girl. Miss Anna Bingaman, now Mrs. Dan Harris. I had not 
 yet retired, but I was terribly frightened that night, and I have had 
 a dislike for some of those folks ever since. 
 
 Fordyce Roper and my husband (Hiram W. Parker) built the first 
 saw and grist-mill in the county, in 1865 and 1866, at a cost of $15,- 
 000. High water delayed the completion of the grist-mill by wash- 
 ing out the dam and cutting out a perfect race around the mill, sub- 
 merging their lumber yard, carrying down the river $2,000 worth of 
 lumber. But with indomitable energy and will to overcome obsta- 
 cles, such as losses and high prices of machinery, etc., the mill was 
 finally completed and in successful operation, turning out good flour, 
 which caused general rejoicing of all the settlers for many miles 
 around, who had been compelled to go from fifty to sixty miles to 
 mill. We had to board mill-wright, carpenters, and other hands 
 more than a full year, instead of two or three months as we had ex- 
 pected, produce being extremely high. For potatoes we had to pay 
 $3 per bushel, 40 cents for butter, and I remember we paid Uncle 
 Billy Stanton 27 cents per pound for bacon ; coffee, sugar, flour, and 
 all other provisions in proportion. We paid the commonest carpen- 
 ter $2 per day and board, and the mill-wright much more, and this 
 
136 HISTORY OF SEAVARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 was what swelled the expense of the mill. We paid $3 per day for 
 our sawyer, $3 per week for kitchen girl, and we had no spacious 
 mansion, our home being a dug-out. I do not remember the date 
 they got to making flour. I know they had just succeeded in getting 
 the three-story frame up the day before the ice went out of the river, 
 which was in March, 1866. I know they felt safe, as the river was 
 clear of ice, but the water kept rising for three days, which we could 
 not account for, but when weeks had elapsed news reached Camden 
 that there had been continuous rains on the heads of the river. This 
 was explained too late for us to remedy the destruction of the prop- 
 erty by the flood. 
 
 FROM THE PEN OF I. M. K. JOHNSON. 
 
 Thomas West and family, consisting of his wife, Catharine, and 
 sons, Cornelius, Thomas, John, Charles, and James, and daughter, 
 Isabella, settled at West Mills on the West Blue, in the spring of 
 1860. They had many hardships to endure in 1861; their log cabin, 
 together with about all their worldly goods except a few cattle, were 
 burned by the Indians, supposed to be Omahas disguised as Sioux. 
 This was in the fall, and the family suffered great hardships during 
 the following winter. The Indians were very troublesome, and stole 
 much of Uncle Tommy's crops of that year. With the exception of 
 the families of Orin Johnson and James West, who lived near, there 
 was no settlement nearer than Victor Vifquain, near the forks of the 
 Blue, and the Morgans on the North Blue, from eight to ten miles 
 distant. 
 
 Their place of trade was Nebraska City, eighty-two miles distant. 
 Uncle Tommy started a supply store (this was in 1862, according to the 
 best information attainable), and once a month sent a team for sup- 
 plies of such goods as were in demand by frontiersmen. An invoice 
 of a load of goods would read about as follows: Powder, two kegs; 
 lead, from one to two hundred lbs. ; percussion caps, from one to two 
 hundred boxes; one bbl. whiskey, flour, bacon, one hundred lbs. to- 
 bacco, fifty or a hundred traps, and some miscellaneous articles. 
 When roads were good a trip could be made in five days. Although 
 the Indians committed many atrocities on the Platte and the Little 
 Blue, and were very threatening, Uncle Tommy's family never de- 
 serted their home nor abandoned it during the darkest hours, but in 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 137 
 
 times of great danger guarded their stock and goods as best they 
 could, and at last got on such good terms that they were able to do 
 a thriving trade with the Indians. They buried their son John in 
 1862. This was a sad affliction. This was probably the first white 
 person buried in the county. John was buried in what is now \Yest 
 Mills cemetery. 
 
 Mr. West built a saw-mill, and put in a small burr and ground 
 corn as early as the summer of 1864. 
 
 He is remembered by all the old settlers as a genial, kind-hearted 
 man. The latch string of his cabin door was always out, and no one 
 in want ever called on him in vain. By his energy a post-office was 
 established in 1865 at the mill and store. He was elected county 
 clerk at the first organization in 1865. He died in 1879, and was 
 buried beside his son, being followed to the grave by all his old neigh- 
 bors as mourners of one they had known to love and respect. His 
 widow followed him to the tomb in the winter of 1885. These dear 
 old people have gone to the better world, leaving very many sad 
 hearts at their departure. Uncle Tommy acted well his part in the 
 development of this new land, and for the many acts of kindness 
 shown he will ever be remembered by all the earlier settlers. 
 
 (The author of this little book has a very warm place in his heart 
 for the memory of the kind old people.) 
 
 UncleTomray and family came from Maryland to Missouri, thence 
 to Nebraska. They started for California to seek gold, but became 
 disgusted with the company that they started with, and left it, and 
 made their home in this wilderness. His son Charles lives now on 
 the old farm, and James and Thomas live within a mile. Isabella, 
 now Mrs. Orin Johnson, still lives on a homestead which her husband 
 settled upon in 1861. Her husband went to Oregon many years ago, 
 and has not been heard from since he left, and it is supposed that he 
 is dead. Cornelius lives in Missouri. Orin Johnson's family lost 
 several children in an early day — 1867 — with the measles. Only 
 two of the children yet live, and they, Fanny and Ida, are living 
 with their mother. There was no doctor nearer than Salt Basin. A 
 messenger was sent, and made the round trip, fifty-six miles, in eight 
 hours, bringing back a Frenchman who claimed to be a doctor, and 
 the people expected that he knew his business. He proved to be a 
 fraud in all but his charges. All the children whom he doctored 
 died. 
 
138 HISTORY OF SEAVARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 lu the years 1864 and 1865 settlers begau to locate all along the 
 West Blue valley. At that time the idea prevailed that the uplands 
 were worthless for cultivation. It was thought that the showers only 
 followed the valleys of the streams, and that the high prairies could 
 not be made to produce grain. The early settlers on Salt creek used 
 to say that it never rained twenty miles west of Salt creek. 
 
 William J. Clark moved to his homestead just below West's mill in 
 1862. Mr. Clark came from New York state to Illinois, when Chi- 
 cago was about the size of Seward. He run a fishing boat on the 
 lake until he moved to Seward county. He had buried his wife at 
 Chicago, and was accompanied to this county by his three daughters. 
 Mr. Clark proved to be a thrifty and successful farmer. He raised 
 a large amount of vegetables and supplied the travel on tlie great 
 road. He was a model frontiersman. He had had the misfortune 
 to have his right hand crippled, yet he could do and did about as 
 much work as other men. Mr. Clark died in 1886, leaving quite a 
 handsome property and some money in the bank for his daughters. 
 He was highly respected by all his neighbors, and mourned by a host 
 of friends. 
 
 Samuel Englehouft and wife (Amanda) and their five children, 
 Ellen, Mary Anne, George, Daniel, and Albert, moved to this 
 county in the spring of 1865. Alice, their younger daughter, was 
 born here in 1865. Albert died in October, 1882. When they arrived 
 in Seward county they had only a team and wagon, a few sacks of 
 corn meal, and not a dollar in money. He bravely went to work 
 and raised a patch of sod corn, and worked in Mr. West's mill, 
 and in a few years became well to do. He was very fond of hunt- 
 ing; was an excellent neighbor and well respected. He died 
 September 16, 1885, and was buried in the cemetery bearing his 
 own name, leaving his aged widow, who, with her son George, still 
 lives on the old homestead. The other children are all married and 
 doing well. The family originally came from Pennsylvania to 
 Manona, Illinois ; from there to Vinton, Iowa, thence to Nebraska. 
 It is said to the credit of the lamily that no one was ever permitted 
 to leave their house hungry. 
 
 Jesse R. Johnson and wife, Rachel, with family, William P. and 
 Clara B,, came to their present home, two and a half miles above 
 West's mills, in 1864. Mr. Johnson came from Cincinnati in an 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 139 
 
 early day to Illinois. At tiie time they settled iu Seward county, 
 provisions were scarce and high in price, and times were very hard, 
 but by great energy the family lived it through until brighter days 
 dawned, and now they are the happy possessors of a goodly heritage, 
 having a fine farm and a magnificent orchard that has been bearing 
 fruit for many years. He was the first (we believe) to plant an or- 
 chard in the county. Fruit w^as a hobby with him, and he always 
 insisted that this would prove to be a splendid fruit county. Others 
 watched his success, and now this county compares very favorably 
 with any portion of Nebraska or the West. Mr. J. served several 
 terms as justice of the j^eace, and was the first elected in the south 
 part of the county. He was a good hunter and trapper and his 
 table never was without meat. The furs and pelts secured were a 
 source of profit. Through his energy school district No. 3 was 
 formed, and a log school-house, which still stands as a landmark, 
 was built mostly by himself. This old school-house stands on the 
 farm of David Barton. His daughter Clara is now Mrs. A. C. 
 Smith, and lives in the same neighborhood. 
 
 James West, brother of Thomas West, and his wife, Margaret, set- 
 tled on a nice farm in the vicinity of his brother's farm in the spring 
 of 1860. They then had two daughters, Eliza and Kate. Alexan- 
 der, their oldest son, was born November 7, 1860, and was the first 
 white child born in the county. Alexander continued his res- 
 idence in the county until the fall of 1887, or about twentv- 
 seven years. The father and all the family, consisting at present of 
 eight children, moved to Kansas, whither they were followed by the 
 kindly wishes of all the neighbors. Mr. West was a very generous 
 man, and any weary stranger found a hearty welcome under his roof. 
 The family had their full share of privations and hardships of a 
 frontier life. 
 
 David Barton moved to the neighborhood in the spring of 1864; 
 was, and still is, a bachelor, but built a log house on his homestead; 
 came with but a pittance, and has been remarkably successful ; is now 
 the owner of a large estate, and is at this time the heaviest taxpayer 
 of "N" precinct. Mr. Barton came from England, in 1858, almost 
 a penniless lad, and by his industry and careful management he has 
 acquired a handsome fortune, although a generous man. Young men 
 may take pattern of him. Mr. B. has no relative in this county. 
 
140 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 Israel M. K. Johnsou, sou of Jesse R. Johnson, followed his pa- 
 rents to the new home in July, 1865, and took a homestead. He had 
 just returned from the army, where he had served three years; first 
 in Company K, 138th Ills. Vol., and afterwards in Company E, 34th 
 Ills. Israel was fond of hunting and trapping, and in company with 
 the West boys he frequently made long trips to the Little Blue, in 
 Kansas, and to the Platte, and once as far as the Dismal river, where 
 he had a close call for his scalp. As he had been through the war, 
 he had become somewhat reckless. He often guided trains to Denver, 
 was a success as a buffalo hunter, and never returned from the chase 
 empty-handed. At this time they were plentiful some distance west- 
 ward, but only occasionally one would appear within fifteen or twenty 
 miles. Thomas West, Jr., killed the last one ever killed in Seward 
 county, in 1866, Elk, deer, antelope, and wild turkeys were plenti- 
 ful, and were frequently killed. " Id," as they called him, was a great 
 hunter; his rifie or revolver was never out of reach. He thought 
 that a man that could not take horse, gun, and blanket, and rough it 
 for three or four weeks at a time, had no business so far west as Sew- 
 ard county. At one time he and Mr. McFadden had their wagon 
 wheel and harness burned by prairie fire while a hundred miles from 
 home on a hunt, south of Kearney, and they came home with a raw- 
 hide harness and a pole under the wagon axle. It was a hard-looking 
 outfit, but they were glad to reach home even in this sorry plight, as 
 it was at the time of the Indian massacre on the Platte. They had a 
 hard fight with the Sioux, and if it had not been for timely assistance 
 from Buffalo Bill (Hon. Wm. Cody) and his Pawnees, the Indians 
 would have taken their scalps. They helped to bury two men, a 
 woman, and a child that the Indians had murdered, just below Mar- 
 tin's ranch, on the Platte. Travel on the great roads was about sus- 
 pended, on account of the Indian troubles. 
 
 Rev. L. Oliver, a Methodist minister, settled near West's mill in 
 1869. He had a large family. Hiswife died in 1871, and he in 1874. 
 He was one of the pioneer ministers of the south part of the county. 
 Mr. Oliver was a good man, and did much in moulding the moral 
 and religious sentiment of the community. We are sorry that we can 
 give so little of his history. 
 
 Abner M. Richardson came from Iowa in June, 1869, and made 
 his home in the south part of the county. His wife (Maria) died 
 
HISTORY OF SEWAED COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 141 
 
 Sept. 19, 1885. They had lost their son Benjamiu with small-pox ii> 
 February, 1879. Mr. Eichardson still lives on the old homestead 
 with his children, John, Emeline, and Emarette. He is now eighty- 
 three years old and very feeble. He has been a very industrious man^ 
 In his old age he suffers from rheumatism. 
 
 From 1867 to 1869 great numbers of homesteads were taken along 
 the Blue. Alonzo Clark, with a large family, settled near Jesse R. 
 Johnson; also, a man by the name of Euland; and later, George 
 Cam))bell and his brother Jacob, and Andrew Davenport, from Iowa. 
 George Campbell was a blacksmith, and was of great help to the set- 
 tlement, as before this we all had to go to Camden or to Louis Mor- 
 gan's, on the North Blue, ten miles away. We usually went tO' 
 Morgan's, as we could get the work the same day, and at Camden 
 there were so many mules to shoe, and so many wagons to mend for 
 travelers on the road, that we were compelled to remain over night or 
 make the second [trip. Mr. Campbell was just the man we wanted.. 
 From that time our community has prospered. We boast of no large 
 towns or cities, but we have as beautiful homes as any part of the- 
 state, and enjoy many luxuries. We had in early days to struggle 
 for food and clothing, and were often severely pinched, and had it not 
 been for Uncle Tommy West many of us would have been compelled 
 to leave our homes. David Barton, W. J. Clark, Samuel Englehaupt,. 
 and my father did all that was possible to assist the people, and 
 whether the settler had money or not, they were supplied so long as 
 the supply lasted. Frequently corn meal was the principal diet. 
 
 Nearly all our first settlers were poor, and consequently times be- 
 came very hard with them. We have known families to live a whole 
 winter on corn meal and what rabbits they could kill with clubs. 
 Salt was scarce, and'we had to make pilgrimages to the salt basins for 
 our supplies. On one of these trips we first became acquainted with 
 Mr. Cox, the author of this history, but in what year we have for- 
 gotten. We do not know if he recollects or not. Our first doctor, in 
 any reasonable distance, was Dr. Band, of Milford. The Otoes and 
 Omahas frequently brought their whole village of tents and would 
 camp for weeks at a time near the mill, and run all the game out of 
 the county, so that we would not be able to kill any for our use. We 
 then, as now, thought the only "good Indian was a dead one." But 
 for all that, we believe they were no worse thieves than the same 
 number of whites under no more restraints. 
 
142 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 What a change twenty-three years has brought! New-coraers to 
 Seward county can hardly realize the wonderful changes that have 
 occurred in these years. 
 
 Hampton, Neb., Nov. 27, 1887. 
 W. W. Cox, Esq., Seward, Neb. : 
 
 Dear Friend — Your kind letter asking me to write a history of 
 *'B" precinct, in Seward county, Neb., was received several days ago. 
 First. I did not move into that precinct until April, 1869, and there 
 was considerable settlement there before that time. Second. I have 
 forgotten the dates of a great many interesting events of early times. 
 Yet, being always ready to assist a friend in any laudable enterprise, 
 I will trv to give you a few points and incidents which may assist 
 you in your undertaking. 
 
 The precinct, as first organized, comprised township 12 in ranges 
 1 and 2, and the west half of range 3 east of the (jth principal merid- 
 ian, being six miles wide by fifteen long, and was known as ''Lincoln 
 creek, or Plum creek, precinct." The first settlement was made along 
 the Blue river, about 1864 or 1865, John and Thomas Shields, Robert 
 McCrossou, and George Read being among, if not the first settlers. 
 A few settlers also went up Lincoln creek, among the first of whom 
 were Charles Shaffer, the Horuburgs, Jackmans, Ragaus, Reynolds, 
 and Hartraans. In 1870 I assessed this whole territory (6x15 miles) 
 in about five days, and by going up Lincoln creek on one side and 
 down the other, got all the inhabitants west of the Blue river. In 
 1868 the Hickmans (J. D., William, Joseph, J. W., and H. VV.), T. J. 
 Poore, John and Thomas Quillen, John and Peter Varner, and William 
 Moore settled on the "divide" between the Blue and Plum creek, in 
 what is now B precinct proper, and in 1869 F. M. Timblin, H. G. 
 Dawley, Elias McClure, Amos Colman, William and Jesse Knight, 
 E. H. Noxon, J. T. Davis, and James Read completed the settlement 
 of government land on this divide (Shoestring prairie), while the 
 Bates brothers, Amos Donaldson, Mike Dunigan, Esquire Batchelder, 
 S. D. Love, Sabin Stanwood, and others settled the divide between 
 Plum creek and Oak Grove. 
 
 The first school-house built in the precinct was a small sod house 
 in the north-east corner of section 32, in the fall of 18t)9, and was 
 built by the settlers, who, having no money, each did his share of 
 breaking, hauling, and laying the sod, while some furnished poles 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 143 
 
 and brush for the roof, others a door or window frame, or door or 
 window, and each furnished seats and desks for the scholars he had 
 to send to school. The house was built and seated in this way, but 
 as yet there was no way provided to warm it. A stove must be had, 
 but how? It was decided that those having timber should cut a load 
 of cordwood, and those who had no timber of their own should go 
 out onto section "37" and cut a load, and they would take it to Lin- 
 coln, sell it, and buy a stove. This plan was carried out, and in the 
 latter part of November nine wagons loaded with cordwood wended 
 their way to Lincoln through about eight inches of snow, and re- 
 turned with a second-hand wood stove, and the first school-house in 
 the precinct was ready for occupancy. 
 
 The first term of school was taught by F. M. Timblin, and was 
 paid for by subscription. The house was small, poorly furnished 
 and lighted, but I doubt very much if the people ever enjoyed 
 themselves any better, spent their evenings more profitably, or formed 
 ties of friendship which will be more true or lasting than when they 
 met in the little old sod school-house. 
 
 The election which decided the county seat contest was held for 
 this precinct in a house on the hill just east of the Blue river. The 
 river happened to be very high at that time, and the only bridges 
 were one at Seward and one at Ulysses. In order, therefore, to get 
 the voters out, it was necessary to have a crossing near the place of 
 voting. For this purpose ropes were procured and logs floated to a 
 narrow place in the river, and a "drift" or "gorge" formed on each 
 side of the stream, and connected by boards or poles laid from one to 
 the other; and men stayed there all day to help the timid across, 
 while wagons ran regularly between this "crossing" and the place of 
 voting, thus taking voters to the polls and returning them to their 
 own conveyances on the other side of the river. Elections in those 
 days were fully as interesting and exciting as at present. At the 
 election to vote bonds in aid of the Midland Pacific railroad every 
 vote in B precinct was polled except five, and these five men were not 
 in the precinct on that day. Men drove over the precinct with two 
 or three men in a wagon, and when they found a man who was in 
 favor of the bonds (and they all were, but had not time to go to elec- 
 tion), some one of the party stayed and worked in his place while the 
 balance took him to the polls, let him vote, and returned with him. 
 
144 HISTORY OF SEAVARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 Tliey called this "M'orking for the railroad," but they never got any 
 pay for it, except the benefits derived from the building of the road. 
 The foregoing may assist you some in your work, and I might have 
 added that it was in the sod school-house that the Hon. T. Y. Darnell 
 made his maiden speech. If there is anything further, please let me 
 know, and I will do what I can to accommodate you. 
 
 Yours respectfully, 
 
 F. M. TiMBLIN. 
 
 HISTORIC LETTER FROM THE PEN OF MRS. SARAH F. ANDERSON. 
 
 At the time of the great Indian scare of 1864, my father's family was 
 one of the families Avhich the Nebraska City people heard Avere killed. 
 It had been rumored throughout the little settlement that there Avere 
 bands of hostile Indians approaching, that they were' committing 
 great depredations Avherever they went. 
 
 On Sunday morning my uncle and Thomas Shields started down 
 the river on a scouting expedition. After an all-day search, just at 
 night-fall they came suddenly upon an Indian camp. The men 
 thought their time had come, but the red-skins Avere equally scared. 
 There was no chance to back out, and they resolved to know Avhether 
 the Indians Avere friendly or hostile. As they bravely approached 
 the camp, the Indians began to halloo, " Heap good Omaha." The 
 men then concluded to camp over night Avith them, and they partook 
 of a square Indian supper. The next morning they went home sat- 
 isfied that there Avere no hostiles in the country. 
 
 A day or tAvo after this my father (Mr. Wm. Imlay) and his 
 brothers Avere on upper Plum creek, haying, Avhen Grandfather Imlay 
 became frightened and hastened over to our house and said the Indi- 
 ans were coming upon the settlement. He then hastened home to 
 protect his family. About 3 p.m. we saAV a drove of them approach- 
 ing. They Avere about where the B. & M. depot noAV stands. We 
 w^ere living about eighty rods above the present iron bridge. My 
 mother, thinking to escape them, locked the cabin door, and took all 
 the children across the creek to the spring where she kept her milk. 
 To kill time she commenced churning. Very soon four Indians 
 (great, big, ugly creatures) came riding up to the spring, and told 
 mother that she was AA'anted over at the house. She said, " No, I 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 145 
 
 can't go. I am at work;" but they insisted in such a menacing man- 
 ner that she felt obliged to yield and go. They said "Come, come," 
 in a most determined manner. The children all clinging to her, she 
 started, and those great, sneaking braves guarded her by one riding 
 on each side, one l)efore, and one behind. Poor mother and we four 
 children had a slim show to escape. They watched our every move- 
 ment, step by step. When we reached the cabin, there sat sixteen 
 burly Indians in a circle around the door. When we came up, they 
 all arose and saluted mother, then sat down again. They had a 
 young Indian interpreter. As they thought they had the family all 
 thoroughly frightened, the young Indian began in good shape to tell 
 just what they wanted. They would like to have two cows, two sacks 
 of flour, and some meat. Mother saw that she must guard the pro- 
 visions with desperation, as they had cost such great effort, having 
 hauled our provisions from the Missouri river. The Indians said 
 " the Sioux are coming and will take all anyway, and we want some.'' 
 "No," said mother, "we will take our cattle and provisions and goto 
 Plattsrnouth." "But," said the Indian, "they will be here to-night 
 and you can't get away." Mother at this point began to get as much 
 angry as frightened. "I will not give you anything. You are lying 
 to me. If the Sioux were so close, you would all be running your- 
 selves." At this point another brave, who had been pacing the yard,, 
 seeing mother grow so warm, picked up our axe and marched straight 
 up to her, and threw it down at her feet. She picked it up and stood 
 it beside her. Mother said afterward that her every hair stood on 
 end, but knowing that Indians respect bravery, she resolved to show 
 no cowardice. We could all see that the whole river bend was 
 swarming with Indians. Mother said, with emphasis, "I now want 
 you to take your Indians and begone at once." Then they said, 
 "You are a brave squaw," and the old chief motioned to his braves 
 and they all marched off to camp. The next day our family all went 
 over to Plum creek and remained until things became settled. 
 
 The following winter father w^as at Omaha attending the legisla- 
 ture; and I am sure that over a thousand Indians passed our place 
 during the winter. It required pluck to withstand the thievish beg- 
 gars. Sometimes they would sneak up and j)eep in at the window. 
 Then others would beg for hours to get into the house. 
 
 A great amount of snow had fallen, and shortly after father's re- 
 10 
 
146 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 turn home a heavy winter rain inundated all the bottom lands. We 
 all came pretty near being drowned, but succeeded in crawling out of 
 the cabin at the rear window, at midnight, and our only refuge was 
 a haystack, where we remained several days entirely surrounded by 
 water, with no possible means of escape. Mr. Cox made several at- 
 tempts to rescue us. First he tried to cross the river in a molasses 
 pan, and narrowly escaped being drowned, as the wind was high and 
 the stream was filled with floating ice. The next day he made a raft 
 and tried to cross, but the current was so rapid that he could not 
 manage it. It drifted against a tree where the water was ten feet 
 deep, and the jar threw him off his balance, and the upper edge of 
 the raft sank so that the rapid current caught it and turned the raft 
 on its edge up against the tree. Mr. Cox caught hold of a limb of 
 the tree and saved himself from drowning. A desperate struggle en- 
 sued, but he finally kicked and stamped until he got the raft on top 
 of the water again, but it was wrong side up. We all then gave np 
 hopes of getting help till the water subsided. The fourth day tall 
 trees were chopped by father on one side and Mr. Cox on the other, 
 and their branches interlocked, and we made our escape to his 
 friendly cabin, where we found a kindly greeting, rest, food, and fire. 
 
 The author of the above sketch was born in Wabash county, Indi- 
 ana, August 20, 1854. In 1856 her father moved to Harrison 
 county, Iowa, and in 1858 to Cass county, Neb., and in the spring 
 of 1863 to Salt Basin, and to his present home in April, 1864; and 
 there on the frontier Miss Sarah grew to womanhood. She taught 
 two terms of school in 1872, in her home district. At nineteen was 
 married to Allen S. Anderson, one of the soldier boys that made 
 Seward county his home after the war. Mr. Anderson enlisted in 
 company D, 205th Penn. volunteers, and served during the war. To 
 Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have been born four children, all girls, viz.: 
 Jessie, Nellie, Adie M., and a young babe, Mary J. The family now 
 have a beautiful home, only about a mile from the scenes of hpr 
 childhood which she has so ably depicted. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 147 
 
 CHAPTER YIL 
 
 SEWARD CITY — EARLY HISTORY — FIRST BUILDINGS — FIRST STORE — THE GROWTH 
 THE FIRST SUM3IER — CONDITION OF THE SURROUNDING COUNTRY — THE PUB- 
 LIC WELL AND WINDMILL — SAW-MILL— SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. NINE ORGAN- 
 IZED — GRIST-MILL BUILT — PEDDLER'S DILEMMA — LOTS GIVEN AWAY — NEWS- 
 PAPER ESTABLISHED — CHURCHES BUILT — CLOYD'S ADDITION — HARRIS, THE 
 BENEFACTOR — THE B. & M. IGNORES SEWARD AND THE COUNTY, BUT LEAVES 
 US HARRIS — MIDLAND PACIFIC R. R. — THE BOTTOM OF THE MILL FELL OUT — 
 THE GROWTH OF 1873 — SOUTH SEWARD AND ITS EFFORT TO SUPPLANT THE 
 ORIGINAL TOWN — INCORPORATION AS A VILLAGE — INCORPORATION AS A 
 CITY— LIST OF TOWN AND CITY OFFICIALS — FINANCIAL STANDING OF THE 
 CITY — POST-OFFICE AND MAIL ROUTES — FIRST SABBATH-SCHOOL — TEMPER- 
 ANCE WORK— POSSIBILITIES AS A MANUFACTURING CITY — SCHOOLS — SEW- 
 ARD AS WE SEE IT JANUARY 1, 1888. 
 
 SEWARD, 
 
 The county seat and principal city of Seward county, was founded 
 by Lewis Moffitt, and surveyed as a town site in the spring of 1868, 
 by Hon. Thomas Graham. At this time one hewed log cabin graced 
 this beautiful plateau, which was the home of its founder, Mr. Mof- 
 fitt. Lots were treely offered to those who desired to make improve- 
 ments. John Roberts, Sr., built the first building for the new town. 
 We well remember passing over the ''site" one morning in June and 
 seeing the pile of lumber lying just where Joel Tishue's store now 
 stands, and how our heart swelled with emotion as we witnessed 
 the signs of the coming birth of a new city; and well do we remem- 
 ber standing in our cabin door and watching frame after frame arise, 
 as they appeared week after week, and rejoicing fo see what we long 
 had waited for; and how exhilarating it seemed as we would leave 
 the field for dinner, and on approaching the house and casting our 
 eyes toward the embryo city, we would exclaim, "Mother, just see, 
 there is another house going up in town." We remember that David 
 Figard helped do the carpenter work on that little store. Beaty & 
 Davis (J. N. Beaty and W. R. Davis) were the pioneer merchants. 
 They sold groceries and dry goods, and were right clever fellows, too; 
 
148 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 they used to credit us, and then take their pay in butter, eggs, cotton- 
 wood lumber, fire wood, and promises, and the promises were the 
 most plenty of any article produced in those days. I shouldn't won- 
 der if they have some of those same promises yet. 
 
 J. N. Beaty built the first residence, and if you desire to see it 
 just call at our house some day at dinner time and you will see the 
 same old residence (our dining room). W. R. Davis erected the 
 second where his house now stands, but in the march of progress it 
 has given way for a better one. (Orlando Pierce claims his to be the 
 third house.) Then Dr. Walker and W. H. Tuttle each commenced 
 building about the same time. The Doctor's old house now stands 
 on 4th street, just east of the opera house, and Mr. Tuttle's house 
 was the beginning of what is now the Commercial House, but it was 
 named the Blue Valley House. A public well was dug by E. L. 
 Ellis and paid for by subscription. This old well stood in the cen- 
 ter of the square. Some subscribed work, turning windlass, others 
 Cottonwood lumber for curbing. The well was a prime necessity to 
 all the people, but the residents of the town were not able to pay all 
 the cost of the well, and the farmers were invited to chip in, wliich 
 they did freely. At first a bucket and windlass were used, but A. L. 
 Strang, now of Omaha, had settled on section 9, just north of town, 
 and he had secured an agency for the famous Halliday windmill, 
 and he began to talk windmill for the public well. Mr. Strang had 
 already put up one on his farm, which the people were invited to go 
 and examine, and it being the first windmill whose sails were un- 
 furled in all this great region, people were not slow to go and exam- 
 ine its work. The windmill was bargained for, by Mr. Strang being 
 the principal subscriber to the fund. It proved to be ''a thing of 
 beauty and a joy for years." 
 
 Will the reader just imagine how things looked around here, with 
 only eight or nine small buildings on the town site, and all the great 
 prairie to the north and west yet almost an unbroken wilderness, with 
 only one low water bridge on Blue river within ten miles (the one 
 where the iron bridge now spans the river) ; not a grove of planted 
 timber or a shrub, except along the water-courses ; not a single legal 
 road yet leading to the town ; with but about five hundred inhabit- 
 ants in the county, and nearly all of them in the southern half; no 
 church spire yet pointing toward heaven ; only a log school-house, 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 149 
 
 with turf-covered roof — and this was the situation when we went into 
 winter quarters in December, 1868. 
 
 The spring of 1869 brought recruits. School district No. 9 was 
 organized, and L. G. Johns built a little shanty where Butler block 
 now stands, and the district rented it, and Mr. Johns opened a school 
 in it. Mr. Mauley built three small houses, one for a drug store, 
 one for a hardware store, and one to live in. He painted them red, 
 and that was the first attempt at ** painting the town red." About 
 this time H. L. Boyes & Son got their little mill to grinding grain, 
 after a long and tedious struggle. Their saw-mill had been running 
 the previous season, and had been of great value to the settlement. 
 The grist-mill was a God-send to the village and country, as previous 
 to this we had depended largely on the Camden mill, although it was 
 five miles further from us than Milford mill. Our reasons were that 
 the Camden folks were our last friends, and Milford folks were our 
 rivals, and our prejudice could easily carry us five miles through a 
 blizzard. 
 
 We must give an incident of one of our trips to mill. In the sum- 
 mer of 1868 we were on the way to Camden with a load of wheat, 
 and when nearing Clark's branch, two miles below Seward, a peddler 
 came rushing past in a tremendous hurry, fearing, we suppose, that 
 we would get stuck in the mud at the ford, and that he would be 
 hindered. There was a short turn in the road just where it went 
 down the bank, and his ponies gave a sudden spring, and over went 
 the wagon, and Mr. Peddler went sprawling into the soft mud ; his 
 wagon-box burst, and his fine jewelry, dry goods, laces, etc., were in 
 like fix with himself, hopelessly imbedded in the mud. We rushed 
 to his assistance, secured the team, and helped to pick his jewelry, 
 ■combs, brushes, silks, and linen out of the horrible pit and spread 
 them on the grass, and lamented with him the sad loss, when he finally 
 gave way to grief in the following strain: " Mine Gott ! Vat shall I 
 do? Vat shall I do? I is in debt for dese goots. Mine Gott ! 
 Mine Gott! I goes and gets a rope and hangs mineself. Mine Gott! 
 Mine Gott! " He refused to be comforted, and when we finally left 
 him he was still giving vent to his feelings in loud lamentations. We 
 would like to know whether he found a rope while he was yet in the 
 notion of hanging himself. 
 
 When the town was first platted it comprised eighty acres, the 
 
150 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 north half of the south-west quarter of section 21, town 11, range 3 
 east, and was made into thirty-two blocks, including the public 
 square, which was dedicated to public uses. Great numbers of the 
 more valuable lots were given away in order to get improvements 
 started. John Roberts received several valuable lots. J. N. Beaty 
 received block 22 entire, for his residence ; W. R. Davis, E. |^ 
 block 23, and the firm also received other valuable lots for business 
 purposes ; Tattle received the quarter block now occujiied by the 
 Commercial House, and many others received lots, and perhaps it is 
 not out of place to mention that W. W. Cox was presented with the 
 lot upon which stands the Butler block, for services rendered in getting 
 Seward started. We wish we had kept that present. Liberality and 
 energy were manifested on every hand, and were more than anything 
 else the cause of the success of the infant city. 
 
 The year 1869 gave us quite a number of new citizens and business 
 enterprises. Fred Lankins opened a new general store. Mr. Hum- 
 phrey put in a stock of drugs, and Mauley a small stock of hardware. 
 Charles Beaty was born in the spring of 1870, and received the gift of 
 a lot, as an inducement to others to be born. Joel Tishue opened his 
 store on the east side of the square. Ewing built a hotel (St. Nicholas) 
 one block south of the square. Beaty and Davis built a new store 
 building (now the harness-shop of Mr. Landes). Several new resi- 
 dences were also built, and the frame school-house. This year brought 
 the Nebraska Atlas, and the Presbyterian church was built. During 
 this summer Wm. C. Cloyd bought of Lewis Moffit the south half of 
 the south half of the north-west quarter of section 21 (40 acres), and 
 laid out Cloyd's Addition. Cloyd platted a great number of business 
 lots on Jackson avenue, surrounded block 35 with business lots facing 
 it, and made a struggle to change the business center to that point, 
 which created strife and contention during that fall and following 
 winter. It was Mr. Cloyd's intention to secure the location of the 
 court-house on block 35, should we ever get the county seat. Mr. 
 C. made a public sale in the fall of 1870, and a large number of lots 
 were sold, at prices ranging from $15 to $30. 
 
 In the early spring of 187i James H. Harris, "our one-eyed bene- 
 factor," put in his appearance and played a well-devised scheme on the 
 proprietors and citizens. We very much dislike to be obliged in this 
 work to be compelled to say anything that would in the least reflect 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 151 
 
 upon the life and character of the dead, and in this case we will say 
 just as little as is possible for a historian to say and do justice to the 
 subject. Mr. Harris was a brother of the land commissioner of the 
 B. & M. R. R., and about this time our people were much scared on 
 account of a project being sprung to make a railroad town just at the 
 center of the county. With much show of plausibility, Mr. Harris 
 represented himself to be a man of ample means, and that he M^as in 
 position to make Seward or kill it; that he could bring the B. & M. 
 company to Seward or keep it away ; and he worked upon the almost 
 panic-stricken people until they were ready and anxious to do any- 
 thing to gain his influence and co-operation. The result of the final 
 negotiations was that Mr. Moffit deeded Mr. Harris an undivided 
 one-half of the S. E. quarter of section 20, and also the undivided 
 half of the forty acres north of Cloyd's addition, the only considera- 
 tion being his influence and an agreement that he should make all 
 public bequests necessary in all public enterprises, and be at all the 
 expense of surveying the same into lots, but we understand that Mrs. 
 Moffit did exact, and obtained, a silk dress pattern. But all this 
 magnificent gift was not enough ; Mr. Roberts must be wrung into the 
 scheme, but he came out pretty well. Mr. H. must have the south 
 eighty of Mr. Roberts' homestead, or half interest in it. A compro- 
 mise was effected by which the south half of the N. E. quarter of sec- 
 tion 20 should in like manner be deeded to him and become a part of 
 the new addition; but Mr. Roberts hardly ever drives a bad bargain, 
 and he will only do it provided Mr. Harris will secure a deed in fee 
 simple of eighty acres where Mr. Roberts lives, Mr. R. to pay only 
 $300 for it. Well, this is all fixed up, but our "benefactor" is not 
 yet satisfied; he wants Mr. Cloyd's interest at other people's expense, 
 and it would take something over $600, and this he did not have, or 
 if he had, he did not propose to use his own money while other peo- 
 ple were so ready to do him any kindness. This money must be 
 raised by popular subscription, but the people did not have money. 
 Well, a good note would be taken. So a note of six hundred dol-ars 
 was made and was presented to the business men, while the terrible 
 B. & M. club was held over their heads, and about twenty block- 
 heads, ourself included, signed it. The miserable sell was soon dis- 
 covered, and there was some very unpretty words used and a great 
 amount of self-abuse indulged in, but the note was in a Lincoln bank 
 
152 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 and must be paid, or a racket would ensue. Wheu the note became 
 due there was some stubbornness manifest, and a suit was commenced. 
 A large number of the signers were not to be found, and others were 
 financially played out; still there were enough yet to fight, but after 
 comparing notes with one another, ten of us offered to pay $30 each, 
 or $300 in full satisfaction, and accept as our pay the experience. 
 
 Well, the large new addition known as Harris, Moffit & Roberts' 
 addition was laid out, which comprises two hundred and eighty acres 
 of land. A great number of our present residents know how valua- 
 ble that influence has been. 
 
 But one good result followed: confidence was restored for a little 
 while, and we all were resting under the impression that we had done 
 something very smart, when all of a sudden we woke up to find that 
 Mr. H. had about the same influence with the B. & M. folks as any 
 other dead-beat; that their road would not touch Seward county, 
 much less Seward. But this much was settled: we had Harris on 
 our hands, and the railroad would not kill us, for it was out of reach- 
 
 This year we had the acquisition of the Reporter, quite a goodly 
 number of new buildings, many new people, and in the fall by sharp 
 turns of the wrist we got the county seat. We were naturally gath- 
 ering force and wealth as the county settled around us, but the pro- 
 gress was slow. Our railroad bond battles occupied our time and 
 thoughts pretty effectually during the first half of 1872, and not 
 much was done while the railroad was an uncertainty. 
 
 [Tiie bond fights are discussed in another place, and we pass them 
 here.] When it became a certainty that we were to be blessed with 
 a railroad there was a marked improvement. 
 
 We must now go back to 1870 and notice a calamity that befell the 
 town and community. Mr. Boyes' mill had become so loaded with 
 grain, principally grists, that the bottom fell out of it, and the com- 
 munity were surprised one morning to see perhaps a thousand sacks 
 of grain and all the machinery of the mill in the river. This was a 
 sad blow for the owners and for the community, but immediate steps 
 were taken to rebuild the mill, and during the fall everything was 
 set to rights and at work. 
 
 Perhaps it is well here to describe the capacity of the water-power 
 of tiie river here. Mr. Boyes informs us that with only eight-foot 
 head they have fifty horse power, and a head of sixteen feet can easily 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 153 
 
 be obtained, which would make its capacity immensely great. Mr. 
 B. says Blue river is the most certain mill stream that he ever saw. 
 
 During the autumn of 1872 there were numerous accessions to our 
 business houses, and great numbers of residences were also added. 
 W. H. Tuttle built a new hotel on the corner of Seward and 8th 
 streets (Park House); many new workshops of various kinds were 
 opened in anticij)ation of the new business when the cars should ar- 
 rive. A new life was infused into the community, everybody's step 
 was more elastic, all classes of people wore smiles on their faces, prop- 
 erty advanced rapidly in value and was ready sale. We were happy 
 in the anticipation of a glorious future. 
 
 Just as the sun began to shine out brightly in the early spring of 
 1873, we were gladdened by the whistle of the locomotive. "Oh! 
 was sound ever so sweet ! " Inasmuch as the situation was discussed 
 in a former chapter we will only add points not mentioned there. 
 We rejoiced that we had a railroad, and it was a great blessing to us, 
 although it cost us a large sum of money, yet it was worth much 
 more to us than the cost. In other words, we made a good bargain, 
 and yet our freight and passenger tariffs were scandalously high. 
 The fare to Lincoln was $1.25, and freight on wheat, our staple pro- 
 duct, was fifty-four cents per hundred pounds in car lots to Chicago, 
 and all other rates correspondingly high. 
 
 The depot being placed at the foot of the hill, near Boyes' mill, 
 Mr. Boyes thought wise to lay out what should properly have been 
 an addition to Seward, but it was platted as an independent town and 
 named South Seward, and what was still more strange, a margin was 
 left between the new town and the old of sixty feet, which has been 
 known as the " dead line." There were some other peculiarities 
 about the new town. The proprietor carefully left his mill and his 
 own residence outside of the platted town. There was great energy 
 displayed on the part of the proprietor and the new-comers to over- 
 shadow the old village. Several grain houses were erected, a mam- 
 moth lumber yard (Mohawk) was opened, and a large hotel erected 
 by Geo. Boyes; also great numbers of dwellings; and it having the 
 depot, mill, grain houses, and the great lumber yard, they had some 
 show to rival Seward, but their efforts all proved abortive. Seward 
 was too firmly planted and deep rooted to be overshadowed by a 
 sprout of a summer's growth. South Seward, however, was very 
 
154 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 tenacious of life, and although her greatness (what she had) and all 
 her expectations were gone, yet she maintained her separate organiza- 
 tion for many years, and never united her destinies with the city until 
 May 30th, 1885, when she became attached, "dead-line" and all, to 
 the city, and henceforth she is a part of our city. 
 
 Having noted in the "Reminiscences" the more important events 
 in the growth and advancement, and as there are special chapters on 
 the more noteworthy institutions of the city, and on the city govern- 
 ment, which will comprise as much of interest as it would be possible 
 to crowd into the limited space, we refer the reader to the interesting 
 chapters furnished by able pens of the history of our churches, 
 schools, G. A. R. post, Odd Fellows, and Masons; also chapters on 
 post-office, agricultural society, etc., etc., and finally the closing chap- 
 ter on Seward as we see it January 1, 1888. 
 
 INCORPORATION OF SEWARD AS A VILLAGE 
 
 Occurred in the first days of April, 1870. (The records are con- 
 flicting: in one place they say April 2d, and in another they say 
 April 5th.) The county commissioners passed an order as the statute 
 provides declaring the village incorporated, and Dr. L. Walker, F. 
 F. Larkins, W. R. Davis, Geo. Crumb, and Sara Manly were ap- 
 pointed trustees, and O. T. B. Williams, attorney for the corporation. 
 
 June 5, 1871, we find S. E. Ewing and Wm. Olmstead on the 
 board, but can find no record of their election. We also find W. B. 
 Thorpe, clerk, L. Parish, marshal, H. A. Lewis, treasurer, H. P. 
 Kennard, assessor, and Thomas Darnall, attorney. Street commis- 
 sioner, E. W. Clinton. 
 
 May 10, 1872, L. G. Johns, W. H. Tuttle," V. Daniels, Sam Ste- 
 venson, and H. Diers took the oath of office as trustees, and at their 
 first meeting O. T. B. Williams was elected clerk, Geo. Whiting, 
 marslial, and I. B. Compton, fire warden. O. T. B. Williams was 
 also elected assessor. 
 
 March 20, 1873, the council voted an appropriation of fifty dollars 
 for a free dinner to a party of Lincoln excursionists. 
 
 May 5, 1873, Wm. Hays, Vinal Daniels, T. L. Norval, Herman 
 Diers, and Sam Stevenson were elected trustees. Sam Stevenson was 
 elected chairman of the board on the tenth ballot; L. G. Johns, 
 treasurer, O. T. B. Williams, clerk. J. W. McCabe was elected 
 marshal. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 155 
 
 September 22, 1873, R. S. Nerval took the census of the towu, and 
 his returns show a population of five hundred and seventy-five. 
 
 September 24, 1873, ordinance No. 28, organizing Seward as a 
 city of the second class, was oifered by T. L. Norval and adopted, 
 and an election was ordered for October 18, 1873, for city officers. 
 At said election A. Castle was elected mayor, W. R. Davis, police 
 judge, J. W. McCabe, marshal, T. L. Norval, clerk, Y. Daniels, city 
 engineer, and W. B. Thorpe, treasurer. Thos. Graham and A. J. 
 Combs, council men in 1st ward, and Wra. Leese and J. R. Paul in 
 the 2d ward. 
 
 The city council passed their first ordinance January 2, 1874, pro- 
 viding for a poll tax. 
 
 Feb, 17th, a resolution of inquiry in regard to protection from 
 fire was passed, in which they required of J. N. Edwards that he 
 furnish information about the cost of a dozen rubber buckets, 48 feet 
 of ladder, and some other tools, etc. 
 
 April 7, 1874, the following persons were elected city officers: 
 Thos. Graham, mayor; T.J. Hamilton, police judge; S.H.Marshall, 
 city engineer; N. C. Rogers, clerk; Wm. Wright, marshal; W. B. 
 Thorpe, treasurer; Sam Stevenson and Joel Tishue, councilmen in 
 1st ward; J. M. Strong and Ed. Mclntyre, in the 2d ward. 
 
 Nov. 23d, city council voted to donate their salary to the city on 
 account of hard times. 
 
 Recapitulation of the financial condition of the city since it was 
 incorporated : 
 
 Warrants drawn to date $1387 52 
 
 Amount warrants canceled. $674 54 
 
 Amount outstanding to balance 712 98 
 
 Delinquent tax of 1873 122 61 
 
 Delinquent tax list of 1874 559 53 
 
 Total 682 14 
 
 Amount in treasury 106 24 
 
 Total resources $788 38 
 
 Dated March 30, 1875. 
 
 At the April election of 1875 the following persons were elected 
 to fill the various offices: Ed. Mclntyre, mayor; S. B. Mills, judge; 
 W. B. Thorpe, treasurer; T. L. Norval, clerk; J. W. Gladwish, 
 
156 HISTORY OP SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 marshal; R. S. Nerval and H. AV. HaganiaD, councilmen in 1st 
 ward ; and H. W. Ragan and J. F. Goehner, councilmen for 2d 
 ward. 
 
 During 1875 the grades of the principal streets were established. 
 
 April 8, 1876, the following persons were declared elected city 
 officers: I. B. Sarter, mayor; Thos. Osborne, marshal; F. H. New- 
 ton, clerk; William Leese, police judge; E. A. Polly, city engineer; 
 W. B. Thorpe, treasurer; James Reed, councilman tor 1st ward; 
 J. F. Goehner, councilman for 2d ward. 
 
 Amount of taxes, including licenses and fines, during 1876, 
 $3,196.39. 
 
 April, 1877, E. Mclntyre was again elected mayor; J. D. Ed- 
 wards, clerk; police judge, O. T. B. Williams; treasurer, A. J. Cal- 
 lender; marshal, Wm. Ashton; street commissioner, R. McCrossou; 
 councilmen, N. C. Rogers and H. W. Ragan. 
 
 And in 1878, T. L. Nerval, mayor; clerk, J. D. Edwards; 
 Councilmen, John Kribbler, S. W. Long, and I. B. Sarter; treasurer, 
 L. G.Johns; police judge, L. W. Hart. 
 
 In 1879, mayor, E. K. Duubaugh; police judge, J. D. Edwards; 
 clerk, J. L. McPheely; treasurer, W. R. Herrick; councilmen, J. S. 
 Henderson and T. E. Saunders. 
 
 In 1880, C. W. Barckley, mayor; J. D. Edwards, clerk; L. G. 
 Johns, treasurer; police judge, T. L. McClean; councilmen, S. R. 
 Douglass, L. Walker, R. R. Shick, and J. G. Berdrow. 
 
 In 1881, W. O. Whitcomb, mayor; E. A. Polly, clerk; police 
 judge, J. L. McPheely; treasurer, T. E. Sanders; councilmen, W. 
 E. Chapin, J. Tishue, and Herman Diers. 
 
 In 1882, W. O. Whitcomb, mayor; T. E. Sanders, clerk ; treas- 
 urer, Wm. Leese; councilmen, J. S. Henderson and R. E. Dunphy. 
 
 In 1883, Whitcomb was for the third time elected mayor; clerk, 
 A. J. Callender; treasurer, J. N. Edwards; councilmen, John Mul- 
 finger and John Zimmerer. 
 
 In 1884, mayor, W. R. Davis; clerk, C. S. Ailing; treasurer, 
 J. N. Edwards; police judge, Frank P. Pingree; councilmen, Samuel 
 Welch and T. E. Sanders. 
 
 In 1885, O. C. Reynolds, mayor; clerk, C. W. Bain; treasurer, 
 J. N. Edwards; police judge, Louis Stahl; councilmen, G. A. Mer- 
 riam and J. C. Mulfinger. 
 
HISTOEY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 157 
 
 In 1886, Ed. Mclutyre, mayor; clerk, C. W. Bain; treasurer, 
 J. N. Edwards; police judge, I. T>. Neihardt; councilmen, J. H. 
 Betzer and Peter Goehner. 
 
 In 1887, Ed. Mclntyre, mayor; clerk, G. F. Dickman; police 
 judge, I. D. Neihardt; treasurer, J. N. Edwards; councilmen, Sam- 
 uel Pence and J. C. Mulfinger. 
 
 post-office and mail facilities through the years of 
 Seward's life. 
 
 In 1864, 1865, and 1866, the settlers of this vicinity got their mail 
 in a sort of hap hazard way. Some of it was directed to Camden, 
 some to Lancaster, and some to Nebraska City, and perhaps some to 
 Plattsmouth ; and it was the custom for every person visiting any of 
 the offices to enquire for all the neighborhood. 
 
 In the winter of 1866-67 the citizens met and consulted about get- 
 ting a post-office. It was urged that Lewis Moffitt ought to take the 
 office, as he lived on the prospective town site, but he declined the 
 honor, and the settlement was nonplussed and did not know just 
 what to do. 
 
 During that winter the writer took it into his head that he would 
 try and find a solution to the question, and wrote to our delegate in 
 congress (John Taffe) and begged him to go over to the department 
 and secure the appointment of Lewis Moffit as postmaster for Sew- 
 ard, Neb., which he immediately proceeded to do, and all of a sudden 
 Mr. Moffitt received his appointment. He felt sold, but it would 
 not do to back square out, so he qualified and accepted the inevitable ; 
 ^nd when he fully realized the munificent salary of $1 per month 
 or twelve dollars year he became fully reconciled. Now we had a 
 post-office, but no mail route. Government allowed two dollars per 
 quarter for mail service, but men were not quite so anxious for place 
 then as now, and we had to hold out other and better inducements. 
 So we made up a pony purse sufficient to pay one dollar and fifty 
 cents per week, and hired E. L. Clark, a one-armed soldier, to make 
 the trip once a week to Camden at the freight road. Mr. Clark 
 made his trips on foot and carried the mail in an old haversack, so 
 we were pretty well supplied with mail facilities, but it cost many of 
 us pretty dearly. Mr. Moffitt retained the office until July, 1868, 
 when he resigned his lucrative trust to W. R. Davis. Mr. Davis 
 
158 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 held the office in the store of Beaty and Davis. His salary was 
 twelve dollars per year at first, but under fine manipulation an ad- 
 vance to twenty-five dollars was soon secured. At that time the pay 
 of the postmaster was gauged by the amount of postage sold, and 
 friend Davis urged everbody to take just as many postage stamps as 
 possible in the way of change, etc. He had to make a good showing 
 and he did. Postage stamps were good property and everybody had 
 plenty of them. 
 
 Our first government mail route was established in July, 1869, be- 
 tween here and Lincoln, via the Oak Groves. At first it was a 
 weakly concern, and within the following year it became a semi- 
 weekly, and finally a tri-weekly. Some said it was tri-weekly be- 
 cause they tried every week to get mail through but frequently failed. 
 Mr. Davis retained the office until the spring of 1871, when he re- 
 signed and E. L. Clark secured the appointment. The salary had 
 advanced to fifty dollars per year under Mr. Davis' administration, 
 and his last quarter had shown such an increase of business that the 
 salary was raised to $240 per year, and in 1872 it was further ad- 
 vanced to |.320. L. G. Johns was appointed in January, 1873, and 
 held the office until January, 1877. His salary was increased by de- 
 grees until it reached $1,300 per annum and $240 per year for clerk 
 hire. When he took possession there was one daily mail from Lin- 
 coln. During 1873 railroad mail service was introduced. There 
 were established during his administration star routes as follows: To 
 York, tri-weekly; Crete to Columbus, tri-weekly ; Orton and Stroms- 
 burg, semi-weekly; Seward and Dorchester, tri-weekly. 
 
 Money order office was established in July, 1872. The largest 
 money order business was done in 1873, prior to the opening of our 
 first bank. 
 
 When Mr. Johns took possession the fixtures of the office consisted 
 of a desk and a case of pigeon-holes worth about $20. He placed 
 about $300 worth of fixtures in the office. 
 
 Redford received his appointment in January, 1877, and held the 
 place about four years, when Chas. Vanpelt received the appoint- 
 ment, in 1881. During Mr. V.'s tenure the Morris keyless lock was 
 introduced into the office. During his term the salary was at the 
 maximum, or $1,700 per annum, where it remains to the present. 
 
 There were two semi-weekly star routes until about 1884, and there 
 were during his whole term four daily mails by rail. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 159 
 
 John Kittle received his appointment July 1, 1885. Star routes 
 all closed. Six daily mails, and arrangements nearly perfected for 
 two more. Present value of lixtures, about $2,000, having just put 
 in a new and most complete outfit of improved Morris lock boxes, 
 which is said lo be one of the finest in the West. Box rent now 
 amounts to $170 per qiiarter. Money order business is about $2,000 
 per quarter. 
 
 Thus we have endeavored to trace as nearly as possible, step by 
 step, our post-office business and mail service, through all its stages 
 from the beginning of our settlement here until the present. 
 
 We cannot close this chapter without a word in regard to other 
 post-offices in the count}'. 
 
 The first office was established at the old Camden bridge, just by 
 the south line of the county and at the forks of the river, at the old 
 ranch, in 1863. 
 
 AVe now have eleven offices, viz. : Seward, Milford, Pleasant Dale, 
 Ruby, Germantowu, Tamora, Utica, Staplehurst, Orton, Marysville, 
 Beaver Crossing, and three new offices that will come into existence 
 ere this will be read, viz.: *'B," Goehner, and Hunkins, each on the 
 Y., E. & M. Y. road. 
 
 FIRST SABBATH-SCHOOL IN SEWARD. 
 
 In the month of May, 1866, a union Sabbath-school was organized 
 at the log cabin of Lewis Moffitt. The families engaged in the en- 
 terprise were Grandfather Imlay's, Rev. E. L. Clark's, R. T. Gale's, 
 Wm. Imlay's, Mr. Moffitt's, and W. W. Cox's. We believe this 
 was the first Sabbath -school between Lancaster (Lincoln) and Denver. 
 The school was a success and produced excellent results. Previous to 
 this, meetings for Bible reading had been held at the diffiirent houses 
 in the neighborhood. 
 
 There are now in the county about thirty Sabbath-schools in flour- 
 ishing condition. Most of them have good libraries and nearly all 
 of them maintain their schools all the year. 
 
 TEMPERANCE WORK. 
 
 Temperance work commenced at a very early day in the history of 
 Seward county. As early as J 869 a lodge of Good Templars was 
 organized in the old school-house, and flourished for a number of 
 
160 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 years, exerting a wide and salutary influence, especially on the 
 younger people. We remember that many people were regular at- 
 tendants who lived from seven to ten miles distant. About the same 
 date there was a lodge instituted at Milford. In 1874 a lodge of 
 Sons of Temperance was started and did good work, which was fol- 
 lowed by another Good Templars' lodge. 
 
 In 1874 the women's crusade was made, and created a wide inter- 
 est. Many of the best Christian ladies of the city united in their 
 efforts to suppress the liquor traffic, by visiting daily the saloons and 
 earnestly pleading with the saloon-keepers and their customers. 
 These ladies would fervently pray with these abandoned men, and 
 implore them in the name of their divine Master to abandon their 
 ungodly ways, and lead better lives. These efforts were persevered 
 in for about six weeks, and exerted a good influence. It was sowing 
 good seed, and it did not all fall on stony places, but some found 
 lodgment in good ground and is bringing forth good fruit. 
 
 In 1872, after a night's carousal on the part of a number of men^ 
 they were suddenly awakened by a sense of their own shame, and 
 they agreed with one another that that night's debauch should be 
 their last, and they bound themselves by a most solemn oath, which 
 was attested by an officer with his official signature, in which they 
 pledged not only their sacred honor but their solemn oath that they 
 would forever abstain from the use of intoxicating drinks as a bev- 
 erage. This same document emerged from that place the next morn- 
 ing to be signed by the peo])le in sympathy with the movement, and 
 was signed by a large number of people, and we are happy to say 
 that we believe that many have sacredly kept that oath, and it hap- 
 pily proved to be a good turn in the lives of some who may be 
 counted among our best citizens. It is our pleasure to have the cus- 
 tody of that old document. 
 
 Tiie Good Templars did a noble work for many years, and in 1876 
 the Temple of Honor was instituted, and created a sensation, and was 
 the means of much good for a year or more. Internal dissensions 
 caused its early demise and cut short a life that promised valuable 
 service in the temperance work of the community. Very many were 
 rescued and many saved from falling by the Temple of Honor.. 
 Other attempts were made later to revive the Temple and rebuild- its 
 broken walls, but a deep-seated prejudice so filled the minds of the 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 161 
 
 people that the uew organization failed to aceomj)lish its purpose. A 
 Red Ribbon club was organized by the lamented John B. Finch, in 
 1879, and secured a very large membership, and was a power in Sew- 
 ard for a year or more. The Good Templars' lodge was again organ- 
 ized and flourished for a year, and was followed by the Women's 
 Christian Temperance Union and the Young Women's Christian Tem- 
 perance Union. Of these the reader will learn more from a chapter 
 devoted to their work, furnished by their order, as their organization 
 is yet a working force. A Proiiibition club was organized about 
 1883, and a Reform club was organized by C. J. Holt in 1885. The 
 Reform club work is remembered by our people for grand work and 
 grand results. They secured columns in the city papers and pub- 
 lished many productions on different phases of temperance work, and 
 together with the lectures and discussions at their weekly meetings 
 were instrumental in doing much good. 
 
 Just as the year 1887 is closing an Anti-license club is organized 
 that promises to be a power for good. 
 
 POSSIBILITIES OF SEWAED AS A MANUFACTURING CENTER. 
 
 The wiser political economists have concluded that the best inter- 
 ests of the whole people demand that the farm and the workshop 
 should be as nearly side by side as possible. Where the crude mate- 
 rial is grown or digged, there it should be wrought into proper shape 
 for the use of man. Here in Seward county are countless millions 
 of material that needs to be transformed into products of use and lux- 
 ury. The cattle grazing upon a thousand hills call for dairy products 
 and packing-houses, tanneries, and soap factories. Our sheep call 
 for carding machines, spinning-jennies, and cloth factories, and tailor- 
 ing establishments. Our hogs are inviting packing-houses. Our flax 
 demands oil mills, and twine mills, and rope factories. Our huo-e 
 straw stacks speak loudly in behalf of paper mills. Our illimitable 
 corn fields are a standing invitation to more and more feeders corn 
 starch factories, hominy mills, etc. Our inexhaustible soils, rich in 
 all ingredients favorable for the production of vegetables and fruits 
 of the best, call for more canning establishments. 
 
 We have done remarkably well during the year 1887. Our pro- 
 gress in the direction of manufacturing has been very satisfactorv 
 11 
 
162 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 but we have only commenced, and it seems to us to be no stretch of 
 the imagination when we venture the prediction that ere the close of 
 the century we may liave a hundred manufacturing establishments 
 within the city. At present we have six arms of railway reaching in 
 as many directions, and a certain promise of more in the near future. 
 We are happily situated iu the midst of the finest fields for the pro- 
 duction of raw material in the West, and with such grand facilities 
 for reaching out to the world's markets, nothing should hinder the 
 investment of capital in these enterprises. 
 
 SEA7ARD SCHOOLS. 
 
 The first school-house built on the town site was the frame house 
 that is now the residence of Hugh Htinter, and it stood on same 
 ground now occupied by the high school building. The schools, pre- 
 vious to the fall of 1870, were taught iu the old log cabin, in the 
 winter of 1866-67 by W. W. Cox, and in the following summer by 
 S. C. Ross, and by Miss Ella Tuttle (now Mrs. Martin Liggett, of 
 Broken Bow) iu 1868. In the summer of 1869 the old cabiu was 
 moved away, and what was known as the old sway-back house, on 
 the site of H. Vanderhoof's house, was rented, and Miss Mattie 
 Boyes (now Mrs. Kellogg Olmstead, of Orleans, Neb.) taught. Then 
 L. G. Johns taught in a little building where Butler's block now 
 stands; also, Miss McKillip (now Mrs. L. G. Johus) taught in the 
 same place. 
 
 H. M. Coleman taught the first term in the frame school-house, 
 and was followed by J. D. Messenger. Prof. O. S. Ingham taught 
 several terms of a private school iu the old court-house, in 1872; also, 
 Miss Ella Benson (now Mrs. C. L. Lewis, of Rapid City, D. T.) 
 taught one or two terms in the same place, and this lady was after- 
 wards employed in the various departments of the schools for twelve 
 consecutive years. 
 
 The high school building was erected in 1874, and Prof. Ingham 
 was principal for two years, with three assistants — Mrs. Paddock, 
 Mrs. Merrill (now of California), and Miss Benson. The principals 
 since that date have been: — . Phillips, H. H. Wilson, J. M. Scott, 
 H. Cummings, W. J. Wise, and N. F. Daum. 
 
 The board of education have found it necessary to add more and 
 more buildings, until at present there are four primary buildings, and 
 
HISTORY OF SEWAED COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 163 
 
 they have also added to the high school building so that it has near 
 double its original capacity. The building is amply supplied with 
 all modern apparatus and improvements. It requires twelve teachers 
 to manage the various departments of the schools. Ten respectable 
 classes have graduated from the high school. The present cost of 
 maintaining the schools is about $5,600 per annum. The attendance 
 has increased through the years from 32 to about 500, and is still 
 rapidly increasing. 
 
 Some of the more distinguished members of the school board 
 through the years were — Claudius Jones, R. S. Nerval, H. L. Boyes, 
 G. Babson, Jr., Mrs. E. M. Spear, Mrs. S. C. Langworthy. 
 
 From the able corps of teachers that have helped to build our 
 schools, and that have finished their work, we mention A. A. Der- 
 shimer, who died at his post, and the noble and intelligent Miss Birge, 
 of Milford, and Miss June Taylor. 
 
 SEWARD AS WE SEE IT JANUARY 1, 1888. 
 
 Beautiful city ! She that has been celebrated in poetrv and song- 
 as the "sleeping beauty of the Blue valley" has awakened to a new 
 life. She has awakened from her restful sleep refreshed and streuo-th 
 ened, and to-day she sits a " very queen" upon this commandino- hill 
 overlooking vast stretches of scenery most magnificent, witli the me- 
 andering river gently gliding by her feet and stretching from away 
 in the northward to the southward, marked by its long line of timber 
 in graceful curves, loops, and bows, singing in its ripples a sweet song 
 of her power to turn the wheels of mills and factories as she wends 
 her way toward the sunny south ; Plum creek, coming from the 
 north-east, adding a charm as it winds among the beautiful farms 
 and meadows, with its clusters of timber and varied landscapes - and 
 from the north-west comes that grand stream, with name immortal 
 Lincoln creek, through "verdant fields," a "very paradise." 
 
 Here she sits rejoicing in the richness and splendor of the surround- 
 ings. These lands, rich in verdure, rich in all things necessary to 
 make happy homes, orchards, meadows, and fruitful fields, rich in 
 the "cattle upon a thousand hills," rich in hogs and horses rich in 
 its pure, sweet water and running streams, rich in railways and all 
 the means of an extended commerce, rich in factories and workshops 
 rich in merchant princes, rich in churches with their spires pointing 
 
164 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 to the only better land, rich in schools and all opportunities for nien- 
 tal culture and advancement, and "last, but not least," rich in strong 
 arms and brave hearts, ready and willing to pursue in the pathway 
 of progress and achievement. 
 
 In the blazing light of the electric torch we may count to-night 
 near three thousand souls within the city, and quite a large number 
 in its immediate environs, which will soon become a part of the city. 
 Forty substantial brick business houses grace our streets, many of 
 which would be a credit to the largest cities. Three great lines of 
 railway reaching in six directions, and making accessible to us the 
 whole business of the world — the silks and teas of the Orient, the 
 fruits of the Occident, the gold, silver, and rich gems of the mount- 
 ains, the products of the great plains, the factories of New England, 
 and all the vast and varied interests of our great country. Three 
 lines of telegraph bearing to us on lightning's wing words of hope 
 and cheer from all lands. A telephone through which we may talk 
 to one another and to a hundred cities beside. An electric light to 
 brighten our pathway. Well may we exclaim in the language of the 
 old prophet, "Our light is come and the glory of God is risen upon 
 us." 
 
 Our Morris keyless lock factory, one of the most extensive manu- 
 factuiing institutions in the West, and the most national in its char- 
 acter of any lactory in Nebraska, in fact we may say the field of its 
 operations is the world. Its trade will soon reach into all lands, even 
 to the islands of the sea. It is a matter of pride that the inventor of 
 the lock is a citizen of Seward. Our oat meal mill, with its capacity 
 of a hundred barrels of meal per day and using a thousand bushels 
 ot oats per day, freighting in and out from six to eight hundred car 
 loads of grain and products per year. Our canning establishment, 
 with its enormous capacity for using vegetables and storing them up 
 for winter food for tens of thousands, and giving a grand market for 
 the produce of the farms and gardens, and giving out labor for hun- 
 dreds of men, women, and children. A machine shop and foundry 
 of large capacity, a creamery, four banks, with a multitude of mer- 
 cantile establishments in all the various lines of trade, with one 
 of the best hotels in the West, ''The AViudsor," and several smaller 
 ones, and numerous boarding houses, six restaurants, and nearly a 
 hundred workshops, large and small, including factories, etc., etc. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 165 
 
 We mention blacksmiths, wagon makers, wire fence, tailoring, dress 
 makers, millinery, cigars, broom makers, tinners, barbers, carpenters, 
 newspapers, butchers, photographs, etc. With one of the best graded 
 schools of our state, with a fine structure for the high school, seven 
 departments, and four primary buildings, and employing twelve 
 teachers. With eight church edifices, with large congregations of 
 worshipers and flourishing Sabbath-schools. A magnificent Odd 
 Fellows hall, a good opera house, three weekly newspapers, an excel- 
 lent flouring mill, many splendid residences and beautiful yards, 
 splendid streets, and handsome parks, all amply supplied with trees 
 and shrubs lending their enchantment and refreshing shade. 
 
 During the year just closed the growth in population and improve- 
 ment has been wonderful. Her waste places have been made glad 
 by the accession of a splendid new railroad, of three great new fac- 
 tories, of a host of new buildings, several almost princely dwellings, 
 one grand church, a great host of new people, and best of all a perfect 
 restoration of confidence, and closing the old year with the electric 
 torch — a grand triumph. We close this sketch of this beautiful city, 
 our home, feeling the inspiration of our hope, always buoyant, now 
 doubly sure that the possibilities of Seward are grand. 
 
166 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 TBIBUTE TO THE MOTHERS AND WIVES OF THE PIONEEES — CLOTHING OF THE 
 PEOPLE — THE FOOD OF THE PIONEEES — THEIR VISITS AND CUSTOMS — OUR 
 PEOPLE, GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS — FIRST MARRIAGES — FIRST TERM OF 
 DISTRICT COURT— OLD SETTLERS' REUNIONS— EXTRACT OF AN ADDRESS BY 
 W. W. COX AT OLD SETTLERS' REUNION IN 1886 — "MY WILDERNESS HOME 
 IN CHILDHOOD," BY MRS. NETTIE M. PINGEEE. 
 
 The mothers and wives of the pioneers are justly entitled to kind 
 remembrance. They were devoted and self-sacrificing beyond meas- 
 ure. The labor they performed and the hardships they endured 
 should live in the hearts of the people to the remotest generation. 
 Here is a picture not overdrawn : A young bride of twenty has left 
 her father's home of comfort and luxury in the East, and with her 
 young husband has turned her face toward the setting sun, with the 
 determination to assist in hewing out a new home in the wilderness 
 of the West. With no capital except a strong resolution to win and 
 strong faith in the future, they bid adieu to friends and kindred, and 
 with a steady eye fixed upon the star of empire they penetrate the 
 wilderness. A little log cabin or a sod house or a dugout has been 
 hastily built for shelter. A parlor, sitting room, kitchen, and bed 
 room are all combined in one. The bare walls of this rude home are 
 brought in contrast in the mind of the young wife with the beautiful 
 home of her childhood, but in her young breast '' hope is like an an- 
 chor to the soul." When the first Sabbath dawns she may listen in 
 vain for the sweet chimes of the church going bell, but looking out 
 on the broad expanse of prairie all is solitary. Sometimes with 
 heaviness of heart she labors on and on, and cheers the faltering 
 heart of her husband in his endeavors. The little means that they 
 have brought are rapidly melting away before any return for their 
 labor is in sight. The beautiful garments of her youth are fading 
 and becoming tattered. By and by she becomes a mother, and while 
 the beautiful gift of heaven may bring joy and gladness, yet in the 
 
HISTORY OF SEWAKD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 167 
 
 same train it brings anxieties and sorrows, a constant care by day and 
 by night. The young father must sometimes go long distances from 
 home, to be gone days at a time, to a mill fifty or a hundred miles 
 away, or to a city far away, and the young mother and her darling 
 must stay weary days and long nights in the lonely home, with no 
 protector but her God. And now comes a strolling band of hungry 
 Indians to frighten and annoy her, and while her child is screaming 
 with friffht she must stand in the door and face these ferocious wild 
 men. She must frequently leave her child to cry, while she goes 
 long distances after the cows, or to a distant spring for water, or 
 carry the baby on her arm and a heavy bucket of water with the 
 other. Then again harvest time comes or something else occurs 
 when several work hands must be provided for, when, with scanty 
 means at command she must perhaps carry the babe upon her arm 
 and with the other do the work of cooking for the hands. And again 
 when night comes she must divide her bed and make beds upon the 
 cabin floor for the men, and as her husband keeps a "free hotel" for 
 all strangers, she must deny herself and little ones ease and comfort 
 to wait upon strangers, and frequently make her children wait at 
 meal time while strangers eat their bread, and the mother and chil- 
 dren make their meal from the scraps. This is no fancy sketch, it 
 has occurred ten thousand times, of which there are plenty of living 
 witnesses. 
 
 Oh ! who but a mother can tell of the weariness of a mother's life 
 on the frontier; so often struggling to keep the wolf from the door, 
 so often beset with dangers, so often overworked with slavish labor, 
 and so often overwrought with anxious care. No wonder that un- 
 timely gray hairs appear, and that her cheeks are iurrowed while she 
 should yet be in the prime of her womanly strength and beauty. 
 
 Young men and maidens of Nebraska, you that have such pleasant 
 homes to-day, will you please remember what it has cost your mothers 
 in the years gone by to prepcire these homes for you. In your grate- 
 ful hearts will you in a becoming manner reverence and love them ? 
 If you can fully realize what they have done for you in your imagina- 
 tion it will surround their gray heads with grace and beauty, inter- 
 mingled with a halo of holy light. 
 
168 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUXTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 THE CLOTHING OF THE PEOPLE 
 
 during the first years of the settlement should perhaps receive some 
 notice. It must be borne in mind that clothing was extremely high 
 in price from 1863 to 1868. The commonest calico was worth from 
 forty to fifty cents per yard. A pair of brogan shoes cost five dol- 
 lars ; common domestic was worth from seventy-five cents to one dollar 
 per yard, and all articles at about the same rate. Fine clothing was 
 entirely out of reach of the common people, and were unseen in this 
 countrv. The men were usually provided with a (condemned) soldier's 
 overcoat, which were the cheapest garments in the market. Con- 
 demned soldiers' blankets were also used to considerable extent. 
 We have seen them made into overshirts, and then used for under- 
 shirts. We have also known them to be made into pants. Our 
 hats and caps were just what happened to come handy — sometimes 
 caps of coon or badger skins; at other times some old garment would 
 be ripped up and made into a cap; occasionally a chip hat was seen, 
 but usually in a weather-beaten condition, and frequently it was minus 
 a large part of the rim. A gray horse-blanket frequently served as 
 a coat. Mittens were made rudely of skins of animals — elk, coon, or 
 whatever came handy; sometimes they were made of old bits of cloth, 
 and faced with pieces of old meal sacks, aud meal sacks were fre- 
 quently converted into pants. Strips of bed-ticking furnished us 
 with suspenders. Our feet, perhaps, had the hardest tiuie of it, as 
 they were brought more directly into contact with frost and snow. 
 The man that had a pair of good cowhide boots was fortunate, but he 
 was an exception. We improvised moccasins, which at times we were 
 fortunate enough to trade lor with the Indians; then we would make 
 them ourselves out of elk hides, or of cloth or sheep skins. Our poor 
 feet were often in a sorry plight. 
 
 If our wives were fortunate enough to have two calico dresses in 
 one year they were truly thankful. Sunbonnets of calico were com- 
 monly worn to church, as well as the faded shawls of other years. 
 Cloth slippers frequently served for shoes, or moccasins. We have 
 known the old chests to be rummaged and old bedspreads, such as 
 the dear old grandmothers wove, brought out as a last resort and 
 made into skirts aud worn. In summer, men, women, young men, 
 and maidens went barefoot to a great extent. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 169 
 
 Such clothing as we wore, even the best of us, would now be a 
 laughing stock for you all, but then it was no laughing matter; now 
 it's no matter how much you laugh. Should you see one dressed in 
 the usual garb of 18(34 and 1865 you would certainly think it to be 
 a scarecrow, yet we were powerless to have it otherwise. We all felt 
 the sting of the situation. We had many of us been used to better 
 fare. We had just as noble aspirations as any of our present people. 
 We all wanted to do better, and just as soon as it was possible we did 
 do better. 
 
 Our food was usually plain and healthful. We used as a matter of 
 necessity a great amount of corn bread and lye hominy. We gener- 
 ally had a good supply of wild fruits, such as plums, grapes, gooseberries, 
 alderberries, and raspberries. We made sorghum molasses for sweet- 
 ening. Our new ground produced melons in grand profusion, and 
 when we were fortunate enough to keep the Indians from stealing 
 them, we enjoyed eating melons such as a king might admire. Our 
 M'ives were almost universally good cooks, and they would come 
 nearer getting up a good dinner out of poor material than most women 
 do out of a well-supplied larder. At times our tables were supplied 
 with delicious meats of antelope and wild turkeys, frequently of elk» 
 and occasionally of buffalo. Then again we would have to depend 
 upon smaller game, such as prairie chickens, rabbits, squirrels, etc- 
 Alter the first year pigs began to accumulate, also domestic fowls, 
 and occasionally a beet would be slaughtered, and also vegetables 
 were produced, and the skies became brighter. 
 
 Later comers usually brought a little money, and we proved a 
 blessing to them, as we usually had something to sell them that they 
 most needed, such as grain, hay, poultry, a pig, a cow perhaps, some 
 potatoes for seed, and we welcomed them heartily, for they brought 
 us some money, which we sorely needed, and they brought us society, 
 which we had longed for so patiently. They brought us hopes of 
 schools and church privileges, for which we were hungry indeed. 
 We began to renew our dilapidated clothing and live more like folks, 
 and our lives were brighter and more cheerful for their coming. 
 
 Visiting on the frontier was a feature worth noticing. With all 
 our poverty, we enjoyed visiting one another. We made no fashion- 
 able calls, just to shaw what fine clothes we could wear. We were 
 all ragged alike. When we went we aimed to put in the whole duy,. 
 
170 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 aud took the whole family, and we invariably had a good time. One 
 feature of these visits was that our good wives all knew one another's 
 circumstances. If the neighbor to be visited was out of butter or 
 meat, or any other article necessary to make a square meal, it was 
 never an offense to look the cupboard over and take such things along 
 as would supply a deficiency. That would now be considered an 
 insult. Then it was the most common thing to take a roll of butter, 
 a piece of meat, a few eggs, or anything that parties were fortunate 
 enough to have, and that was known to be lacking at the place to be 
 visited. People were always welcome at their neighbors' hearths. 
 
 OUR PEOPLE. 
 
 We are a mixed multitude. We have drawn our population from 
 nearly all of the northern aud eastern states — have representatives 
 from Kentucky, Virginia, and the Carolinas. We have drawn more 
 heavily on Illinois and Iowa than other states. Of our foreign-born 
 people, the Germans perhaps exceed all others, although we have 
 quite a respectable number from England, Ireland, and Sweden, with 
 a few from France. We have drawn from the best blood of all lo- 
 calities from which we emigrated. It certainly is the best class of 
 people of any state or country that have a longing. for a home of their 
 own and that have the courage to break away from old home and old 
 associates and face the dangers of the wilderness and all the privations 
 of the frontier for the sake of a home, and of such are the masses of 
 our people. Our Germans were principally thoroughly schooled in 
 American ways of life in Illinois and Iowa, where they had a long 
 residence prior to their coming here, and it is rarely that we find one 
 who cannot talk our language fluently and has not an intelligent idea 
 of our institutions. They are most universally an energetic and thrifty 
 people, stepping to the front as farmers and business-men. They 
 have done much toward developing and enriching the county. They 
 sustain in their various denominations ten churches, each with a 
 creditable house of worship. There are quite a number of English 
 people, who are among our most thrifty and valuable citizens. The 
 same may be said of many Irish families, also Swedish, Danish, and 
 French. All are represented by the intelligent and valuable of their 
 respective countries. They are all here with a full purpose of becom- 
 ing Americans and identified with the institutions of their adopted 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 171 
 
 bome. They are all making rapid progress \n adopting American 
 ways and methods, and we are fast becoming a homogeneous people. 
 There are a very few families of colored people, probably not to ex- 
 ceed six, and they are very worthy and industrious people. So far 
 as we are advised all of them had been slaves when young, and it 
 ■certainly is to their credit that they are doing so well. 
 
 The Americans of course largely preponderate in numbers, and 
 they are universally intelligent and progressive, and the great mass 
 of them are prosperous. There are hundreds who came to the county 
 with little more than their bare hands and with large families, who 
 now have beautiful homes and a great abundance of this world's 
 goods. Their children have grown up intelligently, and the old folks 
 are enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life. 
 
 We have in all parts of the county great numbers of the old soldiers, 
 and it is a matter pride that they are so universally respected and 
 honored for the honorable part they had in saving for us a home and 
 a country, and for their sterling qualities as citizens. 
 
 FIRST MARRIAGES. 
 
 The first marriage in the county, as shown by the records, was 
 that of John W. Pitt and Miss Elva S. Long, at the residence of 
 Samuel Long, on the 12th day of November, 1866. The ceremony 
 was performed by C. J. Neihardt, J. P. 
 
 The first marriage in G precinct and city of Seward was at the 
 house of Lewis Moffitt, on the 20th day of March, 1867. The con- 
 tracting parties were David P. Imlay and Miss Mary Moffitt, W. W. 
 Cox, justice of the peace, officiating. On the 20th of April, 1867, 
 the second wedding in '"G" precinct was that of James A. Brown 
 and Miss Sarah A. Iralay, at the residence of the bride's father, one 
 and one-half miles north-east of the present city. We had the honor 
 of officiating on that occasion. 
 
 PROBATE COURT RECORD. 
 
 We glean from the probate court records that the first letters of 
 guardianship were issued by Judge Henry Wortendyke, on the 29th 
 of January, 1870, to Sarah C. Wilcox, in matters of guardianship of 
 the minor heirs of Svrel Tift. 
 
17i2 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 FIRST DISTRICT COURT. 
 
 The first term of the district court was held in Seward county, at 
 Milford, November 15, 1869, Judge Geo. B. Lake presiding. Frank 
 M. Elsworth was appointed district attorney. First case on the 
 docket was John W. Shields vs. J. L. Bandy. The only state case 
 was against W. H. Tuttle, for an assault on Jonathan Gordon. Mr. 
 Tuttle got clear of the charge, but the prevalent impression was 
 that he ought to be fined for not doing a more thorough job. 
 
 J. C. Cowin, of Omaha, was the first district attorney of the dis- 
 trict who attended our court, which was held in the year 1870, at 
 Milford. 
 
 The first term held at Seward was in the spring of 1872, Judge 
 Lake on the bench. T. L. Norval was appointed district attorney. 
 At that term the famous Courtwright injunction case came up, in 
 which Judge Lake made the injunction against the Midland R. R. 
 and the county commissioners perpetual. 
 
 Judge Lake held the office of judge of this judicial district until 
 the year 1876, when the districts were changed and the sixth district 
 was formed. Geo. W. Post was elected, and he was re-elected and 
 served until the spring of 1883, when he resigned, and T. L. Norval 
 was appointed by Gov. Dawes to fill the vacancy. Judge Norval 
 was elected in the fall of 1883 and has held the office since, that date, 
 and was re-elected in the fall of 1887. M. B. Reese was elected dis- 
 trict attorney, and held the office until 1882. Thos. Darnall was 
 elected to the place in the fall of 1882, who held the place until 
 January, 1887, when the law took effect making county attorneys, 
 at which time R. P. Anderson was elected to the office of county 
 attorney. 
 
 Prior to 1879, the county clerk performed the duties of district 
 clerk. H. P. Lewis was appointed in 1879, and elected in 1880 and 
 re-elected in 1882, after which Geo. A. Merriam was elected, and was 
 re-elected in November, 1887. 
 
 OLD settlers' reunions. 
 
 The first meeting of the reunion of old settlers was held in the 
 public square at Seward in October, 1884, %vith W. W. Cox as presi- 
 dent. The meeting was not largely attended, but was of great inter- 
 est. Many touching- incidents of early times were related. In 18?5 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA, 173 
 
 there was no meeting, but in October, 1886, the society was reorgan- 
 ized and placed on a more permanent basis. Officers elected were: 
 W. W. Cox, president, Geo. A. Merriam, secretary, and Mrs. Thos. 
 Orahara, treasurer. The society that year opened a registry of the 
 old settlers, giving name, time of settlement, where located, age, etc. 
 Great numbers availed themselves of that privilege. A very large 
 and enthusiastic meeting was held in Roberts' grove, west of the 
 city. The officers for 1887 were: J. H. Culver, of Milford, presi- 
 dent; George A. Merriam, secretary, and Mrs. Thos. Graham, treas- 
 urer. In October, 1887, the annual meeting was held at Milford, 
 M'as very largely attended, and a very enjoyable meeting was held. 
 Gov. Thayer made the address of the day. Many new names were 
 added to the registry. Officers elected for 1888 were: W. R. Davis, 
 president, and Geo. A. Merriam and Mrs. Graham were again re- 
 elected, and Seward was chosen as the place of the meeting of 1888. 
 These meetings bid fair to grow in interest from year to year, and in 
 the long years to come the registry will become of priceless value. 
 
 The four counties of Butler, Polk, York, and Seward have held 
 conjointly three reunions, at Lord's grove, near the four corners, 
 where vast numbers of the people of all these counties have held 
 very profitable meetings. 
 
 At the meeting in 1886 it was estimated that over four thousand 
 were present. The meeting of 1887 was postponed on account of a 
 heavy rain storm, and the adjourned meeting met with same obstacle, 
 when it was determined to defer the meeting to the summer of 1888. 
 
 EXTRACT FROM AN ADDRESS DELIVERED BY W. W. COX AT AN 
 
 OLD settlers' reunion AT LORD's GROVE, NEAR THE 
 
 FOUR CORNERS OF BUTLER, POLK, YORK, AND 
 
 SEWARD COUNTIES, 1886. 
 
 Young friends, children of the pioneers, we would ask you to bear 
 in kind remembrance the hardships and struggles that these grey- 
 iieaded fathers and mothers have endured in other years to provide 
 homes of comfort an^l luxury for you. Their heads are fast becom- 
 ing silvered with age. Their steps are not so elastic as in other 
 years. The great duties with which they so manfully grappled in 
 the prime of their manhood's strength must now be accepted by you. 
 Will you accept them like men and women, worthy the honored 
 names von bear? 
 
174 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 The improvemeuts on these prairies, these houses and barns, these 
 groves and orchards, these smiling fields, these churches and 'school- 
 houses, these thrifty towns and cities, that, like jewels of a crown, 
 are scattered over the plain, all attest that the pioneers have not lived 
 in vain. They have laid well and firmly these foundations. You 
 must go on with the superstructure. 
 
 There is yet plenty of work for you. These beneficent institutions 
 are to be guarded, and great undertakings are yet to develop into 
 achievements that will bless mankind. This vast empire must in 
 the near future teem with its millions of people, and it will require 
 great wisdom to guide them to a proper destiny, and upon you, our 
 sons and daughters, must devolve the duty of going forward wisely 
 and energetically to complete the task we have so well begun. Oh, 
 for the glory of the future of our native land ! 
 
 May you, fathers and mothers, spend your declining years amidst 
 peace and plenty, surrounded by earnest, loving, and intelligent chil- 
 dren, carrying forward with master hands the enterprises that are so 
 dear to your hearts, and may he who shall stand here in the far-off 
 years to come, to tell the stories of our first settlement, of our joys 
 and sorrows, of our labors, trials, and discouragements, and the final 
 triumphs, "be able to still look around upon a great, intelligent, free^ 
 and happy people." May he with all the enthusiasm of poesy 
 exclaim: 
 
 " Here is still my country, 
 Zealous yet modest, 
 Innocent though free, 
 Patient of toil. 
 Serene amidst alarms, 
 Inflexible in faitli. 
 Invincible in arms." 
 
 THE WILDERNESS HOME OF MY CHILDHOOD. 
 
 FKOM THE PEN OF NETTIE M. PINGKEE. 
 
 "The hills are dearest which our childish feet 
 Have climbed the earliest ; and the streams most sweet 
 Are ever those at which our young lips drank, 
 Stooped to their waters o'er the grassy bank." 
 
 ■Whittier. 
 
 Tiiough years have passed since our last visit to the old home- 
 stead, visions come to us of the woods and valleys by the sparkling 
 waters of the beautiful Blue. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 175 
 
 The river winds its crooked way through the valley with many a 
 curve, forming broad acres of woodland which were a perfect para- 
 dise to us during the whole year. There, in the spring-time, the 
 green grass and violets formed a beautiful carpet for our feet, while 
 around us the alder and wild plum blossoms made fragrant the air 
 Avith their sweet scented odor. 
 
 Down the garden path bordered with moss roses and morning glo- 
 ries, we would speed away to the river, bait our hooks for fish, and 
 cross the foot log and follow the path through the woods to the 
 school-house. That little rough board shanty, sodded all around, and 
 the home-made, knife-marked desks have given place to new and 
 better ones. The children upon the playground are strange to us,, 
 but the same games of "blind man's buflf" and "drop the handker- 
 chief" are played by them as we played long years since. 
 
 The grape-vine swing must not be forgotten, for there, with choicest 
 flowers, was crowned the queen of May, and also, in childish sport, 
 were wedded two schoolmates, just twenty years ago. 
 
 Under the welcome shade of the old walnut tree by the ford we 
 studied our Sunday-school lessons, and were often lulled to sleep by 
 the merry song of the wild birds. 
 
 During the long summer days, wading around the sand-bars and 
 gathering shells afforded us a most delightful pastime, and as the sun 
 was seeking the western horizon we would mount old Ned, the family 
 horse, ford the river, and go to the farther pasture after the cows. 
 
 Each land hath its shadows, and each home hath its ghosts, and 
 ours was not an exception. The "Big grove" was the most beautiful 
 of all the "bends," on account of the heavy timber and dense foliage. 
 There the sugar maple trees abounded, and there grew the most ber- 
 ries, the latter being very important, for many a new dress and coat 
 were bought with the profits realized from their sale. 
 
 One evening at dusk something large and white, resembling a great 
 bear, was seen to come out of those woods, and although we afterward 
 learned that it was only a neighbor boy with a bed-tick over his head, 
 we never ventured again into that grove without company. 
 
 When the autumn suns changed the foliage and ripened the fruits, 
 then was our harvest. It would be difficult to decide who worked 
 the harder to store away the winter's supply of walnuts and acorns, 
 we children or the squirrels. Perhaps we tired of the labor more 
 
176 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 quickly than our little forest friends, for frequently the restful shade 
 of the great oaks would be too tempting, and we seated ourselves by 
 their roots and weaved wreathes of the brilliant-hued leaves, while the 
 autumn winds sighed and rustled the branches overhead, making a 
 beautiful accompaniment to our fancies. But when winter came with 
 its hoary frosts and covered the earth with its blanket of snow, and 
 the cold winds whistled through the barren timber, then, like all the 
 children of the woods, the most comfortable place for us was home. 
 That little log cabin, with its great fireplace and clay-chinked walls, 
 is the most cherished of all places. The dove-cote upon its roof, the 
 cave behind it, the box-alder and cottonwood trees, and the old-fash- 
 ioned well will always be remembered. 
 
 It seems but yesterday that father brought in the huge back-log 
 and built a brilliant fire in front of it, then popped the corn for our 
 first Christmas eve in our new home. He took us children on his 
 knee and told us of Santa Claus, and how he would come down 
 that huge chimney and fill our stockings, if we would hurry off 
 to bed. Mother tucked the covers carefully about us and resumed 
 her knitting, while father read aloud, by the light of the blazing 
 brushwood, the latest news of the rebellion, which was then raging 
 with all its horrors. 
 
 We watched the shadows cast by the flickering light of the burn- 
 ing embers upon the hearth till we fell asleep, dreaming, as all chil- 
 dren do, of Chris Kringle and his sleighful of toys. In the morning, 
 when the sun's first rays ])eeped through the curtains of the one 
 window in the cabin, Avith a bright Christmas greeting, we hastened 
 to our stockings, to find them overflowing with popcorn and dough- 
 nuts. Away down in the toe we found a stick of candy and a pair of 
 lovely red mittens with little snowflakes all over them. We were a 
 happy little band, and though many Christmases have come and 
 gone, and Santa Claus has filled our stockings with a far more lavish 
 hand, yet none will have the same place in our memory as the one 
 of '64. 
 
 But now, far removed from those loved scenes of childhood, and 
 looking out upon a broad expanse of prairie and corn land, our minds 
 will naturally wander back .to the old homestead, and decide that, 
 though home is home where'er it may be, yet that halo cannot be 
 taken away from our father's hearthstone. 
 
HISTOEY OF SEWAED COUNTY, NEBEASKA. 177 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 FRUITS OF SEWAKD COUNTY — SNOW STOKMS — STOCK FEEDERS— STOCK BREED- 
 ERS—IMPORTERS OF FINE HORSES — FIRE DEPARTMENT OF SEWARD — MONEY 
 PAID TEACHERS BY VARIOUS DISTRICTS IN 1887— MILFORD NEWSPAPERS — 
 TROOP A, NEBRASKA NATIONAL GUARDS — NOTES FROM DIARIES OF E. L. 
 ELLIS AND HON THOS. GRAHAM, KEPT IN 1858 TO 1863. 
 
 THE FEUITS OF SEWAED COUNTY. 
 FROM THE PEN OF J. B. COURTWRIGHT. 
 
 The county is yet in its infancy so far as fruits are concerned, but 
 it can be readily seen that it compares iavorably with other counties 
 of the state. We have a good climate, our winters are not so cold as 
 many of the older states of our latitude, and the fruits already raised 
 are of better flavor and more free from specks than in Illinois, Iowa, 
 or many of the more eastern states. It is true that many of our pres- 
 ent varieties are not as hardy here as in the eastern states. However^ 
 they had many failures there until they learned what trees were 
 adapted to their soil and climate, and we must learn by their expe- 
 rience, and not plant such as have been proven to be worthless. Hardy 
 trees of apple or plum will do well here if the proper varieties are 
 selected and properly cared for. I have seen as fine apples raised here 
 as I ever saw anywhere. We cannot grow an orchard in one or two 
 years; it takes time and watchful care, but when grown, there is- 
 nothing that an enterprising man feels more pride in than showing hi& 
 orchard to his friends. Then, what is more delicious than a finely 
 flavored apple, or a nice bunch of grapes, or a fine peach ? 
 
 We think that he who plants and prunes an orchard is a true bene- 
 factor, and no citizen of Seward county can do a more praiseworthy 
 act than by planting an orchard and doing his part in making 
 Seward the best fruit county of our noble state. If we only do our 
 duty we will soon have plenty of both large and small fruits. The 
 following varieties we have found to be hardy and prolific: For 
 J2 
 
178 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 summer apples — Red Astrachan, Duchess of Oldenburg, Early Peu- 
 nock, Early Harvest. I would recomraeud as fall apples — Snow, 
 Maiden's Blush, Bailey Sweet, Hass, Roman Stem, Cole's Quince, 
 Fallsware. And for winter — Ben Davis, White Pippin, Winesap, 
 Rawle's Genett, Jonathan, and Mann apple. There are many others 
 that will do well. 
 
 There are a few varieties of tame plum that do very well, but I 
 have succeeded best with wild varieties. I hardly ever fail of getting 
 a good crop the third year from planting the pits, and they have 
 always proved to be of an excellent quality. I have had but partial 
 success with tame j)lums. 
 
 Have succeeded well with strawberries, goose and raspberries, and 
 grapes. In fact I have never seen a failure here. I think the grape 
 merits a more extensive cultivation in our county. The grape rot is 
 unknown with us. The Concord and Clinton are the leading varie- 
 ties. Have seen Catawbas do well, but they are not as hardy as 
 some others. I prune in February. 
 
 Peaches are very uncertain, but have had some to measure seven 
 inches in circumference. I get a crop every few years, which pays 
 me well for all my trouble. I think the trees and buds kill in the 
 fall, as they grow too late and they have too much sap in the tree. 
 I had peaches this year, and they grew on the topmost limbs, with 
 none on the lower branches. The fruit was from ten to fifteen feet 
 from the ground, and of course in the most exposed condition. Some 
 of the fruit was very nice. 
 
 I am hopeful of the future. I found my hope in the belief in the 
 old adage, *' What has been done can be done again." Orchards 
 planted by the early settlers have done well, and are producing good 
 results in both quality and quantity. Care should be taken in j)ro- 
 curiug healthy trees, and then good judgment in setting and pruning, 
 and also planting at proper distances, say from 25 to 30 feet apart, 
 and last, but not least, secure of the hardy varieties, and only ex- 
 periment with other and more costly kinds than those mentioned. 
 
 We predict that in a few years our people will be feasting on 
 apples of the best quality, the products of our own soil. Consider- 
 ing everything, the outlook is most encouraging, and the observer 
 can see a marked improvement in the interest manifest in starting 
 and caring for orchards. The exhibit at our fair in September last. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 179 
 
 and the two previous years, would put the bhish to the cheeks of our 
 sister counties in the eastern part of the state. 
 
 Notwithstanding the frequent warnings, unprincipled and irre- 
 sponsible agents — " tree peddlers " — are from year to year beating 
 people out of thousands of dollars, that are virtually thrown away, 
 by getting worthless stock. But for all this we'are making progress 
 and no one familiar with the business can doubt that our county can 
 become a very successful fruit county. Very many orchards have 
 been so loaded that it was necessary to jjn^p the branches. 
 
 SNOW STORMS. 
 
 Since the stormy winter of 1866 and 1867, we have had only oc- 
 casional storms of great severity. In April, 1873, a rain commenced 
 in tiie early morning, which turned to sleet during the day, and 
 raged so fiercely that man nor beast could hardly withstand it. As 
 night approached it turned to snow, and the night and following day 
 were appalling. The whirling and drifting snow drove the un- 
 sheltered stock before it to destruction. Mr. A. D. Richie had a 
 large herd of sheep drift with the storm until they rushed over the 
 bank into Lincoln creek, where they perished. Peter Henegen, of 
 Butler county, lost a herd of cattle in the same way. They took 
 shelter under a high bank on the upper Blue, and the snow drifted 
 entirely over them. 
 
 The worst snow storm of this generation struck this county a little 
 after 3 p.m. on the 12th day of January, 1888. A damp snow had 
 been falling since near midnight previous. The weather was quite 
 warm and pleasant, and up to 3 o'clock the snow fell in great 
 feathery flakes, such as school children rejoice to see, with ho breath 
 of wind; and while we were all watching the beautiful snow coming 
 so gently, little did we think of the terrors of the night, when 
 all at once, as if some demon had been turned loose upon the world, 
 there came a blast from the north-west, such as was never seen before 
 in this fair land. All hearts were terror-stricken at the fury of the 
 storm. The atmosphere was so thick with drifting snow that nothing 
 could be seen, and the mercury immediately fell near fifty degrees, 
 and it seemed for a time that no mortal exposed to its terrors could 
 survive its fearful ravages. This continued till near midnight. 
 
 So far there has been no loss of life recorded in Seward county, 
 
180 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 but there were numerous hair-breadth escapes. We have two victims 
 iu this county, who suiFered more than death : Lena Webbeke, of 
 "I" precinct, a girl of eleven years, undertook to make her home 
 from the school-house, and became bewildered and remained out in 
 an open field, partially drifted under the snow, and was rescued in 
 the morning. This is one of the most remarkable incidents of record. 
 That she should survive seems a miracle. At this writing one of 
 her legs has been amputated, and she bids fair to recover. Miss 
 Ettie Shattuck, who was away in Holt county, teaching, was caught 
 in the storm, and by chance ran on to a hay stack and burrowed 
 into it, remaining there seventy-two hours, and was accidentally found. 
 She was brought to her home in Seward, and it was found necessary 
 to have both feet amputated. She is now slowly recovering. She 
 remains cheerful under the terrible ordeal. Her case has created a 
 wide-sj)read sympathy, and large amounts of money have been raised 
 at Seward, Omaha, Fremont, Nebraska City, and among the travel- 
 ing men on trains, and at many other places in the state. Poor Ettie 
 died February 6, 1888. 
 
 The State Journal started a subscription also for the Webbeke 
 girl, which was caught uj^ at Seward and other places, and will result 
 in ample funds for her proper care and education. All that willing 
 hands and loving hearts can do will be done for her relief and 
 tender care. 
 
 The storm was of such short duration that the stock stood it 
 through with scarcely no loss in this county, but in the great north- 
 land it swept men and beasts to destruction by thousands. The 
 people of our county are very grateful for the generous contributions 
 from all parts of the state. 
 
 STOCK FEEDERS. 
 
 Stock feeding has grown to be an important industry in this county. 
 There are being fed at present from thirty-five hundred to four 
 thousand cattle, and a corresponding amount of hogs. The principal 
 feeders are Phillip Unitt, Simeon True and Brown, General True, 
 Marsh B. Palmer, David Palmer, H. Nabb, E. M. Hickman, C. J. 
 Wright, C. M. Gorden, Frank W. Upton, Jacob Mundhenke, Joseph 
 D. Speltz, John Williams, Lewis Anderson, E. M. Olney, John D. 
 Olney, Warren W. Brown, and J. N. Edwards. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 181 
 
 FINE STOCK BREEDERS. 
 
 This business is assuming importance, and there are many fine 
 herds in the couutv\ We mention among the leading fine stock 
 breeders, Claudius Jones and Sou, Friesian-Holstein and Shorthorns; 
 J. N. Edwards, Short-horns; G. W. Bartow, Herefords ; E. M. 
 Hickman, Short-horns. 
 
 The fine horse breeders are led by A. Rogy, an importer and 
 breeder who has done much to improve the horses of this and adjoin- 
 ing counties. Other breeders are Geo. Abott, Frank W. Upton, and 
 otliers. The Norman and Clydesdale are the leading breeds. 
 
 THE FIREMEN OF SEWARD 
 
 deserve honorable mention in these pages for valuable services ren- 
 dered. The organization dates back to 1879, when the engines and 
 hooks and ladders were purchased by the city. The organization is 
 divided into three companies — Engine companies No. 1 and No. 2, 
 and the Hook and Ladder company. When duty calls the boys are 
 always ready, and have been instrumental in saving much valuable 
 property. They maintain a reading room, and have about 500 
 volumes in the library, besides valuable periodicals, papers, etc. 
 
 We would gladly give a full history of the Association, but the 
 records were unattainable. 
 
 SCHOOLS, 
 
 Below is the amount of money paid teachers in Seward county for 
 the year ending July 11, 1887: 
 
 DIST. AMOUNT. ! DIST. AMOUNT. 
 
 1 -....$160 50 I 12 210 00 
 
 2 220 00' 13 220 00 
 
 3 120 00 
 
 14 360 00 
 
 4 388 00 15 315 00 
 
 5(Milford) 1985 00 16 210 00 
 
 6 304 00 17 210 00 
 
 7 305 00 18 265 00 
 
 8 180 00 19 215 00 
 
 9 (Seward) 5561 00 I 20 320 00 
 
 10 195 00 I 21 180 00 
 
 11 280 00 22 210 00 
 
182 
 
 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 DIST. AMOUNT. 
 
 23 425 00 
 
 24 305 00 
 
 25 307 00 
 
 26 275 GO 
 
 27 277 50 
 
 28 340 00 
 
 29 265 00 
 
 30 195 00 
 
 31 247 50 
 
 32 240 00 
 
 33 218 00 
 
 34 233 00 
 
 35 180 00 
 
 36 250 00 
 
 37 240 00 
 
 38 195 00 
 
 39 300 00 
 
 40 333 00 
 
 41 335 00 
 
 42 350 00 
 
 43 259 00 
 
 44 330 00 
 
 45 105 00 
 
 46 315 00 
 
 47 290 00 
 
 48 221 00 
 
 49 254 00 
 
 50 210 00 
 
 51 (M:ilcolm P.O.) 531 00 
 
 52 280 00 
 
 53 260 00 
 
 54 270 00 
 
 55 227 60 
 
 56 235 00 
 
 57 225 00 
 
 DIST. AMOUNT. 
 
 58 294 00 
 
 59 304 00 
 
 60 (Utica, all female 
 
 teachers) 1395 00 
 
 61 265 00 
 
 62 180 00 
 
 63 200 00 
 
 64 190 00 
 
 65 142 00 
 
 66 210 00 
 
 67 210 00 
 
 68 130 00 
 
 69 210 00 
 
 70 180 00 
 
 71 260 00 
 
 72 245 00 
 
 73 197 00 
 
 74 175 00 
 
 75 84 00 
 
 76 160 00 
 
 77 200 00 
 
 78 198 50 
 
 79 260 00 
 
 80 210 00 
 
 81 305 00 
 
 82 (Gerniautown) 345 00 
 
 83 (Staplehurst) 735 00 
 
 84 257 50 
 
 85 210 00 
 
 86 245 00 
 
 87 265 00 
 
 88 156 00 
 
 89 150 00 
 
 90 (Tamora) 417 50 
 
 The teachers employed are fully three-fourths ladies, and outside 
 the city of Seward the wages are fully equal to that paid gentlemen. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 183 
 
 One of the graded schools (Utica) is presided over by a lady. In 
 the city of Seward eleven of the twelve teachers are ladies. 
 
 MILFORD NEWSPAPERS. 
 
 From the time that the Record ceased to exist, in April, 1873, 
 which able and valuable paper has already been very fully noticed, 
 Milford had no paper until February, 1882, when the Seward County 
 Democrat, a seven-column folio, was issued by Alexander Brothers. 
 It was true to its name, a straight-out democratic paper, and had a 
 successful business for two years, when its jjroprietors sold it out to 
 Prof. Geo. F. Burkett, of Michigan, The proiessor changed its 
 name to that of Milford Ozone, and its political career thencetorward 
 was republican. A few mouths later, the editor having been elected 
 principal ot the Milford high school took in as partner an erratic in- 
 dividual by the name of Horace Boyle, who played a brief engage- 
 ment of three months, when his interest was purchased by H. C. 
 Hensel, of Omaha, the present editor and proprietor. An amicable 
 partnership of two months ensued, when Prof. Burkett's interest was 
 purchased, and then the name wan changed to that of Milford Ne- 
 braskan. Its politics remained republican. 
 
 Ed. Hansel has had twelve years' experience in newspaper work, 
 and has become quite efficient as a public writer and editor. He 
 continues the successful publication of the Nehrashan, an eight-page, 
 seven-column paper, and long may it live to disseminate light and 
 truth among the people of the county. The Nehraskan is to be en- 
 larged January 1, 1888. 
 
 TROOP A, NEBRASKA NATIONAL GUARDS. 
 
 In pursuance to special order No. 3, issued by Gov. John M. 
 Thayer to J. H. Culver, of Milford, Troop A of the Nebraska Na- 
 tional Guards was organized and mustered into service by Adjt. Gen. 
 A. V. Cole, on July 22, 1887. 
 
 The company then elected J. H. Culver, captain; Wolsey Weyant, 
 Jr., 1st Lieut.; and C. L. Smith. 2d Lieut.; who were duly com- 
 missioned. The following non-commissioned officers and privates 
 complete the personnel of tiie company : 
 
 S, B. Laune, 1st sergeant; Jas. A. Haselwood, Q. M. sergeant; 
 John R. Handy, 2d sergeant; W. A. Morgan, 3d sergeant; J. J. 
 
184 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 Dunnegan, 4th sergeant; J. Luebbeu, 5th sergeant; Craven Stream, 
 6th sergeant; W. S. Kinney, 1st Corp.; Scott Garland, 2cl Corp.; 
 Geo. C.^Fosler, 3d Corp.; John W. Wykoff, 4th Corp. 
 
 Privates — Chas. H. Anderson, Richard Armstrong, Edmund J. 
 Ashton, Wm. G. Ashton, John Armstrong, Lauren Brown, A. F. 
 Brooking, H. BlacUburu, A. T. Baldwin, Robt. G. Cox, Ralph E. 
 Deniston, Chas. E. Hans, George Leger, Louis Leger, Roscoe Langley, 
 W. G. Morgan, J. C. Morford, A. E. Patrick, Geo. H. Paisley, 
 Geo. A. Suddith, Robt. W. Stall, Geo. Stueck, M. R. Sharp, W. J. 
 Yosburg, Henry Weyant, Chas. Weyant, John Wright, Simon D. 
 Yordy. 
 
 This troop was assigned to the First Brigade, and ordered in camp 
 at Lincoln on August 29, 1887. 
 
 The company took up the line of march August 30th, in the midst 
 of a drizzling rain storm, camping tiie first night at the Quick farm, 
 near Emerald, and reaching "Camp Thayer" the next morning at 
 9 A.M. The week was spent in drill and camp discipline. The 
 troop performed excellent service on vidette duty in keeping the dis- 
 orderly in camp, receiving the highest compliments for their appear- 
 ance and soldierly bearing on grand review by Gen. Wheaton, of the 
 regular array, who was detailed bj^ the war department to inspect the 
 Nebraska National Guards. Breaking camp on Saturday, September 
 3d, the troop marched to its rendezvous at Milford, a distance of 
 twenty miles, in six hours, which would be considered rapid enough 
 for a forced march in military parlance. 
 
 Seward county has the honor of having the only troop of cavalry 
 in Nebraska, and the members of the company are noted for their 
 steady habits and moral force, therefore possessing the necessary req- 
 uisites for eiFective military service. 
 
 Capt. Culver participated three years in active service during the 
 war for the Union, and having taken an academic military course 
 after retiring from the war, and being a strict disciplinarian, will 
 bring the troop up to the required standard of efficiency. 
 
 The troop is well equipped with excellent regulation uniforms and 
 cavalry sabers and bridles, and are quartered when on duty at the 
 new brick armory on Main St., Milford, where a military air prevails 
 when the "Yellow Jackets" are assembled. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWAED COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 185 
 
 FROM E. L. ELLIS' DIARY, KEPT IN 1859 TO 1861. 
 
 Mr. E. landed in Nebraska on May 12, 1859, and on May 17th 
 we find him and party on the Nemaha creek, near where Palmyra 
 stands, which is described as a wild country with howling wolves. 
 He finds in all that county just one deserted cabin. He says the 
 roads leading to Nebraska City are lined with an innumerable host 
 of returning Pike's Peakers. AVas favorably impressed with the 
 quality of lands. Party arrived at the house of A. J. Wallingford, 
 on ?alt creek, on the 17th. The party, consisting of E. L. Ellis, 
 A. J. Wallingford, F. C. Simpson, Wm. Jones, and C. L. Barrett, 
 visited Blue river on June 10th. Their way led across the rough 
 land along Haines branch and South Middle creek, and except a 
 drove of deer they saw nothing to please them until they reached the 
 Blue valley. We infer by the time they were traveling that they 
 struck Blue river somewhere between Old Camden and Milford. 
 At six o'clock they reached an improvement that was commenced on 
 the farm of A. J. Rogers, and was occupied by a Mr. Norton. The 
 party camped at the mouth of a branch putting into the river, which 
 we infer was Plum creek. On the eleventh they traversed the table- 
 lands east of Plum creek, and were well pleased with the country. 
 He mentions the old town site at the junction of creek with river. 
 Party saw one wolf and ten elk. Mr, E. says he killed one of them. 
 They camped on ground where Mr. E. claims to have camped a year 
 before. 
 
 Mr. Ellis was left alone at camp a day without ammunition, and says 
 it was blue enough, twenty-five or thirty miles from settlement. 
 Three elk came within two hundred yards of camp. June 13th, 
 worked on his claim, which is by the present iron bridge. Returned to 
 Salt creek on the 14th, and learned that five hundred Cheyennes and 
 Arapahoes had passed on their way to butcher the Pawnee tribe. The 
 settlers at Salt creek ai^e fearful that these Indians will rob and kill 
 them as they return, and are preparing fortifications, and had also 
 sent spies to watch the movements of the red-skins. This scare con- 
 tinued until the 19th. August 4th, Mr. Ellis rode a stray mule to 
 Rock Bluff, sixty miles, for a doctor, and carried cold johnny cake in 
 his pocket to eat. 
 
 September 4th it is noted that nearly everybody in the settlement 
 is sick. Mr. E. visited Blue river again in November, and he camped 
 
186 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 on Plum creek on the 3d; was hunting that day. Next we find him 
 building a little house on his <^laim. The company saw, on the 6th, 
 near three hundred elk, and killed one that netted 500 pounds. 
 
 On the 11th two men were attacked by five hundred Indians, and 
 taken prisoners, held one day, robbed of all they had except their 
 guns, which were given back to them, and they were charged by the 
 brave Pawnees to never come to Blue river again. 
 
 Salt creek, Christmas day, and no snow, warm and j^leasant, roads 
 dusty. 
 
 On the 22d of February a few Indians came and bought twelve 
 bushels of corn, which six squaws carried three miles without resting. 
 
 April 3d a terribledust storm is noted. The atmosphere was fairly 
 darkened by it. Fearful prairie fires on the 1 2th, damaging the 
 settlers greatly, and came very near burning a house where a dead 
 man lay at the time. 
 
 June lOtli Mr. Ellis visited Blue river again, and had quite an 
 experience ferrying Salt creek at the basin, as it was very high. Fer- 
 ried over in the wagon box and pulled the gears over with ropes. 
 
 On the 15th killed an elk and an elk calf 
 
 On the 16th found four head of stray cattle somewhere near the 
 future site of Seward. The party also found an old wagon worth 
 about $45, that had been abandoned. I'hey found a settlement on 
 the Blue, where parties had planted forty acres of corn, but the record 
 gives no names. 
 
 On the 23d, went over to Judge J. D. Maine's, on Stevens creek, 
 and had the stray property appraised. 
 
 July 25th, killed a buck deer and tried to carry it to wagons nine 
 miles distant, but failed. 
 
 On the 28th our })arty got lost on the prairie, and laid out all 
 night. 
 
 Septeml^er 3d, was again on his claim. 
 
 September 10, 1860, entered the claim. Soon after this Mr. E. 
 returned to Missouri, where he found a wife and had some romantic 
 experience with the intended father-in-law, who opposed the match. 
 
 FROM THE DIARY' KEPT BY HON. THOMAS GRAHAM, 
 
 In July, 1858, while he was examining government surveys in 
 Seward county and the counties surrounding it, we quote as follows: 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 187 
 
 Thursday, July 1, 1858 — This day promises to be rainy and dis- 
 agreeable. We rau over to range line in town five, between ranges 
 two and three, and one mile up north to town corner, which we did 
 not quite reach on account of its getting too dark to see. 
 
 July 4th — We are spending our 4th to-day in Sec. 1, town 5, R. 3 
 east. We have mulberr}' pie for dinner, which tastes nice. Day 
 sunny and warm. 
 
 July 13th — Camped in Sec. 34 or 35; town ten, range 3 east. 
 [This was probably about a mile from Milford.] 
 
 July 14th — Spent the day examining town nine, range three. 
 [This is O precinct.] 
 
 July 15th — Examined town 13, range 3 [J precinct,] and dis- 
 covered a small settlement on the east bank of the Blue, where we 
 got some milk for supper. 
 
 [Mr. G., we regret to say, fails to give us the names of the settlers, 
 but we suppose it was the McKinly and Morton families spoken of 
 in chapter five of this work. It is barely possible that it was the 
 Morgans.] 
 
 July 16th — Raining. Went up to T. 11, R. 3 [G precinct], and 
 up as far north as T. 12. [The balance of this day's record is so 
 badly eifaced that we can not read it, but we decipher the word creek, 
 which we understand to be our Plum creek.] 
 
 Sunday 18th — Spent the day fishing in the Blue. [Sorry friend 
 G. would fish on Sunday.] 
 
 Mr. Graham tells us that he remembers that there were some town 
 site stakes near the mouth of Plum creek, but knows nothing of how 
 they came there. These same stakes and two foundations were yet 
 visible in February, 1864. They covered the slope in what is now 
 Moffitt's pasture, north of the B. & M. road, and extended west to 
 near the river at Boyes' mill. 
 
 Later in the season we find Mr. Graham and party again in Seward 
 county, and at that time they heard of the French settlement being 
 formed at the forks of the Blue, but did not visit it. This was Vif- 
 quaiu settlement, just below the Saline county line. If Mr. G. had 
 supposed that Seward county had so many honors in store for him, 
 his notes would have been more elaborate, but we are thankful for 
 small favors. 
 
188 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 BEAVER CROSSING BUGLE 
 
 ^vas established April 27, 1877, by H. C. Hensel, and is one of the 
 largest county papers in the state, being an eight-page seven-column 
 paper, ably edited, and republican in politics. We understand that 
 it will be enlarged January 1, 1888. It makes the fur fairly stand 
 on end among the Beavers to hear the ^^ Bugle notes" calling them 
 into active life from week to week. Long may the Bugle blasts 
 awaken the hills and valleys of that region, and be a great helper in 
 'the development of the long neglected, yet interesting and valuable 
 portion of our county. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. IBS' 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 CHUECHES — ADVENTISTS, SEVENTH DAY — AMISH MENNONITES — BAPTIST MIS- 
 SIONAEY— CONGREGATIONALISTS — GERMAN EVANGELICAL FRIENDES — GER- 
 MAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN — METHODIST PROTESTANT — UNITED BRETH- 
 REN—PRESBYTERIAN — METHODIST EPISCOPAL — PREDESTINARIAN BAPTIST. 
 
 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTS CHURCH 
 
 organized a class May 23, 1875, near Ruby station, which was named 
 Seward church. Local elder, Mathew Hackworth; first deacon, 
 Alexander Hackworth ; first secretary, Ella L. Hackworth. Organiz- 
 ing members in addition to the above officers were : Francis Morton, 
 Drucilla Morton, Martha Rider, Alice Rider, Rebecca Hackworth, 
 Abiatha Kennison, and Anginette Morgan. Present membership, 
 about twenty. Prominent members that have died are: Abiatha 
 Kennison, who died Jan. 26, 1877; E. D. Hoagland, in 1884. The 
 denomination design to build a house of worship as soon as they feel, 
 able to do so. They have an active missionary and tract society of 
 fifteen members ; also a Sabbath-school of full fifty scholars, which is 
 in a prosperous condition. 
 
 AMISH MENNONITES. 
 
 A small colony of these people settled two miles west of Milford, 
 April 8, 1873. Eight families constituted the first settlement. Their 
 first communion was held October, 1875, by Rev. Christian Kopf, 
 of McLean county, Illinois, who was sent by the conference held in 
 Illinois that year. Membership at that time was eleven. In the 
 spring of 1876, Rev. Paul P. Hershberger came from Henry county, 
 Iowa, and that spring a church was organized with twenty-three 
 members, and Rev. Hershberger became pastor for the season. Late 
 that fall communion was held by Rev. Noehzecker and Rev. Zeher, 
 from Woodford county, Illinois. Three converts were baptized on, 
 this occasion. In the spring of 1877, Rev. D. C. Miller, of Howard. 
 
190 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 county, Indiana, visited the church and held commuuion, when two 
 new members were received into the commuuion. 
 
 Rev. Hershberger conducted services until the spring of 1878, 
 when Rev. Joseph Gersho came, who assisted Rev. Hershberger, and 
 that season the church was built. It is situated on Sec. 9 in "O' 
 precinct. 
 
 At that time the membership was fifty-five. Rev. Samuel Zoeher 
 conducted the first service in the new church. In the fall, Bishop 
 Joseph Schlezel bought a home with us. He held communion and 
 baptized five persons. He took up his residence here in the spring 
 of 1879, and has been pastor to the present time. We have enlarged 
 the church and it is now 28x56 feet. The present membership is 
 two hundred and forty. 
 
 The society is very prosperous, having at this time the largest 
 membership of any single church in the county. 
 
 THE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH OF SEWARD 
 
 was organized March 1, 1870, with seven members, viz.. Rev. E. L. 
 Clark and wife, Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Pitt, Mr. and Mrs. Dr. L. 
 Walker, and B. B. Archer. One hundred and seventy-six members 
 have been received into the church during its existence up to January 
 1,1888. Present membership, 43. Pastors in charge have been: 
 Rev. E. L. Clark, followed by Rev. H. W. Brayton ; then Rev. J. 
 D. Newell, who was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Hall ; then Rev. H. L. 
 Badger. For a time the church was without a pastor, when Rev. E. 
 Hapgood was called to the pastorate, and served for about two years. 
 The church was again left for a time without a pastor, when Rev. 
 John Barr was called, who served two years, and was succeeded by 
 Rev. J. N. Webb. The church edifice was erected in the north part 
 of town in 1872, and removed to its present location in 1876. Notable 
 members that have died were. Rev. E. L. Clark and wife; Vinal 
 Dauniels, killed while at work on the church belfry, by a fall ; Mrs. 
 F. E. Pitt, Mrs. Elsie T. Walker, Stephen Payne, and Mrs. B. B. 
 Archer. The first board of trustees : Dr. L. Walker, Rev. E. L. 
 Clark, and B. B. Archer. First clerk. Dr. L.Walker. 
 
 Milford church was organized in September, 1870, with nine 
 members, viz.. Rev. W. Z. Hazclwood and wife, A. A. Messenger 
 and wife, John Burkett and wife, S. K. Keyes and wife, and Mrs. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 191 
 
 E. Davison. The cluirch flourished for some years and erected a 
 house of vvorsliip, but many of the members moving away, and other 
 causes, caused the church to disband. 
 
 Blue Valley church was organized in May, 1872, with six mem- 
 bers. This little church flourished for four or five years, and at one 
 time had eighteen members, but it disbanded and its members found 
 homes in other churches. 
 
 CATHOLIC CHURCHES. 
 
 The Catholic congregation built a very creditable church edifice a^ 
 Seward in 1877. They also have a substantial parsonage. 
 
 The Utica church was built in 1882. Each church has a large 
 membership. 
 
 We would have been glad to give a more extended account of 
 their churches, but the data were not attainable. 
 
 CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES. 
 
 The first members were: Wm. H. Reed, Patrick Davidson, A. J. 
 Waterman, Lee H. Smiley, Nancy C. Reed, Sophia Davidson, Eliza- 
 beth J. Waterman, Mary J. Smiley, Ester Smiley, Sallie M. Smith, 
 Marian Hooker, and Sophia D. Hooker. A. J. Waterman and 
 Patrick Davidson were the first deacons, and Lee H. Smiley was 
 first clerk. A new brick church was erected in 1884, at a cost of 
 $3,500. The membership at present is 64, and under the pastorate 
 of Rev. S. G. Lamb, the church is in a flourishing condition. 
 
 HISTOKICAL SKETCH, BY EEV. H. A. FKENCH. 
 
 On the 10th day of April, 1869, a council met at Milford to assist 
 in perfecting the organization of the Congregational church of Mil- 
 ford, and receive it into the fellowship of Congregational churches. 
 Twelve persons entered into covenant with the church at its organiza- 
 tion. 
 
 Duiing the remainder of the year 1869, nine persons were received 
 into membership by letter, and none dismissed. In 1870, ten persons 
 were received into membership by letter, and two removed by death. 
 In 1871, none were received, and four dismissed. In 1872, four 
 were received by letter, one upon profession of faith, and two were 
 dismissed. In 1873, eleven were received upon profession of faith. 
 
192 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 and four were dismissed. In 1874, nine were received upon profes- 
 sion of faith, and four were dismissed. Thus it will be seen that up 
 to January 1, 1875, fifty-seven persons had been connected with the 
 chuich, and sixteen dismissed, leaving the church with a membership 
 of forty-one at the beginning of the present year. 
 
 Rev. T. N. Skinner became pastor of the church at its organiza- 
 tion, and continued to sustain this relation till February, 1872, when 
 the pastoral office became vacant. In the following May, II. A.. 
 French (a licentiate) was chosen to fill this office. 
 
 At first the church had no rules or regulations, except such a& 
 were found in the ecclesiastical society connected with it. In 1870, 
 it adopted a code of by-laws. In January, 1873, it adopted a con- 
 stitution and revised its by-laws ; and in January, 1874, it again^ 
 revised its polity and became incorporate. 
 
 During the year 1869, a house of worship — 24x36 — was built for 
 the church, and situated on lots one and two, of block one, Milford, 
 Seward county, Nebraska, and, according to the statement of the 
 building committee, costing over sixteen hundred dollars. Of this 
 amount, four hundred dollars came from the American Congrega- 
 tional Union. 
 
 There was at an early day a church at Beaver Crossing, but we are 
 unable to learn anything of its history. There also appears to have 
 been one at an early day at Germantown, which has disbanded. 
 
 Utica church was organized December 9, 1886, with the following^ 
 charter members: Mrs. Nora Wright, Mrs. Emma AVright, Miss 
 Barbary Davis, Miss Lillie Davis, Miss Hattie Davis, Clarence 
 Wright, Charles Burnham, Mrs. Carrie Burnliam, Mrs. Adie Brant^ 
 and Mrs. J. N. Liggett. Rev. A. B. Show organized the church 
 and was the first pastor. 
 
 Seward church was organized May 9, 1887, with thirty-five mem- 
 bers, most of whom had seceded from the Presbyterian church.. The 
 first officers were: Alex. M. Darley, pastor; J. C. Bradley and A. 
 H. Bemis, deacons; F. H. McLain, clerk; S. R. Douglas, treasurer. 
 Trustees, S. R. Douglas, Edmund Mclntyre, L. R. Cottrell, Henry 
 Morris, and R. P. Anderson. Present membership, forty. They 
 now have enclosed and nearly completed the finest church in the 
 county, being a two-story brick structure with belfry. 
 
HISTOET OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 193 
 
 GERMAN EVANGELICAL FRIEDEN's CHURCH AT SEWARD 
 
 [by kev. p. speidel] 
 
 was organized on the 22d of September, 1878, by Rev. Christian 
 Bek, with the following members, viz. : John Schmidt, George 
 Goetz, Mathias Schmidt, Heinrich Meinberg, and Carl Maier. Soon 
 after the organization was completed, the congregation bougiit lots 1, 
 2, and 3, in block 43, in Cloyd's addition, and built a neat little 
 church edifice, and in 1885 they also built a parsonage, at a cost of 
 $1,000. A flourishing Sabbath- school is maintained, and also an 
 elementary day school, and preparation for confirmation is maintained 
 during the winter months. Present membership, forty. Cliarities 
 consist in general church work, supporting the pastor, contributions 
 to home and foreign missions, seminaries, orphan homes, and other 
 benevolent institutions. The pastors Avere, Kev. Christian Bek, from 
 1878 to 1881; Rev. J. P. Welsch, from 1881 to 1883, and Rev. P. 
 Speidel from June 1, 1884, to the present. The church is in a 
 flourishing condition. 
 
 THE GERMAN EVANGELICAL FRIEDBNS GEMEINDE CHURCH^ 
 [written by EEV. J. p. WELSCH,] 
 
 on the West Blue, is located in the south-east corner of Sec. 36, io 
 O precinct, Seward county. The society was organized in the year 
 1874, by twelve members, viz.: Frank Bushboom, Andreas Budde, 
 Heinrich Kemper, Arnold Kubitz, Herman Bruning, Heinrich 
 Rogge, Robert Danekas, Heinrich Kartman, Gerhard Bruning, Wil- 
 helm Kemper, John VanDeest, WilhelmRiege. In a meeting of the 
 society held on the 21st of June, 1874, it was resolved to buy th& 
 ten acres of laud in the south-east corner of Sec. 36, in O precinct,, 
 then owned by Victor Vifquain. Up to the year 1876 the societ}^ 
 held its meetings in school and private houses, during which time 
 several difierent ministers preached here, viz.: Rev. Regier, of Lin- 
 coln ; Rev. Schaster, of Swan creek; Rev. Irion, of Germantown. 
 
 On the 22(1 day of December, 1875, Rev. Gaertner was chosen pas- 
 tor, and in 1876 a parsonage and house in one was built, 16x28. In 
 1877 Rev. Gaertner accepted a place in Concordia, Kansas, and the 
 society was without its own pastor, but was served alternately by Rev. 
 Vertz, of Crete, and Rev. Bek, of Seward. In 1878 Rev. J. P. 
 13 
 
194 HISTOEY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 Welsch, of Burlington, Iowa, bought the south-east ^ of Sec. 36, O 
 precinct, as by some particular circumstance it was again sold, and he 
 allowed the society to retain its land. This gentleman was unani- 
 mously elected pastor November 3, 1878. 
 
 We are at present building a church 28x40, with a steeple fifty-tive 
 feet high, at an estimated cost of from $1,800 or $2,000, includiug a 
 bell and organ. Of the first twelve members there are at present but 
 seven. Frank Bushboom died, Andreas Budde returned to Germany, 
 Arnold Kubitz moved west and was killed by the Indians, Herman 
 Bruning and Gerhard Bruning moved west, where the latter died 
 shortly afterwards, John VanDeest moved away. There are now 
 eighteen members. A Sabbath-school was organized about five years 
 ago, and now numbers thirty-six children as scholars. The hopes 
 for the future are encouraging. 
 
 EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH. 
 [BY EEV. K. T. GRUBEE.] 
 
 The Evan. Lutheran Emmanuel's Congregation of Middle Creek, 
 and the Evangelical Lutheran Zion's Congregation were both organ- 
 ized in the fall of 1870, the latter on Lincoln creek, near Marysville. 
 
 Trustees of Middle Creek Congregation were: Louis Leibrock, 
 Diedrich Brandt, Conrad Roehrkasse. Members were: Conrad 
 Grots, Franz Thomas, August Waldman, Diedrich Wilkens, Freder- 
 ick Roepke, August Malte, Conrad Bagle, Earnest Boese, Wilhelm 
 Lubbe, Andrew Schultz. 
 
 Trustees of the Lincoln Creek Congregation were : Fred Hart- 
 man, Fred Schueman, John Schoepf Names of first members were: 
 August Daeling, Wm. Daeliug, Mr. Burgaenger, W. Meyer, Mr. 
 Heitman, Mr. Herman, Mr. Fehlhafer, F. Mayland, F. Hartman. 
 
 Rev. Karl Theodore Gruber was pastor of both congregations. 
 Emmanuel's Congregation on Middle creek built a parsonage on Rev. 
 Gruber's homestead, near Grots' school-house, in 1871. 
 
 The foundations of the stone church were laid May 8, 1873. The 
 church, 24x36, was dedicated June 14, 1874. They maintain a pri- 
 vate religious school, four days in a week. Present membership or 
 number of families, 45. Present pastor, H. Bode. A second parson- 
 age was built in 1882. 
 
 The Evangelical Lutheran Zion's Congregation, near Marysville, 
 
HISTORY OP SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 195 
 
 had at first iu charge -Rev. Karl Theodore Gruber, next Rev. J. 
 Seidel, next Rev. Haessaler, and at present Rev. G. Weller. The 
 first church was built and dedicated in the fall and winter of 1 870. 
 A parsonage was erected in 1872. A second and larger church was 
 erected in 1874. The congregation is composed of 63 families at 
 present. Prominent members that have died are: F. Scheumann 
 and J. Schoepf. This congregation sustains a school, taught by Rev. 
 Weller. 
 
 The Evangelical Lutheran Emmanuel's Congregation was organized 
 by Rev. L. Huber. First trustees ^yevv : Henry Neujahr, R. Heit- 
 mann, and F. Gierhahn. A sod house, as a church, was erected in 
 1874, a frame church iu 1876, and a frame parsonage in 1881. A new 
 church was built in 1887, with a steeple 80 feet in height, and was 
 dedicated December 4, 1887. First members were: K. Heitmann, 
 H. iSTeujahr, D. Dey, F. Suhr, J. Suhr, F. Gierhahn, F. Stephens,' 
 A. Klebe, W. F. Voelske, Gustave Toenniges, A. Schultz, F. Neu- 
 jahr. Number of members exceed 40. Rev. J. Seidel, Rev. Haessa- 
 ler, and Rev. G. F. Gruber, my brother, born in Germany 1885, 
 have been the pastors, and the latter is still holding the place. H. 
 Neujahr died in 1884. 
 
 The Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of Seward, was organized 
 by Rev. K. T. Gruber, December 10, 1877. First trustees were: 
 Herman Deirs, O, E. Benecker, and C. Kroeger. First members 
 F. Goehner, Wm. Schultz, H. Kimmel, Mr. Kortge, and Mr. Be- 
 necker, Sen. and Jr., etc. The church was built in the fall of 1879 
 and dedicated November 9, 1879. Ministers were, from 1875 to 
 1880, Rev. K. T. Gruber, from 1881 to 1883, Rev. C. Bode, and at 
 present. Rev. F. Koenig. The congregation is erecting a fine 
 parsonage. 
 
 A number of the members of the church on Lincoln creek held a 
 meeting near Orton and organized themselves as Evangelical Lu- 
 theran St. Paul's Congregation, April 8, 1885. Trustees were: 
 J. Metzuer, F. Neujahr, and W. Neujahr. Other prominent members 
 were: J. Schukai, G. Durher, etc. Number of families belonging 
 to congregation, 12. A parsonage and church were built in 1885. 
 The church was dedicated August 16, 1885. Present pastor is K. T. 
 Gruber. They have a private school of 22 pupils, four days in a 
 week, taught by Rev. Gruber. 
 
196 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 There is also a small Evangelical Lutheran Congregation four miles 
 south of Milford. They built a frame church in 1881. Pastor in 
 charge, R. Gruber. Prominent members: A. Goldhammer, F. 
 Krumirde, K. Kahle, etc. 
 
 METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH. 
 
 [by rev. c. e. phinney.] 
 
 Our first church was organzied February 22, 1872, in L precinct 
 at Prairie Grove. The class comprised nine members, and was or- 
 ganized by Rev. D. H. Walker. In September, 1873, Rev. C. E. 
 Phinney received his appointment from the annual conference and 
 took charge of the Seward mission, and under his care the following 
 classes were organized: At Westfield, York county, January 10, 
 1874, a class of twenty-two members ; in February of the same year. 
 Pleasant Prairie class, at what is now Utica, with fourteen members, 
 and April 29th following, a class was organized at Northficld, York 
 county, in T. 11, range 1 west, with twelve members. He also or- 
 ganized a class in what is now J precinct, called South Prairie class, 
 with eighteen members. In 1876 he organized Mound Prairie class, 
 in what is now K precinct, with sixteen members. At this time the 
 membership was 94. Rev. Phinney continued pastor until 1878, when 
 Rev. C. S. Bradly served one year very efficiently. Rev. Phinney 
 again took charge of the work for one year, when his health failed, 
 and he was followed by Rev. Wynn, for one year, who was succeeded 
 by Rev. A. L. Beggs, who had charge two years, and was followed by 
 Rev. H. G. Claycomb, who had charge of the work nearly four years. 
 C E. Phinney again took the work in the last quarter of 1887. Jan- 
 uary 1, 1888, Rev. A. Byers is pastor. 
 
 The work has changed somewhat. In York county the classes 
 have all united at Waco, where they have erected a good house of 
 worship under the pastorate of Rev. Phinney. 
 
 That part in Seward county was united, and they have a fine church 
 eilifice that was dedicated September 12, 1877, on Sec. 14, in L town- 
 ship, which cost about nine himdrcd dollars. The church is in a 
 flourishing condition. They maintain a good Sabbath-school. 
 
 UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH IN SEWARD COUNTY. 
 [by rev. e. w. joiinsox.] 
 Rev. E. W. Johnson organized the first church at the Slonecker 
 school-house, in 1872. This was four miles west of Seward. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 197 
 
 The Seward church was organized by Rev. Johnson in 1878. 
 Their church edifice was erected and dedicated in 1880, by Bishop 
 Wright. The ])resent membership is seventy-five. 
 
 Theciiurch at Slonecker school-house removed their membership to 
 Seward in 1882. Rev. E. W. Johnson was the first pastor, in 1872, 
 and continued in charge until 1875, when Rev. Henry Lahr served 
 the church one year. Rev. P. P. Landen was in charge in 1876, and 
 was followed in 1877 by the Rev. E. L. Austin, when Rev. E. W. John- 
 son was again ])laced in charge in 1878, and served the church three 
 years. Rev. M. Waltemire was pastor in 1881, and in 1882 Rev. J. 
 M. Eads had charge. In 1883 Rev. O. D. Cone was pastor, and was 
 followed in 1884 by Rev. J. M. Duffield. In 1885 Rev. Cone was 
 again placed in charge, and died while in charge. He was followed 
 by Rev. J. R. Hamer, who completed the year 1885. Rev. J. J. 
 Lohr served in 1886, and was followed by the present incumbent, 
 Rev. F. W. Jones. 
 
 A church was organized in 1886 at a school-house in the north 
 part of "B" precinct, by the Rev. Lohr, and in the fall of 1887 
 the church have undertaken the erection of a house of worship at the 
 new railroad station in "B" town. 
 
 Rev. 0. D. Cone, who died at the post of duty, was a very worthy 
 and intelligent minister, and was universally honored wherever known, 
 and dearly beloved by all his parishioners. In his death the church 
 sustained the loss of one of its most able and valuable defenders, and 
 the community one of its most highly honored citizens. 
 
 [by rev. f. w. joxes.] 
 The history of the church in "B" precinct has been a varied one. 
 The United Brethren in Christ has been no exception. The cause 
 has ciiiefly been the unsettled state of society. That restless spirit 
 that obtains in the western 2)eople has led in the past many of the 
 settlers of "B" precinct to seek homes elsewhei'e, and a large majority 
 of the church membership were among the number. But a better 
 day has dawned on the U. B. church in "B" precinct. It has within 
 the last year taken on a permanent character. In the mouth of Feb- 
 ruary, 1887, Rev. J. J. Lohr, responding to the pressing calls of the 
 few faithful brethren that were holding the ground against great oppo- 
 sition, held a series of meetings at what is called and known as Bach- 
 elder's school-house near the present railroad station, "B," on the F., 
 
198 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 E. & M. V. R. R. This meeting resulted in a great awakening through- 
 out the community. Many started in the way of a better life. The 
 permanent work of Mr. Lohr at this place is most satisfactory. The 
 result of his labors was the organization of a church of fifteen mem- 
 bers, the most prominent citizens of the community being among the 
 number. 
 
 The closing of the conference year, in March following, closed Mr. 
 Lohr's labors at this point. The conference held in Lincoln, Neb., 
 in the same month, appointed F. W. Jones as the successor of Mr. 
 Lohr, and up to this witing he is still in charge of the church. The 
 work has been very prosperous so far this year. The church has a 
 prosperous Sunday-school connected with its work. In August, 1887, 
 the quarterly conference appointed a prospective board of trustees for 
 said church. The names of these trustees are, J. W. Bachelder, W. 
 S. Ford, T. J. Drake, D. T. Johns, and R. Cessna. As we have 
 said, the object was only prospective, but after they, in conjunction 
 with the pastor, had spied out the land, it was decided to proceed at 
 once to build a church house, and to locate it in the town of '' B.'^ 
 A subscription was circulated for that purpose, and within six days 
 after starting over six hundred dollars were secured. 
 
 The style of the building is mode'rn in its architecture. The build- 
 ing when completed will be a neat frame structure, twenty-eight by 
 forty-six feet, fourteen foot studding. The building has a tower in 
 front, eight by twelve, and is about forty-three feet high. The building 
 is now ready to plaster, and will be finished as soon as the spring opens 
 sufficiently. It will cost when completed and furnished about thir- 
 teen hundred dollars. The outlook lor the U. B. church in "B"' 
 precinct is flattering indeed. The church building will be a credit 
 to the denomination and the community that are working so faithfully 
 in its completion. This church has a bright future before it, and 
 with its efficient and consecrated membership will go forward to 
 bless and help many a weary soul on the way to a better life. 
 
 PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 
 [by rev. T. L. sexton, D.D.] 
 
 The work of the Presbyterian church in Seward county began very 
 soon after the state was admitted into the Union. On the 25th of 
 July, 1868, the Presbyterian church of Seward was regularly organ- 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 199 
 
 ized by the Rev. William McCandlish, district missionary of the 
 presbytery of Missouri river. The public services on this occasion 
 were conducted by Mr. M. C. Wilson, a licentiate of the presbytery of 
 Huntington, Pa., after which the following named persons were regu- 
 larly organized as the First Presbyterian church of Seward, viz.: David 
 Imlay, Dorcas Imlay, Sarah Ann Brown, Stites Wooley, Mary Ann 
 Wooley, Wm. Imlay, Mary E. Imlay, Mary E. Pierce, Moulton N. 
 Clark, and Louisa Josephine Imlay. David Imlay was elected elder, 
 and Stites Wooley and Moulton N. Clark were chosen deacons. At this 
 time an invitation was extended to Mr. M. C. Wilson to supply the 
 church for one year, in connection with the Presbyterian church of 
 Lincoln, but the records do not show that he accepted. From May 
 12 to September 2, 1870, Mr. G. B. Smith, a licentiate of Blairsville 
 presbytery, supplied the church, and after completing his seminary 
 course, in 1871, he returned and took permanent charge of the work. 
 
 Rev. Geo. B. Smith continued to labor as pastor of the church of 
 Seward and throughout the county till May 1, 1876. The Rev. Chas. 
 S. Marvin had charge of the church from June 1, 1876, to December 
 5, 1876. Rev. Enoch Benson was the minister in charge from May 
 1, 1877, to May 1, 1882. Vacant from May 1, 1882, to September 
 1, 1882. On the 16th of July, 1882, a unanimous call was extended 
 to the Rev. Thos. L. Sexton, of Kossuth, Iowa, which was accepted 
 by him, and he began work on the 1st of September, 1882. The 
 church became self-supporting one year from this date, paying its 
 pastor a salary of $1,000 without any aid from the Home Mission 
 board. After laboring for three years and a half, till March 1, 1886, 
 the Rev. T. L. Sexton resigned his pastorate to accept the position of 
 superintendent of mission Work in the state. After hearing several can- 
 didates, the church called the Rev. Alex Darley, of Storm Lake, Iowa, 
 who began work June 1, 1886. This was unfortunate for the church, 
 as it was divided by internal troubles before the expiration of the first 
 year, and part of the members withdrew and organized a Congrega- 
 tional church. After being vacant several mouths, the Presbyterian 
 church called the Rev. Nathaniel Chestnut, of Missouri Valley, Iowa, 
 who entered upon the work September 11, 1887, and is the present 
 pastor. 
 
 During all these years there have been added to the original mem- 
 bers two hundred and fifteen names, many of which represent persons 
 
200 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 who have done much in moulding the moral character of the com- 
 munity. Many excellent families have gone forth from this church 
 to render faithful and valuable service in other cities and communi- 
 ties. The present membership is seventy-five. 
 
 The Presbyterian church of Tamora was organized September 5, 
 1880, by Rev. Geo. L. Little, synodical missionary, with the follow- 
 ing members: Mrs. Margaret Scott, Joiiiistou W. Scott, Mrs. Nan- 
 nie E. Scott, James B. Scotr, Mrs. Cai-rie A. Scott, William Scott, 
 Miss Mary Scott, Miss Anna B. Scott, Mrs. Cora I. Bisset, Mrs. 
 Mary J. Bisset, Geo. W. Parker. Rev. Enoch Benson had charge 
 of the church till January, 1884. Mr. W. C. Brass, a licentiate of 
 the Binghamton presl)ytery, supj)lied the church from January to 
 September, 1884. Rev. Oscar B. Thayer had charge from Novem- 
 ber 25, 1884, to November 25, 1885. Rev. B. F. Sharp began work 
 November 29, 1885, and continued till November, 1887. Rev. Mark 
 E. Milford is the present minister. The church building was erected 
 in 1884, and was dedicated November 9, 1884, by Rev. T. L. Sex- 
 ton, of Seward. The church is joined with Staplehurst in one pas- 
 toral charge. 
 
 The Presbyterian church of Staplehurst was organized by Rev. 
 Geo, L. Little, synodical missionary, assisted by Rev. E. Benson, on 
 the 16th of April, 1882, with the following named members: W. 
 W. Hoops, Mrs. Lydia J. Hoops, Marcus Richtmyer, Mrs. Hannah 
 M. Richtmyer, Martin Castle, Mrs. Emma Castle, H. G. Hosford, 
 Mrs. Emma Hosford, Geo. Richtmyer, Miss E. Burhans, Mrs. 
 Rachel McKay, J. W Gladwish, Mrs. Lena A. Gladwish, Thos. 
 Corr, Mrs. M. Corr, Mrs. E. Young, Albert E. Bradley, Mrs. Mary 
 A. Bradley, Mrs. E. A. Jull, and Mr. Slupe. Nine of these are now 
 left. The church building at Staplehurst was dedicated free from 
 debt on the 29th of October, 1882, the sermon being preached by the 
 Rev. Thos. L. Sexton, at that time the pastor at Seward. Staplehurst 
 has been united with Tamora, and has enjoyed the services of the 
 same ministers, and for the same length of time. The Presbyterian 
 is the only church in the village. 
 
 M. E. CHURCH. 
 
 [by bev. j. h. presson.] 
 The history of Methodism in Seward county commences with its 
 first settlement. It came with the first camp-fires tiiat lit up the groves 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 201 
 
 and prairies, it was found iu the hearts of many of the rugged pio- 
 neers, who sang the songs of the Wesleys wliile they lollowed the 
 plow that broke the virgin soil. The Metliodist itinerant, with his 
 saddle-bags, bible, hymn book, and discipline, helped to lead the ad- 
 vance of civilization, and to establish in this beautiful land the gospel 
 ■of the Son of God. Some of this number — preachers and laymen 
 and devoted wives and mothers — have passed over and are numbered 
 among the redeemed. Others are still with us, and are rejoicing in 
 their well-earned victories. They see and enjoy this beautiful land 
 which they have helped rescue from the wilds of nature, and have 
 transformed into a paradise of christian civilization, a land of home 
 and plenty, where God dwells in the hearts of many people, and where 
 all may enjoy the benefits of our blessed Christianity. 
 
 In the year 1870 Seward was the head of a very large circuit. It 
 was then a place of two or three hundred inhabitants. The preacher 
 was the Rev, C. W. Comstock, his charge consisted of the north half 
 of Seward, west half of Butler, all of Polk, and the north half of 
 York counties. Milford at this time was the head of another large 
 circuit, embracing the south halt of this county, part of Saline and 
 York counties. The Rev. A, Blackwell was the pastor. The entire 
 membership reported living within the bounds above mentioned Avas 
 (85) eighty-five, except a few who lived in the extreme south-west 
 corner of the county under the pastorate of Rev, Mr. Oliver. 
 
 In the spring of 1871 the Rev. Josiah Burlingame was appointed 
 to Seward charge, then a mission, embracing the north-west part of 
 Seward, south-west part of Butler, and all of Polk counties. The 
 society at Seward at this time was the possessor of four lots situated 
 just west of where our liigh school building now stands. These lots 
 were the gift of Louis Moffitt, the original owner of the town, for the 
 use of the society for a church and parsonage. 
 
 Milford this same year was supplied by the Rev. P. C. Brannon, 
 under whose labors a great revival took place, and many of the best 
 families of the town were converted and became members of the 
 ciuirch. In 1872 Seward was left most of the year without a shep- 
 herd. In 1873 Rev. A. L. Foldeu was the pastor. During his ad- 
 ministration the present church, a brick structure, was completed and 
 dedicated. The Rev. Bishop Andrews, who was master of ceremo- 
 nies, found it a hard task to provide for the debt, but through the 
 
202 HISTORY OP SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 liberality of a few of the members, some of whom are yet living in 
 this vicinity, the amount asked for was subscribed, and the first M.E. 
 church of Seward county was dedicated to the service of God on the 
 29th day of December, 1874. Some of the trustees are still living in 
 Seward, among whom is the Hon. W. R. Davis, who with one or 
 two others became personally responsible for the debt, which took a 
 number of years to wipe out. Too much praise can not be given the 
 men and women who did so much for the cause of Christ in those 
 early days. 
 
 This same year there was a church built at Milford, under the 
 pastorate of the Rev. John Gallagher. 
 
 The Rev. T. L. McLean, who will be kindly remembered by many 
 of tiie old residents as a man of ability and fine social qualities, 
 served as pastor at Seward during the years 1875-6-7. 
 
 In 1878 Rev. J. W. Shank was appointed to Seward. Utica was 
 made an appointment, and attached to Milford, with Thos. H. Worley 
 as pastor. At the close of that year there were reported 184 mem- 
 bers in the county. The parsonage — the main part of it — was built 
 that year. It is amusing now to hear the ladies tell of the various 
 methods used in order to raise money to pay for the home of their 
 pastor. The following preachers have been from time to tin)e ap- 
 pointed since at Seward: Rev. J. P. Roe, Peter Van Fleete, E. J. 
 Willis, G. W. Selby, Geo. M. Morey, and the present pastor, Rev. 
 J. H. Presson. At Milford, Van Fleete, Couffer, Rowe, Badeon, 
 Morrison, and Campbell. 
 
 Milford is now an excellent charge, has a good frame church and 
 parsonage valued at $4,000, a membership of 76, and in the midst of 
 a flourishing district of country is bound to soon become a power for 
 good. Utica, as an appointment, embraces at present the town of 
 Tamora, has a neat and comfortable church and commodious parson- 
 age in the town of Utica, and a church building at Tamora valued at 
 $4,000; has over 100 membership, and is building up very ra{)idly. 
 Many of the best families of both towns find a liome and place of 
 worship in the Methodist church. The pastors have been men of 
 courage and ability. Germantown has no church building, and in 
 consequence of this they have had a struggle to maintain themselves, but 
 they have a parsonage and with three other appointments connected, 
 all within this county, she is doing well for the cause of Christ and 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 203 
 
 Methodism. The membership at present is 100. There are now iu 
 the county five churches and five hundred members; seven Sunday- 
 schools, with seventy officers and teachers, and 500 scholars. 
 
 REGULAR PREDESTINARIAN BAPTIST CHURCH, 
 
 Called New Hope, was constituted by Elder James M. True and 
 Isaiah Wagoner, in the early part of 1884, with twelve constituent 
 members. It now numbers about thirty members, and has as its 
 pastor and moderator. Elder J. M. True, and as deacon, M. A. Mc- 
 Bride. The regular meetings are held on the second Sunday of each 
 mouth, and the Saturday before, near the Butler county line, in 
 Seward county. 
 
204 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 O. A. E. — SEWAKD POST NO. 8 — WINSLOW POST NO. 56— KEEN AN POST NO. 
 137 — MASONIC — OLIVER LODGE NO. 38 — UTICA LODGE NO. 96 — I. O. O. F. 
 — UTICA LODGE NO. 101 — SEWAED LODGE NO. 26 — W. C. T. TJ. OF SEWARD 
 — ANCIE NT ORDER UNITED WORKMEN— SEWARD LODGE NO. 16. 
 
 SEWARD POST NO. 3, G. A. R., 
 
 Was organized Dec. 16, 1880, by Capt. Jolin S. Wood, of Omalia, 
 Assistant Adjutant General, Department of Nebraska. The follow- 
 ing were chosen officers: 
 
 J. N. Edwards, Commander; Wm. Hays, Senior A^ice Commander; 
 S. D. Love, Junior Vice Commander; D. H. Figard, Q. M.; A. W. 
 Hageman, Surgeon ; Jeff. Ogg, Adjutant; A. H.Edwards, Officer of 
 the Day ; J. D. Edwards, Sergeant Major; H. Vanderhoof, O. G. 
 
 The charter members were: H. M. Hinsdale, Jefferson Ogg, 
 Thomas Corr, A. W. Hageman, Henry Vanderhoof, S. D. Love, 
 Abraham Wallick, C. C. Jobes, J. C. Ford, C. K. Humhpreys, G- 
 W. Hoover, J. M. Fletcher, Wm. Hays, J. D. Messinger, J. X. Ed- 
 wards, Wm. demons, A. H. Edwards, D. H. Figard, J. D. Ed- 
 wards, Geo. W. Fuller, Geo. W. Whiting, Geo. H. Sidle, A. J- 
 Williams, Thos. B. Siddons, Chas. Lyon, and Cyrus Fetterruan. 
 
 The post started out with the above-named veterans, with the full 
 hope of bringing in all the boys who wore the blue and that lived in 
 reach of the post. The boys had camp-fire meetings, sung songs of 
 the long ago, and mustered during the year 1881 the following mem- 
 bers : Daniel W. Crouse, S. H. Marshall, Wm. Leese, H. M. Brooks, 
 John H. Morris, S. N. Welsh, Benj. W. Walker, Henry Morris, L. 
 G. Johns, E. H. Horn, Alfred Stephens, Jacob Andrews, John Lar- 
 son. R. T. Cooper, Robt. W. Pound, J. L. S. Jackson, E. C. Archer, 
 Ed. Cooper, J. C. Lockhart, Wm. Redford, L. G. Castle, M. Richt- 
 meyer, J. H. Anderson, C. C. Ternicliif, Jas. W. Woods, A. M. 
 Simpson, P. H. Steele, Henry Jett, John Ohlwiler, W. H. R. Phil- 
 lips, John M. Thurman, Henry Creighton, Jas. Wright. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 205 
 
 January 1, 1882, the following having been elected to fill the 
 various offices of the post, were duly installed: 
 
 J. N. Edwards, Commander; Cyrus Fetterman, Senior Vice; Wm. 
 Woods, Junior Vice ; S. D. Love, Q, M. ; A. W. Hageman, Surgeon; 
 J. M. Fletcher, Chaplain; H. Vanderhoof, O, D. ; C. K. Humphreys, 
 O. G.; Wm. demons, Adjt.; D. W. Crouse, Q. M. S. ;. C. W. 
 Lyon, Sergeant Maj. 
 
 The post continued to hold meetings during 1882, with some draw- 
 backs, whicli were happily adjusted during the year by tiie men 
 getting into a hall by themselves, and began to gather an outfit 
 peculiarly needed in a post room. 
 
 The following were mustered during 1882 : Daniel Brady, John 
 Hanley, Jacob Cox, 
 
 In December, 1882, the post elected the following officers to serve 
 for the ensuing year of 1883: S. D. Love, Commander; M. Thur- 
 man, Senior Vice; Wm. Woods, Junior Vice; C. K. Humphrey, Q. 
 M.; A. W. Hageman, Surgeon; Daniel Brady, Chaplain; E. H. 
 Horn, O. D.; H. M. Brooks, O. G; H. Vanderhoof, Adjt. 
 
 During this year the post mustered a number of new members, and 
 many good social gatherings were had, long to be remembered by the 
 boys. The following were mustered in: Jas. Moorhead, John West- 
 erhoof, S. J. Ashtou, C. Chapin, S. R. Philips, Chas. Emerson, W, 
 T. Olmstead, W. S. Saunders, Wm. Silence, John Welsh, D. C. Mc- 
 Kiilip, Henry Sanders, E. C. Parkinson (by transfer), M. Pilgrim, 
 John Knobbs, Wm. Morgan. 
 
 December 1, 1883, the following were elected officers for the year 
 1884: E. C. Parkinson, Commander; C. C. Jobes, Senior Vice; A. 
 W. Hageman, Junior Vice; H. Sanders, Chaplain; J. H. Welsh, 
 Surgeon; C. K. Humphrey, Q. M. ; A. H. Edwards, O. D ; M. 
 Pilgrim, O. G.; H. Vanderhoof, Adjt. 
 
 The post started out for the year in good trim, and had many good 
 camp-fires, tending to revive the veterans up and bring in some old 
 comrades from the outside. During the year the following were 
 brought in by muster, etc. : E. A. Hitchcock, John Rhoades, B. 
 Chattuck, J. M. Strayer, Leander Callaghan, S. C. Stanwood, S. H. 
 Carter, J. A. Mick (by transfer), Chas. P. Stephenson (by transfer), 
 S. G. Jones, Wm. Wait, S. D. Dutton, G. W. Boyes, J. J. Redding, 
 R. R. Schick, J. H. Walker, L. A. Weklen, A. Crawford, C. Turner, 
 
206 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 W. H. Walker, Geo. W. Lowly, P. Cameron, W. B. Barrett, Gen. 
 Jas. M. Ti'ne, J. P. Losee, J. C. Thomas, J. B. Ireland, C E, Van- 
 pelt, S. C. Burlingim, J. T. Dunrig, M. Millspaugh, C. C. Davis. 
 
 September 6, 1884, E. C. Parkinson resigned the office of Com- 
 mander, and C. C. Johes, who was then Sen. Vice, was elected to fill 
 the vacancy until the next annual election, which occurred December 
 6, 1884, by the election of A. H. Edwards as Commander ; A. W. 
 Hageman, Sen. Vice; A. Crawford, Jun. Vice; C. Turner, Surgeon; 
 J. M. Fletcher, Chap.; E. C. Parkinson, Q. M.; Lee Welden, O. D.; 
 T. B. Siddons, O. G.; W. H. Walker, Adjt. This year was a pleas- 
 ant one with the veterans. They added many needed improvements 
 to the post room, gathered in members, and got the post on a firm 
 foundation. The following were mustered in during the year: 
 John N. Halliday, John W. Gladwish, S. M. Caldwell, B. Smith, 
 Rev. T. L. Sexton, C. Dunn, C. H. Goldsmith, AV. P. Christian, M. D. 
 Monley, Alf. Wilcox, Chas. Scribner, H. G. Hosford, W. R. Davis, 
 E. Faust, W. J. Eatinger, Geo. W. Anderson, Jededia Austin, 
 Joseph Miller (by transfer). 
 
 Dec. 5, 1885, election of officers resulted as follows: A. H. Ed- 
 wards, commander; S. R. Phillips, Sen. Vice; Wm. Redford, Jun. 
 Vice; Wm. Wood, Surgeon; H.Saunders, Chap.; E. C. Parkin- 
 sou, Q. M.; L. A. Weldon, O. D.; M. D. Monley, O. G.; W. T. 
 Olmstead, Adjt. The year of 1886 was an auspicious one for the 
 ])ost. Many valuable improvements were made and many good old 
 camp-fires were had. There were mustered during the year as fol- 
 lows : B. Lindsey, D. C. Couley, Orrin Squires, C. M. Clark, Rev. 
 John Lohr, Alex. Davis, Rev. J. H. Presson, D. C. Work, Jacob 
 Lawsha. 
 
 Dec. 4, 1886, the election resulted as follows : A. W. Hageman, 
 Commander ; Wm. Redford, Sen. Vice ; T. B. Siddons, Jun. Vice ; 
 J. M. Strayer, Q,. M.; Wm. Woods, Surgeon; J. H. Presson, Chap.; 
 E. C. Parkinson, O. D.; B. Lindsey, O. G.; D. C. Work, Adjt. 
 During this year many were brought in who had long been on the 
 outside and found that they needed a home among the " boys." The 
 following were mustered: Jesse Knight, Amos Collman, J. W. 
 Wharton, Nelson Taylor, Robert O'Dell, John Woods, A. A. Palmer, 
 R. H. Woodward, L. J. Grant, C. F. Dawley, I. D. Neihardt (by 
 tannsfer), John R. Wonciker, A. L. Goss, J. G. Baylis, B. Fuller, 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 207 
 
 F. Morton, A. G. Comptou (by transfer), L. V. Bolou (by transfer), 
 Jas. Devine. 
 
 Dec. .'kl, 1887, the following were elected for the ensuing year: 
 Henry Morris, Commander; Wra. Kedford, Sen. Vice; D. H. 
 Figard, Jun. Vice; J. H. Pressou, Chap.; S. N. Welsh, Surg.; J. 
 M. Strayer, Q. M.; A. H. Edwards, O. D.; M. Millspaugh, O. G. 
 
 The post has exerted a great influence for good during its existence, 
 and has always demonstrated the principles of the organization, to- 
 wit, fraternity, charity, and loyalty; and in extending the helping 
 hand to those of its membership, or the old veterans outside, has done 
 so in such a manner as to exemplify the adage, "that it is more 
 blessed to give than receive," and that it was a privilege to aid the 
 needy comrades or their families. Several hundred dollars have 
 been expended by the post in helping the old veterans and the 
 widows and orphans living in the vicinity. The post has a burial 
 plat in the Seward cemetery in which to lay the remains of those 
 comrades that were without means to provide the same. 
 
 In the department encampment the post has been conspicuous for 
 its ability and influence. During the year 1882, the state re-union 
 came very near being held at Seward through the efforts of its rep- 
 resentatives and the citizens of Seward. 
 
 The post has been honored by the selection of J. N. Edwards 
 and E. C. Parkinson as members of the department council of ad- 
 ministration, and J. H. Presson as Chaplain of the department; also 
 having elected J. N. Edwards several times a delegate to the national 
 encampment. 
 
 The membership in good standing, as shown by the quarterly re- 
 port dated September 30, 1887, was one hundred and three (103) 
 and the desire to join the G. A. R. seems to increase on the part of 
 many. old veterans that have heretofore hesitated to connect them- 
 .selves with any soldier organization. 
 
 Since the post has been established there have been mustered out by 
 death only two of its members — Daniel Brady and John F. Haney. 
 
 The prospects of the post for the future seem bright, and it hopes 
 to gather in all the old veterans in its vicinity, realizing the fact that 
 the material from which recruiting can be made is fast passing away, 
 and it is desirable that all the old veterans should stand elbow to 
 elbow. As age demonstrates that many years have passed since their 
 
208 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 interests began, and as there is strength in united action, it is greatly 
 to their mutual good that they should combine themselves together to- 
 exemplify loyalty to country and to each other. 
 Approved bv Post, Dec. 14, 1887. 
 
 D. C. Work, 
 
 Adjutant. 
 
 AVINSLOAV POST NO. 56, G. A. R., 
 
 Was instituted Sept. 1, 1880 — the first post of the G. A. R. organ- 
 ized in the county— =-aud was composed of the following veterans as 
 charter members: J. H. Culver, Co. K, 1st Wis. Inft; J. S. Dillen- 
 beck, Co. L, 20th N". Y. Cav.; G. W. Lazenby, Co. L, 7th Iowa 
 Inft.; J. C. Hogoboom, Co. A, 95th Ills. Inft.; A. F. Duryea, Co. 
 
 A, 5th X. Y. Inft.; J. B. Mitchell, Co. C, 112th Ills. Inft.; S. D. 
 Eastman, Co. C, 23d Wis. Inft.; John T. Wilson, Co. G, 21st Mich. 
 Inft.; Charles Phoenice, Co. F, 57th Penn. Inft.; Sam'l Stadler, Co. 
 C, 25th Mich. Inft.; J. G. Howard, Co. K, 5th Mich. Cav.; E. R. 
 Brown, Co. K, IHth Wis. Inft.; J. A. Miller, Co. F, 211th Penn. 
 Inft.; G. V. Hageman, Co. D, 103d Ills. Inft.; H. C. Atwood, Co. 
 
 B, 45th Iowa Inft.; E. Swank, Co. E, 133d Penn. Inft.; John, 
 Harmon, Co. C, 78th Ills. Inft.; Jos. Swearingen, Co. H, 140th 
 Penn. Inft. 
 
 The post is named in honor of Capt. Winslow, commander of the 
 U. S. ship Kearsage, that captured and sunk the famous rebel cruiser,. 
 Alabama. At the time of her capture the Alabama had taken refuge 
 in the port of Cherbourg, France, and was ordered to leave by the 
 French government. As soon as she reached the high seas, Capt. 
 Winslow pursued her, and an engagement took place which resulted 
 in her capture and destruction. 
 
 As Milford is the acknowledged watering place, it was thought 
 appropriate to give the post the name of some liero of the navy. 
 
 The following commanders have presided over its deliberations: 
 
 J. H. Culver, two terms; G. M. Couffer, one term; J. H. David- 
 son, one term ; D.. C. Work, one term ; J. A. Miller, one term; A. 
 Hiller, one term; Dr. A. K. Seip, now in command. The post is ia 
 a flourishing condition. 
 
 MA J. KEENAN POST NO. 137, G. A. R., 
 
 Department of Nebraska, was instituted at Beaver Crossing, April 5^ 
 1883, by Commander D. C. Work, Deputy, tiie following old soldiers 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 209 
 
 and comrades having petitioned the Department Commander for a char- 
 ter, which had been duly granted : P. H. Steele, J. L. S. Jackson, C. 
 H. Reed, W. P. Ostrander, T. J. McQuillan, J. C. Boicourt, Alonzo 
 Coon, J. W. Draper, Thos. Tydyman, Jas. Irrom, Daniel Nelson, T. 
 J. Foster, W. H. Mygatt, O. Culver, E. AtAvater, J. M. Hunter, Wm. 
 Collier, J. F. Sloan, J. T. Pinkerton, J. G. Burkett, E. D. Blanch- 
 ard, J. T. Gibbs, J. H. Waterman, and F. Tremper. 
 
 The following comrades were elected and installed as officers of the 
 post at the next regular meeting, held on April 10, 1883, by muster- 
 ing officer J. H. Culver: Commander, P. H. Steele; Sen. Vice 
 Commander, E. Atwater; Jun. Vice Commander, J. L. S. Jackson; 
 Adjutant, C. F. Reed; Quartermaster, T. J. Foster; Surgeon, D. 
 Nelson ; Chaplain, J. T. Pinkerton ; Officer of the Day, J. C. Boicourt;. 
 Officer of the Guard, Wm. Collier; Sergeant Major, T. J. McQuillan ;, 
 Quartermaster's Sergeant, W. P. Ostrander. 
 
 The name Keenan was adopted in honor of the brave major who 
 gave his life for his country. 
 
 The post continued to prosper and soon numbered thirty-four mem- 
 bers, and afterwards increased to thirty-eight. Many of the charter 
 members have removed to other localities, so that now but twenty 
 members are upon the rolls. Various causes have helped to reduce 
 the membership. The present condition of the post is flourishing, 
 and it expects to continue the organization until the last comrade has 
 responded to the last roll call, and that grim mustering out officer, 
 death, has made his last demand upon our number. 
 
 The present officers are as follows: Commander, E. Atwater; Sen. 
 Vice Commander, R. Jones; Jun. Vice Commander, M. Gibbs; Quar- 
 termaster, J. T. Gibbs; Adjutant, F. Tremper; Surgeon, Wm. Rum- 
 sey; Chaplain, George Foster; Officer of the Day, W. P. Ostrander; 
 Officer of the Guard, O. Culver; Sergeant Major, G. W. Winand. 
 
 MASONIC FRATERNITY. 
 
 Oliver Lodge No. 38, A. F. and A. M., was organized under dis- 
 pensation July 29, 1871, by the following members, to-wit: C. J. 
 Richmond, W. H. Tuttle, J. W. Dupin, Samuel Manley, A. W.. 
 Sperry, L. W. Manning, Thos. Corr, H. S. Faucett. 
 
 In September, 1872, it seems there was a new dispensation or a re- 
 newal of the first granted to the following members: Thos. Corr, 
 14 
 
210 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 William Hayes, H. C. Page, T. L. Nerval, L. G. Johns, S. D. 
 Paddock, Samuel Mauley, Wm. Leese, John Helms, James Hackney, 
 J. W. DupiD, and W. H. Tuttle. 
 
 June 18, 1873, a charter was granted, which bears the following 
 names of members and officers : William Leese, W. M. ; T. L. Nor- 
 val, S. W.; Aurelius Roberts, J. W. ; J. W. Shields, Treasurer; J. 
 W. Dupin, Secretary; Thomas Corr, Nathan Clough, O. P. Cope, 
 M. Dunigan, James Hackney, Wm. Hayes, L. G. Johns, J. C. 
 Laugton, Horace Lester, Samuel Manley, L. W. Manning, Geo. 
 Miller, S. D. Paddock, H. C. Page, C. J. Richmond, Madison Rogers, 
 Robert Rowbottom, W. T. Shields, I. B. Sorter, Sam. Stevenson, J. 
 C. Sullivan, Joel Tishue, A. B. Sutton, Joseph Whitson, and O. T. 
 B. Williams. The first Worshipful Master was G. J.Richmond; 
 first Sen. Warden, W. H. Tuttle; first Jun. Warden, Sam. Manley. 
 
 The lodge at this writing has 90 members, and is in good financial 
 condition. The present officers are: Wm. M. Rosborough, W. M. 
 F. G. Simmons, S. W. ; A. J. Williams, J. W.; S. D. Atkins, S. D. 
 A. D. Hicks, J. D.; W. B. Barrett, Treas.; W. H. Walker, Sec'y 
 L. A. Weldon, Tyler. The order has decided to build a fine hall 
 this year, and has chosen the lots just north of the Windsor house, 
 on the corner of Main and Sixth streets. 
 
 UTICA LODGE NO. 95, A. F. AND A. M. 
 
 On the 14th day of July, 1882, a dispensation was granted by the 
 Grand Lodge of Nebraska to Joseph Jones, E. J. Porter, Thomas E. 
 Standard, Stephen H. Hobbie, Lyman Calder, Robert Marler, Samuel 
 H. Beaver, James E. Hibbard, Joseph J. Pounder, David M. Roland, 
 George A. Verbach, and Edmund L. Blanchard, all Free and Ac- 
 cepted Masons, to assemble as a lodge of Free Masons at Utica, Neb. 
 Having passed the proper term of probation, a charter was granted 
 on the 19th day of June, 1883, to the above-mentioned petitioners, 
 together with the following members: Thomas C. Allen, Andrew 
 Austine, John C. Bicourt, Cyrus Black, Thomas Black, Thomas J. 
 Brant, William Diugman, Ira Lapham, James E. Murphy, Calvin E. 
 Phiuney, Presley Pindell, and Harvey Robinson. They were organ- 
 ized as a regular and constitutional lodge of Master Masons by the 
 name of Utica Lodge No. 96, with the following officers: Joseph 
 Jones, W. M. ; E. J. Porter, S. W.; Lyman Calder, J. W.; Samuel 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD CXDUNTY, NEBRASKA. 211 
 
 H. Beaver, Sec; E,obt. Marler, Treas.; Stephen H. Hobbie, S. D.; 
 James E. Hibbard, J. D.; Thomas E, Standard, Tyler; Joseph J. 
 Pounder and Edmund L. Blanchard, Stewards. 
 
 The lodge thus organized steadily progressed under a fair state ot 
 prosperity until the year 1888. The lodge lost one — John Davies — 
 by death April, 1887, and some have been demitted and moved to 
 other parts of the country, leaving a present membership numbering 
 forty-six (46) January, 1888. The present office bearers are as fol- 
 lows; Joseph Jones, Master; Charles H. Wray, S. W.; Daniel J. 
 Hartrum, J. W.; James E. Hibbard, Treasurer ; Thomas J. Brant, 
 Secretary; John W. Runyan, S. D.; Frank M. Cougill, J. D.; Darius 
 D. Potter, S. S.; James E. Murphy, J. S.; Daniel P. Sherwood, Tyler. 
 
 UTICA LODGE NO. 101, I. O. O. F. 
 
 Instituted July 10, 1882, at Utica, Neb., by J. T. Hedrick, G. M. 
 of G. L. of the state of Nebraska, assisted by T. C. Evans, D. G. M., 
 A. T. Rice, V. G. M., J. J. Brown, R. S., C. J. Elkart, G. G., and 
 J. C. McCord, G. G. 
 
 The charter members were: G. A. Derby, Joseph Kimmell, E. L. 
 Blanchard, David Doan, E. C. Whitnali, John G. Allison, John A. 
 Boon, C. C. Berrard, Wm. J. Derimer, and Geo. Goodbrod. 
 
 After the organization the lodge received the petition of J. R. 
 Toman and Julian E. Phinney, who were initiated as members and 
 received all the degrees and became full members, constituting a lodge 
 of twelve (12) members to start with. 
 
 The next business was the election of officers, and resulted as fol- 
 lows : J. A. Boon, N. G.; G. A. Derby, V. G.; J. R. Toman, Sec; 
 Geo. Goodbrod, Treas., who were duly installed into their several 
 offices by Grand Master J. T. Hedrick. 
 
 When the lodge was organized they, together with the Masonic 
 lodge, had built a hall 24x48 ft., but they were in debt for the larger 
 portion of it. Since their organization they have taken in some twenty 
 new members and had withdrawn by card some ten members, leaving 
 present membership twenty-two. They have paid for the hall and 
 are clear of debt, and aow have $233 in the treasury. 
 
 The present officers of the lodge are: R. S. Nier, N. G.; Geo. 
 Goodbrod, V. G.; W. R DeBolt, Sec; and G. A. Derby, Treas. 
 Officers elected for the ensuing year: J. A. Boon, N. G.; Cbas. 
 
212 HISTORY OF SEAVARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 Humberger, V. G.; R. S. Nier, Sec; G. A. Derby, Treas.; G. A. 
 Derby, Dist. Dept. 
 
 While it is a fact that there has been a hikewarm indiiference in 
 the interest and attendance at the lodge for the past six mouths, the 
 lodge is now again in a prosperous condition. 
 
 SEWARD LODGE NO. 26, I. O. O. F. 
 
 The Odd Fellows of Seward became an organized body May 30, 
 1871, having L. G. Johns, W. R. Davis, T. D. Green, J. H. Ander- 
 son, D. H. Figard, Lewis Anderson, J. W. Shields, and J. K. Mc- 
 Gavren as charter members, and L. G. Johns, N. G., D. H. Figard, 
 V. G., J. H. Anderson, Secretary, and T. D. Green, Treasurer, as 
 its first officers; Samuel Pence was the first initiated candidate. The 
 lodge is now progressing rapidly, and holds a membership of 60 ; a 
 fine hall was built by this order in 1886, which is used by nearly all 
 the other secret societies for their meetings. The order is in a good 
 condition, and has a degree staff which vastly improves the rendition 
 of its work. The present officers are : Noble Grand, J. S. Kittle ; 
 Vice G., E. P. Smith ; Secretary, Walter A. Leese ; Treasurer Sam- 
 uel Pence. 
 
 Milford Lodge No. 18, I. O. O. F., was the first organized body 
 in Seward county. 
 
 woman's christian temperance UNION. 
 
 In April, 1884, an auxiliary branch of the Woman's Christian 
 Temperance Union was organized in Seward, with thirteen members^ 
 President, Mrs. C. M. Woodward; Vice Pres., Mrs. T. L. Sexton; 
 Rec. Sec, Mrs. E. B. Ireland; Cor. Sec, Mrs. Ada Van Pelt. 
 
 Through the effi)rts of this society, in 1886 a Y. W. C. T. U. was 
 organized, a Band of Hope, and also a Reform Club. Present mem- 
 bership, 25. The society has done much good work in the temperance 
 field and in charitable works. 
 
 ancient order of united workmen. 
 
 Seward Lodge No. 16, A. O. U. W., was instituted on September 
 27, 1883, by T. A. Forraan, Deputy Grand Master Workman. The 
 organization started with twenty-five charter members, as follows: 
 J. S. Leonhardt, L. M. Smith, R. S. Nerval, C. N. Emilton, W. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 213 
 
 A. Schell, E. A. Polley, C. M. Hovey, W. N. Walker, Louis Stahl, 
 W. J. Taylor, J. E,. Erfort, Louis Leibrock, Henry Petri, Bernhardt 
 Kohn, V. Miner, S. D. Atkins, A. J. Senter, F. G. Simraons, Wm. 
 Clemmons, E. H. Fletcher, Wm. Schultz, C.Grabenstein, H. Hartwick, 
 H. M. Waring, and W. O. Whitcomb. Henry Hartwick was the lirst 
 Master Workman, and Smith D. Atkins was the first Recorder. The 
 Master Workmen since that time have been E. A. Polley, C. N. 
 Emiltou, F. G. Simmons, and J. F. Stevens. 
 
 The Ancient Order of United Workmen is a fraternal organization, 
 and combines with the usual features of such organizations a system 
 of protection for the families of its members, which has made it very 
 popular. The order was instituted about seventeen years ago, in 
 Pennsylvania, John J. Upchurch being the man who conceived the 
 idea and put it into operation. The order rapidly spread, and its 
 founder lived to see it carried into every part of the United States, 
 as well as into Canada. 
 
 At the time Seward Lodge was instituted, the state of Nebraska 
 was under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Missouri. In 
 1886 Nebraska organized a Grand Lodge of her own, and since 
 that time has had a separate jurisdiction. The order in Nebraska has 
 grown more rapidly since then than ever before, and the Lodge of this 
 city has kept pace with the general growth in the state. It has now 
 over eighty members in good standing, and is in a very prosperous 
 and healthy condition. It has lost no members by death since its or- 
 ganization, having been particularly fortunate in this respect. Among 
 its members are many of the best business men of the city. It may 
 certainly be considered an element of good in the community, and 
 something of which the city of Seward may be proud. 
 
214 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 LANCASTEE COUNTY — ITS GROWTH AND PROGKESS SINCE THE LOCATION OF THE 
 STATE CAPITAL WITHIN ITS BOUNDS IN 1867 — STATE INSTITUTIONS — EDUCA- 
 TIONAL INSTITUTIONS — RAILROADS — BUSINESS ENTERPRISES— ORGANIZATION 
 AND POLITICAL HISTORY. 
 
 BY HON. C. H. GERE. 
 
 The author of this work, who pictures with so much vividness the 
 primitive struggles of the early settlers of Lancaster county, says that 
 it is a very difficult matter for him to realize, when he traverses the 
 scenes of these personal experiences, that all the changes wrought by 
 the enterprise of the people and the rapid settlement of this section 
 of the state have been witnessed in less than a generation, and that 
 the young men who commenced the improvement of the valley of 
 the Salt are still in the vigor of manhood. Certainly the progress of 
 Nebraska, as exemplified in the brief history of Lancaster county, is 
 upon the whole the most marvelous that has been seen in this country 
 since its original settlement. From that August day in 1867, wiien 
 its central point and county seat was selected by the commissioners for 
 the site of the state capital, the growth of Lancaster has been 
 phenomenal. 
 
 That there was something in her geographical position that tended 
 to the metropolitan, is proven by the fact that Lincoln has made far 
 more than the customary progress of a country town selected from 
 its central location and convenience of access as the seat of a state 
 government. In twenty years she has outstripped the large majority 
 of the capitals of the older states, stands to-day with a population of 
 45,000, one of the important commercial centers of the Northwest, 
 and is beginning to lay the foundations of important and extensive 
 manufacturing enterprises. 
 
 The act that made Lincoln a " fiat city," located the state house 
 within her limits, and provided that it should be built from the pro- 
 ceeds of the sale of the lots in the odd numbered blocks, provided 
 also that reservations should be made in and around the " permanent 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 215 
 
 capital " from the state lauds or lots of sites for a state university, an 
 insane hospital, and a penitentiary. 
 
 The state house and the university reservations consisted of four 
 blocks each, containing about twelve acres situated on two of the 
 most prominent elevations within the old city limits, and about a mile 
 apart as the streets run. The university was placed near the north- 
 east corner of the original plot, and the state house toward the south- 
 west corner. The two other prominent elevations were marked with 
 the sites of the "market square" now the Federal reservation for a 
 court-house and post-office building, and by the court-house reserva- 
 tion, also one block, on which the county is about to erect a fine 
 county building. In this way the commissioners desired to scatter 
 the concentrating points for the future city and prevent the tendency 
 to huddle all the business in one small neighborhood. This distribu- 
 tion of centers was an assistance in the lot sales, for no one could 
 definitely say just where the business of Lincoln would concentrate, 
 and there was a larger latitude for private judgment and good guess 
 work in the selection of lots on which to make their speculative 
 ventures. 
 
 As was the case in the infancy of Washington City, the distribu- 
 tion of these points gave the town a very straggling and ragged ap- 
 pearance for several years, but at present the wisdom of the commis- 
 sioners is apparent. There is really no convenience in the huddling 
 together of all the public buildings in a large city. 
 
 The wing of the State House, provided for by the act of location, to 
 be built out of the moneys received from the first lot sales, was fin- 
 ished and ready for occupany by the time the legislature of January, 
 1869, gathered for its session. That legislature proceeded to organize 
 the University of Nebraska, and passed a bill providing for the erec- 
 tion of the first university building, which now stands in the center 
 of the campus. It also provided for the building of the fir?t insane 
 hospital, which stood on the site of the present immense building, but 
 was destroyed by an incendiary fire, soon after its occupation. 
 
 The same legislature, in an extra session, passed an act for the 
 commencing work on a penitentiary building. The commissioners 
 had selected eighty acres of land on a prominent elevation for the 
 site of the hospital, about two miles from the center of the city south- 
 west, and the penitentiary was given a forty- acre tract south of the 
 
216 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 city three miles away. Over a million dollars liave been expended in 
 enlarging the first erections on these sites, and the city has extended 
 its additions until they reach to the very edge of these two state 
 reservations. 
 
 A Tew years later an association of ladies, with their headquarters 
 at Lincoln, but with auxiliary branches in nearly every county in the 
 state, organized a charity known as " The Home of the Friendless," 
 the object being to care for helpless women and children stranded by 
 the misfortunes or the vices of those who should be their guardians. 
 A building was erected by private subscription, and for a time tlie 
 institution did much in a quiet way to relieve distress among these 
 classes. The legislature then came to the assistance of the ladies, 
 appropriated liberal sums for the enlargement and the extension of the 
 buildings, which are situated in the southern part of the city, and 
 paid regular salaries to the matrons and assistants. The Home now 
 shelters an average of a hundred women and children, keeping the 
 latter under its M'ing until suitable provision can be made for them by 
 adoption or they can go out to learn some trade or useful occupation. 
 
 The first university building was constructed of brick, at a cost of 
 $139,000, was completed in 1871, and in September of that year the 
 board of regents inducted a chancellor and faculty into possession of 
 the premises, and the university commenced its great work. It has 
 made steady progress in the number of its faculty, instructors, and 
 students, keeping time to the march of the great commonwealth, and 
 at present about three hundred students are enrolled, of whom over 
 two hundred are members of the regular college classes, the number 
 of the preparatory students, in comparison with the university 
 students, constantly diminishing as the high schools in the state are 
 attaining sufficient numbers and effectiveness to prepare students for 
 the freshman class in the university. 
 
 At the time of its organization the State Agricultural or In- 
 dustrial College was attached to it as one of the group of colleges. 
 In course of time a farm of three hundred and twenty acres was 
 acquired by the regents as an experiment station and a working place 
 for such students of agriculture as desired to obtain practical knowl- 
 edge and at the same time earn sufficient in odd hours to pay their 
 expenses in whole or in part. The original improvements of the 
 funn have been added to for the accommodation of the station, and 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 217 
 
 the instructor in agriculture resides there. The station is about two 
 miles east of the original site, but is now surrounded by " additions " 
 «,nd the city actually extends to its gates. 
 
 A recent act of congress appropriated $15,000 per annum to 
 each state experiment station connected with the state agricultural 
 or industrial college, and the regents, by immediately complying with 
 the conditions of the act, were able to avail themselves of the appro- 
 jiriation and add much to the usefulness of the corps that are investi- 
 gating the diseases of domestic animals, the injurious insects and 
 fungi, the geological formations and chemical components of soils, and 
 the possibilities of profitable irrigation from our natural streams, or 
 from artesian wells and artificial reservoirs. A building for the in- 
 vestigation of animal diseases is being erected on the farm the present 
 season, costing about $3,000. 
 
 A chemical laboratory was erected on the university campus in 
 1886, at a cost of $35,000, and a large sum spent in its equipment. 
 It is a model in its arrangement and equipment, and has attracted the 
 attention of educators all over the country to the perfection of its de- 
 sign and the carefulness of its detail. The legislature of 1887 pro- 
 vided the sum of fifteen thousand dollars out of the general funds of 
 the state, to be added to $5,000 appropriated by the regents, to erect 
 an armory and gymnasium on the university grounds for the use, 
 primarily, of the cadets in military tactics, on condition that the 
 building should be a memorial to Gen. U. S. Grant. It is rapidly 
 approaching completion, as is also another large university building 
 designated as ''Industrial Hall," which will be occupied in part by 
 the departments of agriculture, horticulture, botany, and geology, the 
 high basement rooms being intended for the accommodation of a 
 manual training department, where the use of tools will be taught, 
 and rudimentary mechanical instruction will be given to students in 
 the industrial department. This building will cost about $50,000. 
 
 One educational institution draws another, and the Nebraska con- 
 ferences of the Methodist Episcopal church accepted a donation of a 
 large body of land lying just beyond the university experimental 
 farm, as a site for their chief institution of learning, the Wesleyan 
 University, and have erected a building thereon of great architectural 
 beauty, costing $75,000. It will soon be opened and it is expected 
 that it will start out with an attendance of two hundred students. A 
 
218 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 street railway is beiug built to it past the college farm, and a large 
 "addition" to Lincoln has been laid out in lots and sold injits imme- 
 diate vicinity, and is being dotted with residences. 
 
 The Christian church has already accepted a site in the same neigh- 
 borhood for its denominational university, and expects to put up its 
 buildings in a short time. The Baptists are also negotiating for a 
 university site, and it is probable that they will also establish their 
 college or university near Lincoln, The Episcopal Diocese contem- 
 plates the establishment of an academical school for boys in or near 
 this city. In short, the prospect is good that in a few years Lancas- 
 ter county will be one of the principal educational centers of the 
 West, and will have within its boundaries more classical institutions 
 than any other county in the country. 
 
 The common school buildings of the county a;re none the less the 
 peculiar pride of her citizens. They were the first costly buildings 
 erected, and in Lincoln and the other towns and villages scattered 
 over her broad expanse, the fine brick and stone structures that 
 accommodate the schools are the wonder and admiration of eastern 
 visitors. 
 
 Much as the political and educational importance of the capital 
 city has contributed to the prosperity of Lancaster county, the value 
 of the farming land that could a few years ago be bought from the 
 first settlers for a trifle per acre, has been still more enhanced by the 
 commercial importance of the city and by the numerous stations on 
 the several railroads that traverse it, which gives every farmer in the 
 twenty-four townships access to a market not far removed from his 
 door. The Burlington and Missouri River Railway, the Union 
 Pacific R. R., the Atchison and Nebraska R. R., and the Midland 
 Pacific R. R. traverse the county from side to side, while the Missouri 
 Pacific and the Fremont, Elkhoru and Missouri Valley railroads are 
 extended as far as Lincoln from St. Louis and Chicago. These, with 
 a north-western branch of the Burlington, form nine concentrating 
 lines to the capital and connect it with almost every county seat in the 
 state. The two lines last mentioned will soon extend to the west and 
 south, the Lincoln, Red Oak, and Des Moines company will shortly 
 construct an eastern air line route toward Chicago, and the Chicago, 
 Rock Island and Pacific has made a survey from Omaha, via Lincoln, 
 to Fairbury, increasing, when these are finished, the number of spokes 
 to her commercial wheel to fourteen. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 219 
 
 On these roads outside of Lincoln there are twenty-tive stations or 
 distributing points within the boundaries of Lancaster county, an 
 average of a little more than one station for every six miles square, or 
 township, each of which is growing into a village, and several of 
 which are already towns of considerable commercial importance for 
 local trade, having regular town governments. In the near future, 
 when the lines now in contemplation shall be completed, there will be 
 from thirty-five to forty of these traffic centers in Lancaster. With 
 such wonderful facilities for marketing their produce, the farmers of 
 the county may rest assured that their possessions will always com- 
 mand the highest value and be of ready sale. 
 
 At West Lincoln, two miles from the city, a manufacturing suburb 
 is rapidly growing that is destined to add much to the wealth of the 
 county and to the value of its farming lands. Extensive stock yard-s, 
 two packing houses, a brick and tile factor}^ of great capacity, a can- 
 ning and provision establishment, a vinegar factory, and other estab- 
 lishments have drawn in two years a population of several hundred, 
 and many other similar enterprises are on foot to make it one of the 
 busiest spots in the West. 
 
 Seven Lincoln houses are engaged in the grain business, owning 
 among them seventy-five elevators at various convenient points on the 
 railroads for collecting and shipping the staples of Nebraska, while ten 
 eastern firms, located in Chicago, St. Louis, Baltimore, Toledo, and 
 Burlington, have branches here, competing in the great grain market 
 of Nebraska. 
 
 Eighty-four wholesale and jobbing houses in Lincoln were doing 
 business in 1887, and they sold goods to the amount of fifteen 
 million dollars. The grocery and agricultural implement branches 
 of the jobbing trade did business to the amount of five millions. 
 
 The majority of these houses are still in their infancy, and there is 
 no doubt that they will double the aggregate amount of their sales 
 for the year 1888, while many new firms will commence operations, 
 as the field for business is an immense one, covering, by close estimates, 
 in Nebraska, north-western Kansas, eastern Colorado, and Wyoming, 
 an area of more than 80,000 square miles and a population of one 
 million. 
 
 In manufacturing, Lincoln has made so far only a start, but is doing 
 something. The record of 1887 shows sixty-nine establishments 
 
220 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 whose aggregate })roduct was nearly eight and a half million dollars. 
 About three million dollars were expended during the same year in 
 public and private buildings in the capital city. The aggregate value 
 of churches and church lots belonging to the various religious denom- 
 inations in Lincoln is half a million. 
 
 There are about twelve miles of street railway in Lincoln already 
 down, and the mileage is largely to be increased during the present 
 season. Twenty miles of street paving has been ordered and is being 
 laid down as rapidly as the season permits. On an average a train of 
 passenger or freight cars leaves the city every fifteen minutes during 
 the twenty-four hours, an aggregate of 100 trains daily. 
 
 The old capitol building, the erection of which from the sales of 
 oity lots was mentioned in the beginning of this article, has been 
 taken away and a new structure is being finished on its site during 
 the present season, at a cost of |440,000, and a sale of the remnants 
 of the state lots last year, ordered by the legislature, realized about 
 $75,000, which will be spent in 1888 for embellishing the capitol 
 grounds. 
 
 Lancaster county, after waiting all these years in the multiplicity 
 of her public improvements, has voted a court-house, which will be 
 erected the present season on the reservation granted by the state in 
 the center of Lincoln, at a cost of $200,000 for building and furniture. 
 
 This is the year of the real majority of the county, that had a name 
 it is true before the location of the seat of government for Nebraska 
 in her midst, but hardly an existence, and this slight sketch of her 
 progress indicates that she has put in these twenty-one years to good 
 advantage, and though she has not ceased growing, has made a record 
 of which her sons and daughters may well be proud. 
 
 ORGANIZATION AND POLITICAL HISTORY. 
 
 In the fall of 1859 the first movement toward county organization 
 was made. A public meeting was held under the " Great Elm " that 
 stood on the east bank of Salt creek near the north-west corner of the 
 B. & M. R. R. depot grounds in Lincoln. Festus Reed was elected 
 chairman, and after a strong speech predicting the future greatness 
 of the little commonwealth they were preparing to organize on the 
 frontier, the business in hand was proceeded with. A. J. Walliug- 
 ford, Joseph J. Forrest, and W. T. Donavan were appointed a com- 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA, 221 
 
 mission to select a location for the county seat, and they chose the 
 present site of Lincoln, which was laid off in 1864 and named " Lan- 
 caster." An election was ordered by the commissioners of Cass 
 county, to which the unorganized county west was attached for elec- 
 tion and judicial purposes, to be held at the house of William Shir- 
 ley, on Stevens creek, and judges and clerks of election duly commis- 
 sioned. At this election, held on the 10th day of October, 1859, A. 
 J. Wallingford, J. J. Forrest, and W. T. Donavan were elected a 
 board of county commissioners, and Richard Wallingford was elected 
 county treasurer, L. J. Loder, county clerk, and John P. Loder, re- 
 corder. No record of this election or of the official proceedings of 
 the county officers are on file, except the certificates of the election 
 and the qualification of L. J. and J. P. Loder, in the archives of the 
 county. It is probable that little or no business was done under this 
 temporary organization. On the 9th day of October, 1860, a general 
 election took place, and was held at the house of W. T. Donavan for 
 Lancaster county. Twenty-three votes were cast and the following 
 names are found on the official poll list: 
 
 Jeremiah Showalter, Richard Wallingford, J. D. Main, C. F. Retz- 
 laff, Jonathan Ball, Hiram Allen, Benj. Eaves, Festus Reed, Daniel 
 Harrington, James Coultard, Benj. Hemple, Wm. Shirley, James 
 Moran, J. J. Forest, E, L. Reed, Michael Shea, L. J, Loder, John 
 Dee, A,- J. Wallingford, Aaron Wood, Lucius West, J. P. Loder, 
 and W, T, Donavan. 
 
 For delegates to congress, J, Sterling Morton received eleven votes, 
 and Samuel G, Dailey twelve, showing a close contest. For council- 
 man, equivalent to senator in a state, T. M, Marquett received 13 
 votes, and W, R. Davis 2, For "joint," or float councilman, Samuel 
 
 H, Elbert received 15 votes, and Cozad 1. For representative^ 
 
 Wm. Gilmore had 16 votes. Louden Mullen 15, W. R. Davis 16, 
 Wm. Reed 16, E. W. Barnum 12, and J, N, Wise 6. 
 
 For county officers the following were selected without opposition: 
 Commissioners, one year, J. J. Forest; two years, A. J. Wallingford ; 
 three years, W, T, Donavan; treasurer, R. Wallingford; clerk, J. 
 P. Loder, No candidate for sheriff, prosecuting attorney, or coro- 
 ner appears to have been running, and probably there was not 
 business enough expected in the legal line to pay for the trouble of 
 getting up a ticket, Festus Reed and R, Wallingford were elected 
 
222 HISTORY OF SEVVAED COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 justices of the peace, aud C. F. Retzlaif and James Coultard, consta- 
 bles. Had all the offices the county was entitled to been filled, they 
 would have gone more than half way round the entire voting popu- 
 lation. There are no records of any official acts of these officers elect. 
 
 On the 8th of October, 1861, the county election was held at the 
 house of Jame^ Moran, and only fourteen votes were cast. The new 
 names appearing ou the poll list preserved in the office of the county 
 clerk are E. Galvin, E. L. Barrett, T. G. Maxwell, and Michael Mc- 
 Donald. Donavan, Wallingford, the Loders, Ball, Reed, Moran, 
 Harrington, Dee, and Shea, again exercised the right of suffrage. 
 
 J. J. Forest was elected county commissioner; Festus Reed, probate 
 judge; L. J. Loder, sheriff; J. P. Loder, clerk; C. L. Barrett, asses- 
 sor; T. G. Maxwell and J. Moran, justices of the peace, and Jonathan 
 Ball and C F. Retzlaff, constables. 
 
 A record of an adjourned meeting of the county commissioners, 
 after this election, held May 1, 1862, is the first sign of official life 
 in Lancaster county to be found in the county clerk's office. This 
 record occupies fifteen lines on a page of small commercial note paper, 
 aucl informs us that the county was then and there divided into two 
 election precincts, by a line running east and west through the centre 
 of "town 10," and that a petition for a road from the south-east cor- 
 ner of section 31, town 9, range 7, and another from the south-east 
 corner of section 36, town 9, range 6, and one from the south-east 
 corner of section 16, town 12, range 6, were received. In what direc- 
 tion, and whither these roads were to run, the record saith not, and 
 County Clerk J. P. Loder forgot to append his signature to the docu- 
 ment. The board adjourned till July first, but probably did not meet 
 again until after the October election. 
 
 At the election of 1862, held on the 14th of October, the division 
 of the county into two precincts was disregarded. Fourteen votes 
 were cast by Messrs. Cox, Mason, Foster, Calkin, Chatterton, Blunt, 
 Wallingford, Ball, Chambers, Loder, Maxwell, YanBenthuseu, Dona- 
 van, and Coultard. J. F. Kinney, independent democrat, received 
 10 votes, and Sam. G. Dailey 4, for delegates to congress. T. M. 
 Marquett received 12 votes for councilman for the district. Geo. L. 
 Seybolt received 10 and J. E. Doom 3 votes for joint or float council- 
 man. Five other Cass county statesmen received from one to seven 
 votes for representative, and T. G. Maxwell received 13, all it is pre- 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 223 
 
 sumed but his own suffrage, for the same office, but the other counties 
 in the district not doing so well for him, he was not elected. Joel 
 Mason was elected commissioner. 
 
 The next record is of a meeting of the board of county commission- 
 ers, held jN^ovember 3, which ordered a special election to be held on 
 the 17th of January, 1863, to fill vacancies in the offices of coroner, 
 surveyor, and justices of the peace, and constables, as those previously 
 elected had not qualified. 
 
 The next meeting was held February 5, 1863, and the officers 
 elected at the special election, of which there is no record, are said to 
 have been sworn in. The clerk was directed, at this meeting, to 
 notify Judge Festus Eeed to stop his depredations on the timber in 
 school section, in town 9, range 6. 
 
 Another meeting was held September 12th, of the same year, and 
 the county divided into four precincts, named Lancaster, Salt Basin, 
 Stevens Creek, and Salt Creek, and the various places for holding 
 elections were designated. 
 
 In 1863 the county election was held October 13, and an entire new 
 set of officers were selected, fifty-five votes having been cast in the 
 county. 
 
 J. S. Gregory was elected county commissioner for three years, 
 William Shirley for two, and P. S. Schamp for one year. Clerk, 
 Milton Langdon; treasurer, R. Wallingford; sheriff, Josiah Cham- 
 bers; surveyor, J. J. Forest; coroner, Dr. Jno. Grim; probate judge, 
 J. D. Main. 
 
 J. S. Gregory was elected to the state legislature for the representa- 
 tive district to which Lancaster belonged, and John Cadman, who 
 lived in that part of the county then belonging to Clay, was elected 
 for Clay, Johnson, and Gage counties, and took with him a petition 
 from the residents of the northern and southern parts of Clay county 
 for the wiping out of that county, and dividing it between Lancaster 
 and Gage. This measure was consummated and the addition to Lan- 
 caster made her a county of no mean proportions, extending thirty-six 
 miles from north to south, and twenty-four east to west. 
 
 The assessed valuation of Clay county at the time of its transfer 
 was $36,129.82, of which $22,637.82 fell to the share of Lancaster. 
 Her debt was $295.11, of which Lancaster assumed $185.70. The 
 commissioners of Lancaster and Gage county held a meeting at the 
 
224 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 house of H. W. Parker, clerk of Clay county, uear Olathe, July 19,^ 
 1864, and made a final settlement of the affairs of the county. The 
 document setting forth the terms of this settlement was signed by 
 Fordyce Roper, F. H. Dobbs and William Tyler, commissioners of 
 Clay county, and John W. Prey, of Lancaster^ and attested by Oliver 
 Townsend, clerk of Gage county, and duly filed. Copies of the offi- 
 cial records of Clay county were made for Gage and Lancaster coun- 
 ties, but the latter were lost in Salt creek while en route, and have 
 never been filed among the archives of this county. 
 
 At the time of the division of Clay county, the principal settlements 
 were in the extreme north and south of its territory, and a large ma- 
 jority of its tax-payers were undoubtedly favorable to its division. 
 But after the lapse of a few years, when the central part filled up with 
 inhabitants, much discussion ensued as to the propriety of restoring 
 the county, and several attempts have been made in that direction, but 
 it is probable that the majority of the people in the territory involved 
 are well satisfied with their present status. The clause on county di- 
 vision in the constitution adopted in 1875, will probably preclude 
 any future agitation, and will establish our present boundaries for all 
 time to come. 
 
 In 1864, at the territorial election held October 11th, eighty votes 
 were polled, of which P. W. Hitchcock received 53, and Geo. L. 
 Miller 27, for delegate to congress. 
 
 John Cadman was elected to the house of representatives for Lan- 
 caster county, and Wm. Imlay for the representative district composed 
 of Lancaster, Seward and Saline counties. Richard Wallingford was 
 elected county commissioner, P. S. Schamp, surveyor, and Milton 
 Langdon, prosecuting attorney. 
 
 At the general election, October 10, 1865, one hundred and twenty- 
 five votes were polled. Augustus Kouutze, for territorial treasurer, 
 John Gillespie, for auditor, received each 100 votes, and S. G. Good- 
 rich and John Seaton, their opponents, 6 votes each. 
 
 John Cadman was re-elected representative for Lancaster county, 
 and Joel Mason for the district of Lancaster, Seward, and Saunders 
 counties. 
 
 The county officers elected were — Milton Langdon, clerk ; Luke 
 Lavender, probate judge; S. S. Snyder, county, commissioner; Wm. 
 Guy, treasurer; AV. Ingram, coroner: J. S. Gregory, prosecuting 
 attorney; and P. S. Schamp, surveyor. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COU^'TY, NEBRASKA. 225 
 
 June 2, 1866, an election was held under the state constitution, pre- 
 pared by the territorial legislature of '65-'QQ, at which 165 votes were 
 polled in the county, of which David Butler received 112 and J. 
 Sterling Morton 53, for governor; for the constitution 95, against 53. 
 John Cadman was elected senator to the first state legislature, which 
 met July 4th. James Queen, of Lancaster, was returned elected as 
 representative from Lancaster, Seward, and Saunders, and his seat 
 was contested by his oj)ponent, J. L. Davison, of Seward, and the 
 contest was pending when the legislature adjourned, after an eight 
 days' session. Ezra Tullis was elected representative from the 
 county. 
 
 At the October election of the same year, pending the admission of 
 Nebraska as a state, 199 votes were cast, of which T. M. Marquett, 
 republican, received 129, and J. Sterling Morton, democrat, 69. 
 
 J. E. Doom, of Cass, was elected territorial councilman and state 
 senator from Cass and Lancaster; E. L. Clark, of Seward, rep- 
 resentative from Lancaster, Seward, and Saunders; and E. H. Har- 
 denbergh, representative from Lancaster county to both United and 
 state legislatures. Hardenbergh resigned at the close of the session 
 of the territorial legislature, in March, 1867, and John Cadman was 
 elected to fill the vacancy in the state legislature, which was called 
 immediately after. 
 
 John W. Prey was elected county commissioner in third district. 
 
 At the county election of 1867, held October 8th, 235 votes were 
 cast. 
 
 The otficers elected were — Silas Pratt, commissioner ; John Cad- 
 man, probate judge; S. B. Galey, county clerk; J. H. Hawke, sheriff; 
 M. Langdon, treasurer; Ezra Tullis, surveyor; F. A. Bidwell, school 
 commissioner; and Emil Lange, coroner. 
 
 At the state election of 1868, held October 11th, 460 votes were 
 cast. David Butler (Rep.) received 320, and J. R. Porter (Dem.) 128. 
 C. H. Gere, of Lancaster, was elected senator for the district composed 
 of Lancaster, Saline, Gage, Pawnee, and Jefferson counties; Ezra 
 Tullis, representative from the county; W. R. Fields, county com- 
 missioner. 
 
 Seth Robinson, of Lancaster, was appointed attorney general by 
 Governor Butler. 
 
 At the county election, October 10, 1869, 562 votes were cast, S. 
 15 
 
226 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 B. Pouud (Rep.), for probate judge, receiviug 392; J. M. Bradford 
 (Dem.), 170. Oapt. R. A. Bain was elected clerk; John Cadman, 
 treasurer; Sam. McClay, sheriff; M. Langdou, surveyor; Robert 
 Faulkner and D. H. Sudduth, county commissioners; Allen M. Ghost, 
 superintendent public instruction; Dr. D. W. Tingley, coroner. 
 
 At the state election, October 11, 1870, 1,116 votes were polled, 
 David Butler (Rep.) receiving 798, Jno. H. Croxton, (Dem.) 318. 
 Col. A. J. Cropsey, of Lancaster, was elected senator for the district, 
 and S. B. Galey representative for the county. 
 
 An election was held May 2, 1871, for delegates to the constitu- 
 tional convention, which met in June, and Seth Robinson and J. N. 
 Cassell were elected to represent the county ; Col. J. E. Philpot, of 
 Lancaster, from the 11th senatorial district of Lancaster and Seward; 
 and W. H. Curtis, of Pawnee, for the fourteenth representative dis- 
 trict, composed of Lancaster, Saunders, Johnson, Pawnee, and Gage. 
 
 At the election on the new constitution, held September 19 of same 
 year, 1,415 votes were cast — 1,237 for the new constitution, and 178 
 against. The constitution was not adopted. 
 
 At the county election of October 10 of same year, 1,259 votes were 
 cast. The officers elected were — J. D. Lottridge, county commis- 
 sioner; A. L. Palmer, probate judge; R. O. Phillips, clerk; R. A. 
 Bain, treasurer; A. M. Ghost, superintendent public instruction; J. 
 T. Murphy, surveyor; and Dr. J. G. Fuller, coroner. 
 
 At the state election, October 8, 1.872, 1,736 votes were polled, L. 
 Crounse (Rep.) receiving 1,189, and J. L. AVarner (Dem.) 535, for 
 member of congress. S. B. Pound, of Lancaster, was elected senator 
 for the eleventh district; S. G. Owen and A. K. White, representa- 
 tives for the county; and M. H. Sessions, of Lancaster, representa- 
 tive for the fourteenth district. Henry Spellman was elected county 
 commissioner; J. J. Gosper, of Lancaster, was elected secretary of 
 state. 
 
 At the county election, October 14, 1873, 1,927 votes were polled. 
 The officers elected were— J. Z. Briscoe, commissioner; A. L. Palmer, 
 probate judge; R. O. Phillips, clerk; Chas. C. White, treasurer; 
 Sam. McClay, sheriff; Dr. J. O. Carter, coroner; Tom I. Atwood, 
 surveyor; J. W. Cassell, superintendent public instruction. 
 
 At the state election, October 13, 1874, 2,038 votes were polled, 
 Silas Garber (Rep.) receiviug 1,382; Albert Tuxbury (Dem.), 287; 
 J. H. Gardner (Ind.), 170; and Jarvis S. Church (Prohib.), 189. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 227 
 
 C. C. Burr, of Lancaster, was elected senator for the 11th district; 
 Alfred G. Hastings and Louis Helmer, representatives for the county; 
 and Thomas P. Chapman, of Saunders, for the 14th representative 
 district. 
 
 Dr. H. D. Gilbert was elected county commissioner, and A. G. 
 Scott, superintendent of public instruction to fill vacancy. On the 
 •question of a constitutional convention there were 1,069 ayes to 558 
 noes. 
 
 At the election for members of constitutional convention, held on 
 the 6th of April, 1875, S. B. Pound and C. H. Gere, of Lincoln, C. 
 W. Pierce, of Waverly, and J. B. Hawley, of Firth, were elected 
 to represent the county. 
 
 At the state election under the proposed new constitution, and the 
 county election, both occurring October 12, 1875, 2,360 votes were 
 polled, S. B. Pound (Rep.), of Lancaster, receiving 1,533, and G. 
 B. Scofield, of Otoe, 727, for judge of the second judicial district; 
 Judge Pound was elected. The county officers elected were — W. E. 
 Keys, county commissioner; A. G. Scott, county judge; Wm. A. Shar- 
 rar, clerk; Charles C. White, treasurer; Sam. McClay, sheriff; Dr. 
 A. C. Gibson, coroner; S. G. Lamb, superintendent public instruc- 
 tion; J. P. Walton, surveyor. For the new constitution, 2,119; 
 against, 109. S. J. Tuttle, of Lancaster, was elected a regent of the 
 university. 
 
 At the state election, November, 1876, 2,911 votes were polled, of 
 which Silas Garber (Rep.), candidate for governor, received 1,947, 
 Paren England (Dem.), of Lancaster, 712, and J. F. Gardner (green- 
 back), 252. The senators elected from the county, which was now 
 entitled to two, were Thos. P. Kennard, of Lincoln, and Cyrus N. 
 Baird, of Oak Creek. The representatives elected were R. O. Phil- 
 lips and W. C. Griffith, of Lincoln, and John Cadman, of Yankee 
 Hill, and Henry Spellman, of Saltillo. J. N. Wilcox was elected 
 commissioner. 
 
 At the county election of 1877 A. D. Burr was elected clerk; 
 Louis Helmer, treasurer; J. S. Hoagland, sheriff; J. R. Webster, 
 county judge; G. S. Lamb, superintendent public instruction; J. P. 
 Walton, surveyor; E. T. Piper, coroner; H. D. Gilbert, commis- 
 sioner ; and C. W. Pierce, state senator to fill vacancy. 
 
 At the state election of 1878 Albinus Nance (Rep.), candidate for 
 
228 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 governor, received 1,971 votes, W. H. Webster (Dem.), 433, and L. 
 G. Todd (greenback), 409. Whole number of votes cast, 2,818. 
 Araasa Cobb, of Lancaster, was elected a justice of the supreme court. 
 M, B. Cheney and E. E. Brown were elected to the senate, and S. G. 
 Owen, W. W. Carder, M. H. Sessions, and T. R. Burling, to the 
 house. John McClay was elected commissioner. 
 
 At the county election, November, 1879, W. J. Weller was elected 
 county commissioner; J. E. Philpot, judge; L. E. Cropsey, clerk; 
 Louis Helmer, treasurer; Granville Ensign, sheriff; A. D. Burr, 
 clerk district court; E. T. Piper, coroner; H. S. Bowers, superintend- 
 ent public instruction; and J. P. Walton, surveyor. Araasa Cobb, 
 of Lancaster, was re-elected justice of the supreme court for the full 
 term. S. B. Pound, of Lancaster, was elected judge of the second 
 judicial district for a second term. 
 
 At the state election of 1880, 4,778 votes were cast, of which Albinus 
 Nance (Rep.) received 3,397, and T. W. Tipton (Dem.), 1,381. The 
 senators elected were C. H. Gere and C. W. Pierce. Representatives, 
 N. C. Abbott, C. O. Whedon, N. T. M'Clunn, and R. B. Graham. 
 Commissioner, W. E. G. Caldwell. 
 
 At the county election of 1881 the following officers were chosen : 
 Treasurer, R. B. Graham; clerk, John H. McClay; judge, C. M. 
 Parker; commissioner, H. C. Reller; superintendent public instruc- 
 tion, H. S. Bowers; sheriff*, Gran. Ensign; surveyor, J. P. Walton; 
 coroner, A. J. Shaw. 
 
 At the state election of 1882, 4,818 votes were cast, of which James 
 W. Dawes (Rep.) received 3,328, J. Sterling Morton (Dem.), 1,099, 
 and IE. P. Ingersoll (Anti-monop.), 391. Senators were E. E. 
 Brown and P. H. Walker. Representatives, C. O. Whedon, A. W. 
 Field, H. Wissenberg, J. W. Worl, M. H. Sessions, and M. H. Wes- 
 cott. Commissioner, W. J. Miller. W. W. W. Jones, of Lancas- 
 ter, was elected state superintendent of public instruction, and C. H. 
 Gere, of Lancaster, a regent of the University. 
 
 At the county election of 1883, the officers elected were: R. B. 
 Graham, treasurer; J. H. McClay, clerk; E. R. Sizer, clerk of dis- 
 trict court; Sam. M. Melick, sheriff; C. M. Parker, judge; W. E., 
 G. Caldwell, commissioner; H. S. Bowers, superintendent public in- 
 struction; J. J. Walton, surveyor; N. J. Beachley, coroner; Levi 
 Snell, senate, to fill vacancy. S. B. Pound was elected to a third 
 terra from this county as judge of the second judicial district. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 229 
 
 At the state and legislative election of 1884, the whole number of 
 votes cast in the county was 6,401. Dawes (Rep.), for governor, re- 
 ceived 4,012, Morton (Dem.), 2,180, and J. G. Miller, of Lancaster 
 (Prohih.), 209. C. C. Burr and Alva Smith were elected senators, 
 and S. W. Burnham, Wm. B. Brandt, H. J. Liesveldt, A. W. Field, 
 and J. B. Wright to the house. Commissioner, H. C. Eeller. Allen 
 W. Field, of the Lancaster delegation, was, on taking his seat, elected 
 speaker of the house. 
 
 At the county election of 1885, the following officers were chosen: 
 Treasurer, Jacob Rocke; clerk, O. C. Bell; sheriff, S. M. Melick; 
 judge, C. M. Parker; register of deeds, J. H. McClay ; surveyor, J. 
 E. Walton ; coroner, E. T. Roberts; superintendent public instruction, 
 Frank McCluskey ; commissioner, Alva Brown. C. H. Gere, of Lan- 
 caster, was re-elected a regent of the University. Amasa Cobb, of 
 Lancaster, was re-elected to the supreme bench. 
 
 At the state election of 1886, the whole number of votes cast was 
 6,834, of which John M. Thayer (Rep.) received, for governor, 8,985, 
 James E. North (Dem.), 1,424, and H. W. Hardy, of Lancaster. 
 (Prohib.), 925. R. E. Moore and S. W. Burnham were elected to the 
 senate, and J. L. Caldwell, J. Shamp, I. M. Raymond, J. Dickinson, 
 H. J. Liesveldt, and G. W. Eggleston to the house. Commissioner, 
 H. J. Shaberg. 
 
 At the county election of 1887, the following officers were chosen: 
 Treasurer, Jacob Rocke; clerk, O. C. Bell; sheriff, S. M. Melick; 
 judge, W. E. Stewart; register of deeds, John D. Knight; commis- 
 sioner, Thos. Dickson; superintendent of public instruction, Frank 
 McCluskey; surveyor, J. P. Walton; clerk of district court, E. R. 
 Sizer. Allen W. Field, of Lancaster, Avas elected a judge of the sec- 
 ond judicial district. 
 
230 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 TBIBUTES TO THE MEMORY OF OUR DEPARTED FRIENDS AND FELLOW PIONEERS — 
 R. T, GALE, REV. J. M. YOUNG, DAVID IMLAY, SEN., MRS. J. F. DUNCAN, MRS. 
 E. T. WALKER, MRS. ADALINE LINDSAY, MRS. MARY H. WALLICK, ABRAM 
 COURTWRIGHT, MILTON LANGDON, MBS ANNE LANGDON, REV. A. J. COMBS, 
 STITES WOOLEY, WM. HAGEMAN, MBS. MARGARET BOYES, SAMUEL MANLEY, 
 ROGER COOPER, MRS. MARY STANWOOD, MBS. E. D. DONALSON, MRS. E. W. 
 BOUGHTON, WM. MORRIS, BOLAND REED, BEV. J. E. MITCHELL, JASPER 
 EGBERTS, STEPHEN PAYNE, BEV. O. D. CONE, E. M. SPEAR, F. S. JOHNSON, 
 WM. H. REED, REV. E. L. CLARK, MRS. L. M. BACHELDER, BEV. ABBAM 
 TOWNEE, MRS. JANE SNODGBASS, MBS. AMOS COLEMAN, BEV. T. N. SKINNEB. 
 
 EGBERT T. GALE. 
 
 It pains us to be unable to learn anything of the early life of our departed 
 friend. We first became acquainted with him at Nebraska City, in 1860. We 
 had the pleasure of his acquaintance for seven years, or until his death in the 
 early spring of 1867. We learned to appreciate him for his unusual intelligence 
 and worthy Christian character. He was a member of the Missionary Baptist 
 church. Was a surveyor by trade. Took up the first homestead in Seward 
 county on the 2d day of January, 1863, which was the seventh in the South 
 Platte land district. Made his residence in this county in the spring of 1864. 
 Was elected justice of the peace in the following fall, and in 1865 was elected 
 county surveyor, which ofiice he held until his death. 
 
 He married Miss Amelia Wooley, daughter of Stites Wooley, of Seward, now 
 deceased, in the spring of 1861. There were two children born to them. Miss 
 Clara, now of Oregon, and the younger a son who died in infancy. Mr. Gale did 
 much in the early days to help develop Seward county, and is remembered by all 
 the older citizens with affectionate regard. His homestead comprised the land 
 just east of the Presbyterian church in Seward. His funeral services were con- 
 ducted by Rev. E. L. Clark, and his remains were followed to the grave by all the 
 neighbors as mourners. 
 
 THE AUTHOE'S TBIBUTE TO THE MEMOBY OF HIS DEAR FRIEND, REV. 
 
 J. M. YOUNG. 
 
 [From the State Journal of Feb. 27, 1884.] 
 Our hearts are very sad as we read in yesterday's Journal that our dear old 
 friend, Elder Young, has passed away. Among the useful and good he was among 
 the best. All that knew him well, loved him well. He was a worker in all use- 
 ful fields. Where any good was to be accomplished no task was too hard for him. 
 
HISTORY OF SEAVARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 231 
 
 He would face winter storms, camp out at night, or do anything to further the 
 work his hands found to do. He was among the most enterprising, helping other 
 people to help themselves. He loved to make money for the sole purpose of doing 
 good with it. Place a mountain of gold at his door and he could not be rich 
 while any one was in need or there was a laudable enterprise to help. The city 
 of Lincoln owes its existence more to him than any other man living or dead. We 
 say what we do know. Had it not been for him, there is no doubt that the cap- 
 ital of our state would have been placed elsewhere. 
 
 It was our good fortune to make his acquaintance in 1860 at Nebraska City, 
 and in 1862 we were living at the salt basin, where the elder made his home with 
 us when he first visited the land where your splendid city now stands. His com- 
 pany reached our place at noon on the Fourth of July, 1862. They expressed 
 themselves glad to see us, and God knows we were glad to see them. We, that 
 day, raised the stars and stripes to kiss the breeze for the first time in that new 
 land, and we had a celebration. A celebration meant something in those dark 
 days, when the war clouds hung like a pall over our land. As the Elder talked 
 to us, we would cheer or cry when reference was made to the dear boys at the 
 front, of their brave deeds, and their sufferings, and of our blessed flag that was 
 being trailed in the dust by recreant hands. The company remained with us over 
 Sabbath, and the Elder preached the first sermon in that vicinity. After viewing 
 a wide extent of country, they located their colony on the site of your city, and 
 dedicated a portion of section 22 for a town site and christened it Lancaster. 
 
 It was our pleasure to continue an intimate acquaintance with him for a num- 
 ber of years. While his colony was in its infancy he was the soul of it. His 
 presence was an inspiration to all the struggling pioneers. Always ready with 
 words of cheer and a little cash, when needed. He would always find some work 
 for those willing to work. He would manage .somehow to make work for them. 
 His every day was full of good works. His noble Christian example (he lived 
 the religion he professed) was valuable to all that knew him. Your beautiful city 
 is to-day a monument to the memory of its founder and faithful friend. 
 
 IMLAY. 
 David Imlay (more especially known in Nebraska as Grandpa Imlay) was born 
 Feb. 15, 1792, in Allegheny county, Penn. Miss Dorcas Johnson, his wife, was 
 born at the same place. They were married in 1814, and removed to Muskingum 
 county, Ohio, and resided in the Avoods nine years, and opened a farm. They 
 then returned to the old home and took care of his aged parents while they lived, 
 and at the end of nine more years they started westward, stopping in Muskingum 
 county until 1841, when they pushed westward to Wabash county, Indiana. 
 There were born to them twelve children, eight of whom are yet living, viz., 
 Elizabeth, now Mrs. Spinks, of Harrison county, Iowa; Fannie J., now Mrs. 
 Brady, of Wabash, Indiana ; William, now of Seward; Sarah A., now Mrs. 
 James A. Brown, of Los Angeles, Cal.; Solomon, of Dakota; David P., of Seward, 
 and Joseph, of Dakota county, Nebraska. The old people followed their children 
 to the West in 1856, and settled in Harrison county, Iowa, and in 1864 they set- 
 tled upon a homestead two miles north-east of Seward, and there spent the 
 remainder of their days. Grandmother Imlay died May 6, 1871, and Grandfather 
 followed her to rest June 10, 1872. 
 
232 HISTOEY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 They each united with the Presbyterian church in the days of their youth, and 
 through all the chequered scenes of their long life they kept the faith to the end. 
 It was our pleasure to have a familiar acquaintance with these good old people, 
 and we are warranted in saying that Grandfather Imlay was one of the best 
 Christian men that it has ever been our pleasure to meet. 
 
 They were laid to rest side by side in the Seward cemetery, and were mourned 
 by their large family of children and a great number of grandchildren. 
 
 DUNCAN. 
 Miss Elizabeth Evans was born October 4, 1838, near Logansport, Ind. Was 
 married to John F. Duncan in 1850, in Mercer county, 111., where her parents had 
 taken up their abode during her early childhood. Removed to Seward county and 
 settled on a homestead in May, 1866. To her were born six children, only one, 
 Mrs. Effie Manley, of Iowa, now survives. Three of the children were buried at 
 Seward; a bright little girl (Mary) of eight years, a young son, Isaac, who bore 
 sad affliction during his whole life, and a young infant. Her death occurred in the 
 summer of 1872, and she was buried at Seward. Mrs. Duncan was a most noble 
 woman, a faithful wife and loving mother, suflering and laboring in the midst of 
 poverty with all meekness and earnestness of soul, and while she was denied the 
 luxuries and many of the comforts of life, she labored on patiently and lovingly 
 for her household. She united with the Missionary Baptist church in her early 
 life. She possessed many of the Christian graces in a marked degree, and when 
 her sweet life ebbed away all were sure that she had gone to dwell with her 
 blessed Savior. She left a husband and two children to mourn her loss, one of 
 which, the infant, soon followed her to the tomb. 
 
 ELSIE T. WALKER, WIFE OF DK. LELAND WALKER. 
 
 It becomes our sad duty to chronicle the death of another of Nebraska's brave 
 pioneers, and one of our most eflficient temperance heroines. She died at Kansas 
 City, Mo., Sunday, Feb, 14, 1886, while homeward bound from Hot Springs. 
 
 Elsie T. Cooper was born at Mount Vernon, Ohio, January 12, 1831. She was 
 converted at the age of fourteen, and united with the Missionary Baptist church. 
 Was married to Dr. Walker, Sept. 14, 1853. Five children were born to them, 
 Homer A., now of Ord, Neb.; Ida E., now Mrs. Dr. Avery, of Ulysses, Neb.; 
 Warren M., of Seward, and Elmer E., who followed his mother to the tomb dur- 
 ing the last autumn. Their youngest, a daughter, died in infancy. 
 
 The family removed to Seward county the first of December, 1867, and located 
 on a homestead three miles north-east of the present city. In the summer of 1868 
 their house was blown to pieces in a violent storm. Mrs. Walker and the children 
 came near losing their lives. The Doctor concluded to rebuild their house in the 
 embryo city, and here our friend has lived and labored with us for eighteen years. 
 Hers was a life of remarkable labor. While she was physically frail, she had 
 unbounded ambition, and Avas always among the foremost in all public enter- 
 prises and labors of love. With uncompromising fidelity to principle, she was 
 generous to the faults of others. She was an active and working member of the 
 church, was always ready to give battle to the rnm traffic, was one of the leaders 
 of the crusade in 1874, and one of the noble band of Christian mothers that form 
 the W. C. T. U. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 233 
 
 In her younger days she was a great help to the Doctor in his professional 
 labors, especially among the poor. She was a frequent visitor to the abodes of 
 suffering and poverty, and would carry sunshine. Many a time has she given 
 freely of her means and of her strength and labor to , restore the sick, and thus 
 bless mankind. We rejoice that her good works will follow through the years to 
 come. She was followed to her resting place by a host of old neighbors and 
 friends. Rev. G. M. Morey, an old friend of the family, officiated. She sweetly 
 sleeps in Seward cemetery. 
 
 LINDSEY. 
 
 Mrs. Adaline Lindsey was born a slave in Eastern Missouri. By dint of her 
 o wn perseverance she learned to read and write, by stealth, with the assistance of 
 white children. Was married to a Mr. Taylor at seventeen, and in 1856 her hus- 
 band was sold and taken south. Years rolled on and she supposed her husband 
 to be dead. She was again married to a Mr. Tate. She suffered slavery in its 
 most cruel form, doing the hardest kind of drudgery and receiving most barbar- 
 ous treatment. Once she was beaten and left for dead, and from this she never 
 fully recovered. At the opening of the war she heard of some Union people living 
 in a distant neighborhood. She made arrangements with them to furnish her 
 with northern papers. They would place papers in the hollow of a certain tree, 
 and she would borrow her master's horse at dead of night and ride six miles, get 
 the papers, and then slyly read them to the slaves of her neighborhood. Imagine 
 the rising hopes and fears of those slaves as the eloquent young woman would 
 unfold to them the thrilling events of such vital importance to them. 
 
 In 1862 she made ready, and one dark, rainy night she saddled her master's 
 "best horse, with her mistress' sixty dollar saddle, and strapped her six year old 
 boy to the saddle, and rode eighty miles before the next noon, through a drench- 
 ing rain. She went fairly flying through the rebel pickets. Once she ran near a 
 squad of boys in blue. They gave chase, but had hard work to convince her that 
 they were friends, but finally succeeded. They were about to raid the village 
 just ahead, and the captain said to her that they would ride through the town and 
 for her to follow in their wake. On nearing the town, at the word of command 
 a bold dash was made, and the boys went tearing and slashing through at a fear- 
 ful rate, and our heroine made the best use of time and rushed her panting steed 
 through the scene of carnage. She reached the city of Hannibal in safety, where 
 her mother lived. The old woman liad previously secured her freedom. With 
 assistance of her mother she was secreted until night. The master arrived during 
 the day. He found the horse, minus the saddle. His principal game he could 
 not find. She owed her mistress a spite for an unmerciful whipping she had 
 received for borrowing that saddle on a former occasion. A stone had been tied 
 to the saddle and all was sunk in the river. She afterwards wrote her mistress to 
 drain the " father of waters ' ' and get her saddle. She crossed the river at night, 
 and made her way to Galesburg with her boy. 
 
 In 1863 she united with the African M. E. church, where she became an hon- 
 ored and useful member, until she moved to Seward in 1874. After the war she was 
 rejoined by her second husband, Mr. Tate, who accompanied her to Seward, where 
 he died in 1880. In 1884 she was married to Mr. B. Lindsey, a very worthy col- 
 ored man. 
 
234 HISTORY OF SEAVARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 She became a leading member of the VV. C T. U., and was a most earnest 
 Christian lady. She was a woman of rare intellectual abilities, and was honored 
 by all who knew her. She rejoiced when her work was done, and was fully ready. 
 She chose her own text: " Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord," and gave 
 personal directions about the funeral and burial. She lies beside her former hus- 
 band in Seward cemetery. She was followed to the tomb by a very large concourse 
 of people, including a large delegation of the W. C. T. U. Her death occurred 
 AprU 25, 1886. 
 
 WALLICK. 
 
 Mary H. Johnson was born Jan. 3, 1834, in Fulton county, Illinois. Was mar- 
 ried to Abram Wallick, July 26, 1850. Moved to Iowa" in 1853. Joined the Bap- 
 tist church in 1858. Moved to Seward county in 1868, where she died in Feb- 
 ruary, 1871. 
 
 Mrs. W. was the mother of thirteen children, as follows : Elizabeth V. Smithy 
 now dead, Christian J., John F., Ellen, Abram M., Martha N., Elvira, Melville, 
 Wallace, Mary L., Henry C, Ada, and Jane. 
 
 Mrs. Wallick is remembered by all the older settlers as a very worthy Christian 
 lady, who went through great tribulation to her brighter home in the skies to re- 
 ceive her crown. 
 
 COURTRIGHT, 
 [Written by Edith M. France, of York, Neb.] 
 
 Abram Courtright, the oldest son of Elisha and Sarah Courtright, was born Feb- 
 ruary 1, 1819, at Wilkesbarre, Luzerne Co., Pa. ; in 1840 moved to Illinois, settling 
 at Dixon, Lee county; the year 1847 entered the Mexican war, serving until its 
 close; was married in 1849 to Miss S. H. Gaunt, of Dixon, 111., there being born 
 to them two children, a son and daughter — Elisha Courtright, resident of Milford, 
 Seward county, and Edith M. Courtright (Mrs. Geo. B. France,) of York, York 
 county. Neb. In 1863 Mr. Courtright decided to move West, and in the fall with 
 his family came to Nebraska, settling at that time in Cass county, buying a fiirm,. 
 remaining in this county until 1866; moving at that time to Seward county, im- 
 proving the opportunity of the homestead law, and locating four miles east of Mil- 
 ford. He spent the remainder of his life cultivating and improving his farm, and 
 on January 25, 1882, after a short illness, there passed from this life to a life be- 
 yond, a kind and loving husband, an indulgent father, a true friend, and loyal 
 republican. In 1846 he became a charter member of the brotherhood of the A. F. 
 and A. M. , remaining a staunch member all his life. Having traveled all over 
 the United States, he always said, "All things considered, I think Nebraska the 
 finest state in the LTuion." Having been an early settler he ever felt a great in- 
 terest in the development of the state and especially the county in which he lived. 
 At his fireside the stranger and the early settler could always find shelter and a 
 hearty welcome. 
 
 LANGDON. 
 
 Milton Langdon was born in Sugar Grove, Warren county, Penn., on the 28th of 
 April, 1823; removed in an early day to Jauesville, Wisconsin, where he married 
 Miss Anna Mitchel,on the 26th of April, 1848; here their four children were born, 
 viz., Andrew, now of Lincoln, Neb.; Carrie, now Mrs. Hugh Hunter, of Seward; 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 2df> 
 
 Kate, now Mrs. Meliek, wife of Sheriff Melick, of Liucoln, and John M., now of 
 Seward. In the early spring of 1853, they removed with their young family to 
 Kichland Centre, Wis., and there remained until the spring of 1858, when he took 
 the western fever and loaded up his wordly goods and family and traveled all the 
 weary way with an ox team to Civil Bend, in Fremont county, Iowa. He took up 
 his abode at the salt basins in May, 1862. The writer had met him several times 
 during the fall and early winter of 1661 and 1662. He was engaged in the manu- 
 facture of salt for three seasons. He was at one time a partner in business with us. 
 He continued his residence in that locality until the founding of Lincoln, when h& 
 took up his residence in the city; was elected treasurer of Lancaster county in 
 1868, and held the office two terms; removed to the Oak Groves in Seward county, 
 in 1872, and was engaged in the manufacture of lime and brick, and invented a 
 novel and valuable brick kiln, in which straw and hay could be used for burning 
 brick with very little cost. Mr. Langdon was a man of much more than ordinary 
 intelligence. We u-sed to call him a walking encyclopedia in all historical mat- 
 ters. He was a genial companion, a good neighbor, wide awake and full of energy. 
 His death occurred in December, 1860, and he was buried at Oak Grove cemetery. 
 
 MRS. ANXE LAXGDOX. 
 [From the State Journal. Contributed by W. W. Cox.] 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born April 26, 1621, in Bucks county. Pa.; died 
 in Seward, Neb,, July 16, 1884, She removed at an early age to Rochester, N. Y., 
 and while yet young to Janesville, Wisconsin, where she was married to Milton 
 Langdon, in 1848. [The reader is referred to the biography of Mr. Langdon for 
 many particulars.] After the death of her hu.sband, she lived with the children. 
 She kept house for her son John, at Seward, until prostrate with her sickness, 
 when she was kindly cared for by her daughter, Mrs. Hugh Hunter, Deceased 
 joined the Congregational church in her youth, and her life has been that of an 
 every-day Christian. Her noble self-sacrilicing labor through the many years of 
 her pioneer life are to be remembered by all who knew her. She was the light 
 and joy of the home and the community. She was loved and honored by all. In 
 hours of prosperity or deep adversity, she was ever the same kind, affectionate 
 lady, with words of counsel for the erring, with words of sympathy when needed, 
 and works of charity among the suffering. Hers was a beautiful life, full of the 
 Christian graces. Her crown will be thickly set with precious gems. With work 
 all well done, she was ready to depart and dwell with her Savior, whom she had 
 loved, faithfully served, and confidingly trusted. Funeral services were conducted 
 by Rev. T. L. Sexton. She was laid to rest beside her husband in Oak Grove 
 cemetery. Peaceful be her rest in the arms of her Blessed Master. 
 
 REV. A. J. COMBS 
 
 Was born in Indiana, November 12, 1845; was converted and united with the M. 
 E. church in 1865; was married to Miss Mary Robinson in 1869. He was an 
 earnest and eloquent preacher, and was honored and loved by all that knew him. 
 His death occurred at David City, in 1879, and he was the same year followed to 
 the tomb by his young wife, and three little orphan boys were left to mourn their 
 loss 
 
236 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 Stites Wooley was boru in Hamilton county, Ohio, June 6, 1807, and died at 
 Seward, Neb., December 10, 1887, being eighty years, six months, and three days 
 old. In 1839 he was married to Miss M. Stevenson, who survives him. In 1H41 
 they removed to Cincinnati, where he worked at his trade (a brick mason), and 
 in 1856 the family settled at Nebraska City, remaining until their settlement at 
 Seward, in 1866, where they improved a homestead on Sec. 15, "G" precinct, for 
 many years, when he sold the farm and moved into the city, and there resided 
 in his old age. There were eight children born to them. The two oldest died at 
 Cincinnati, and the two youngest at Nebraska City. Their only daughter, Amelia, 
 now Mrs. Ross, resides at Albina, Oregon. Fred is at Seward, and Oliver and 
 Henry are in the West. Father Wooley was highly respected, was an honorable 
 and upright citizen, and a consistent Christian. United with the Presbyterian 
 church during his early manhood. Funeral 'was held at the Presbyterian church, 
 Eev. Chestnut, the pastor, officiating. He was buried in Seward cemetery. 
 
 HAGEMAN. 
 William Hageman was born November 6, 1805, in Somerset county. New Jersey; 
 was married at his native place to Miss Nettie A. Quickstriker. To them six 
 children were born, viz., Maria, now Mrs. M. Yonng, of Earitan, Ills.; John S., 
 now dead; G. Vandvere, now of Milford, Neb. ; Jane N., now dead; Abraham V., 
 of Seward, and Miss J. A., now the wife of Gus. Brokaw, of Euby, Neb. The 
 family removed to Fulton county, Illinois, in 1839, where he buried his wife, 
 January 19, 1850. In the year following, he returned to New Jersey, and married 
 Mrs. M. V. Skillman, a young widow, and the sister of his former wife. He 
 brought her to the Fulton county home, where were born to them, Miss Helen V., 
 now Mrs. F. Garner, of Euby, Neb.; Chris. S. and Simon P., now of Seward, and 
 Wm. W., now of Lincoln county, Nebraska. He removed to Seward county and 
 settled on a homestead four miles south of Seward in the spring of 1866, where he 
 lived until 1880, when he made his residence in the city of Seward, residing there 
 until his death, which occurred November 15, 1882, at the advanced age of seventy- 
 seven years. Mr. Hageman united with the Dutch Eeformed church in his early 
 life, and was an exemplary Christian through all the changeful scenes of a long 
 life. His aged widow, a large family of children and grandchildren, together 
 with a host of friends, mourn his loss. He was buried in the Hageman cemetery, 
 near Euby station. 
 
 BOYES. 
 
 Margaret Broadhead was born in Bethany, Indiana, June 15, 1842. Eemoved 
 with her parents to Story county, Iowa, in 1855. Married Geo. W. Boyes in 
 April, 1857. To them were born four children, all yet living: Manuel, now of 
 Wray, Colo. ; Alice, now Mrs. Underbill, of Utica, Nebraska; and a pair of twins 
 Harvey and Harris, now of Euby, Nebraska. The family moved to Seward in 
 
 1868, where her husband built a saw-mill, and resided at Seward until February, 
 
 1869, when they returned to Story county, Iowa, where she died June 29, 1869. 
 We well remember the subject of this sketch as a very amiable lady. She was an 
 invalid and suffered greatly, yet patiently. She was beloved by all who had the 
 pleasure of her acquaintance. She was buried in Story county, and mourned by 
 her husband and four voung children. 
 
HISTORY OF SF:WARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 237 
 
 Samuel Manley was born in Humelstown, Penn., May 21, 1836, and died at 
 Ulysses, Nebraska, July 31, 1877. Mr. Manley lived at the old home until he 
 was eighteen, when he, with his parents, removed to Muscatine, Iowa, where 
 he learned the carpenter's trade. Married Miss Harriet Cromer in 1862. There 
 were born to them Frankie, now Mrs. Frankie Eoberts, of Colorado, and Iba, now 
 dead. The young people removed to Seward county in the fall of 1868, and set- 
 tled upon a homestead three miles north-west of Seward. In the summer of 1870 
 he burnt the first kiln of brick in the county, shortly after which he built the 
 first brick house of the county, and also built the first brick structure in the city 
 (the old Reporter office, on Jackson avenue). He also built two small frame 
 buildings on the corner where Goehner's hardware now stands, in one of which he 
 opened a grocery store, and Mr. Humphrey opened a drug store during the winter 
 of 1868. There were born to them three children, Samuel, now with his mother 
 at Seward, Ruth and Luther, both now dead. Mr. Mauley was twice elected 
 county commissioner for Seward county. Was a member of the Masonic frater- 
 nity, and attained the high degree of Knight Templar. l\Ir. Manley was a very 
 active business-man, and did much toward the development of the county. Was 
 killed while examining an excavation for a mill flume at Ulysses, Neb., where 
 he was engaged in building a mill. Was buried in Seward cemetery, under the 
 auspices of the Knights Templar. He left a widow and four children, two of 
 whom soon followed him to the tomb. A fine monument to his memory was 
 erected by his widow. 
 
 ROGER COOPER 
 Was boru August 1, 1800, in Vermont; was married to Sarah W. Babcock, July 5 
 1826, in Salem, Washington county. New York. The family moved to Knox 
 county, Ohio, in 1829; from thence to Carroll county, HI., in 1856, and to Jones 
 county, Iowa, in 18.57. They settled on section 12, in G precinct, Seward county, Ne- 
 braska, in October, 1866. There were born to them, Mary C, June 16, 1827, now 
 dead; Wm. H., at one time a resident of Seward county, now a resident of Grant 
 county, Wis. ; Elsie T., the wife of Dr. L. Walker, now dead, born Jan. 12, 1831 ; 
 Lucretia, born Dec. 6, 1833, now dead; Leonard, born June 19, 1835, now dead; 
 Hannah E., born Sept. 11, 1836, now of Fremont county, Iowa; Edward, born 
 March 24, 1839, now of Ulysses, Neb.; Isaac M., born March 22, 1841, now dead; 
 Clark E., born May 19, 1843, now dead; Sarah, born March 13, 1846, now dead; 
 J. K., born April 24, 1848, now of Ortello, Custer county, Neb. Mr. Cooper was 
 a man of remarkable vigor, even in his old age. His death occurred at Ulysses, 
 where the old people were living with their son Edward, on June 2, 1885, being 
 84 years, 10 months, and 2 days old. He leaves his aged widow and his remaining 
 children and a great host of grandchildren to mourn his loss. Mr. Cooper was a 
 member of the M. E. church. He was buried at Seward. 
 
 STAN WOOD. 
 
 Mrs. Mary, daughter of David and Dorcas Imlay, was born in 1820, in Muskin- 
 gum county, Ohio. Was married to James McFadden in 1848, at Wabash, Indiana. 
 Removed to Calhoun, Iowa, in 1856, where she buried her husband in 1857. She 
 was at this time the mother of six children, viz., Henry, now of Holt county, Neb. ; 
 
238 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 Lydia, now Mrs. Hoops, of Stapleburst, Neb. ; James W. and Marcus, both of 
 Omaha; Mary, now Mrs. Hecocks, of Seward; and Dethula, now Mrs. Nelson, of 
 Montana. She married Sabin Stanwood in 1860, in Harrison county, Iowa, and to 
 them were born Andrew and Joseph, now of Seward. They settled in Seward 
 county, on a homestead three miles north-east of Seward, in 1867, where she died 
 in 1874. She united with the Presbyterian church in early life, and died in the 
 triumph of a living faith, and mourned by a large family and a host of friends. 
 
 DONALSON. 
 Elizabeth Denning Donalson, mother of Mrs. Wm. Imlay, of Seward, was born 
 June 12, 1797, at West Union, Ohio. Was married at the age of twenty-seven to 
 Wm. Donalson, and became the mother of six children, four of whom are now 
 dead, viz., Job, John H., Kebecca E., and Samuel A., leaving^but Mrs. Sarah Fow- 
 ler, of Windsor, Mo., and Mrs. Mary E. Imlay, of Seward. In 1826 the family 
 moved to the wilds of Indiana, and hewed out for themselves a home in Decatur 
 county, residing there about ten years, when they moved to Wabash, where she 
 buried her husband. She, by industry and frugality, managed to keep the family 
 together until the two surviving sisters were grown and married. She resided at 
 Wabash until 1875, when she followed her daughters to the West. She sojourned 
 at Windsor for six months, when she made her home with Mr. and Mrs. Imlay 
 until her death, which occurred Dec. 23, 1879. She suftered great affliction during 
 the last months of her life from a fall she received. She united with the Presby- 
 terian church in her early youth, and served her Master faithfully through her 
 long and eventful life. She was buried in Seward cemetery. 
 
 BOUGHTOX. 
 
 Eliza W. Bent was born in Sterling, Cayuga county, New York, May 22, 1815. 
 On October 3, 1839, she was married to Rev. Newell Boughton, a minister of the 
 Baptist church. For fifteen years she ably assisted him in his ministrations in the 
 various churches of which he had pastoral charge. Mr. Boughton's health failing, 
 he thought a change of labor would be beneficial, and accordingly settled on a 
 farm near Baraboo, Wisconsin. There Mr. Boughton died Oct. 6, 1854, and there 
 the widow continued to reside until the fall of 1876, when she'removed to Seward, 
 where she resided until her death. 
 
 In November, 1878, she was afflicted with a stroke of paralysis from which she 
 partially recovered, and a second stroke prostrated her in January, 1882. From 
 the latter she never recovered, and during the five years after its occurrence she 
 was almost unable to walk, and was confined to the house much of the 'time. 
 During this time her strength rapidly failed, and during the last three years she 
 was incapable of taking any care of herself. Her only daughter, who had never 
 been separated from her mother, took care of her during this period with great 
 devotion. On Monday, July 4th, she was attacked with severe bowel troubles, 
 and took to bed. All that medical skill and loving care could do for her was done, 
 but to no avail. The severe heat of the weather and her extreme weakness com- 
 bined to make the disease irresistible, and she quietly passed away on Saturday, 
 July 9, 1887, aged seventy-two years. Throughout the years of her invalid life 
 she had suftered little pain, and her last sickness and death were unattended by 
 suffering. Paralysis had so deadened the nerves that sensation was weak, and 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 239 
 
 ■consequently no pain was felt. When very young Mrs. Boughton became a Chris- 
 tian, and united with the Presbyterian church at the age of fourteen. After her 
 marriage to a Baptist clergyman she transferred her membership to that church, 
 and remained a faithful and consistent member of that denomination all her life. 
 Though in her later years deprived of the privilege of attending divine service, she 
 never lost her interest in religion, nor her faith in God. Only a few hours before 
 losing consciousness she expressed her entire confidence in Christ, and her belief 
 that she was about to be taken to a better world, where she would be I'eunited to 
 her husband, to whose memory she had been faithful during the thirty-three years 
 of her widowhood. Mrs. Boughton was the mother of seven children, of whom 
 three survive her, Clarence E. Boughton, of Baraboo, Wisconsin; Augustus S. 
 Boughton, of Indianola, Neb., and Mrs. F. G. Simmons, of Seward, Neb. Funeral 
 services were held at the Baptist church, conducted by Eev. J. N. Webb, who was 
 an old friend and co- worker with Mr. Boughton, from the text, " Let me die the 
 death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his." 
 
 MORKIS. 
 
 At his home in Seward, Neb., Wednesday morning, at 9 A.M., July 28, 1880, of 
 cancerous afi'ections, William Morris, aged 46 years. Mr. Morris was born in 
 Harrison county, Ohio, in 1834, residing there until he was about eight years old, 
 aiter which his parents removed to Tuscarawas county, Ohio. Up to 16 years of 
 age he attended public school, when he was apprenticed to a blacksmith to learn 
 that trade ; working at this business until the breaking out of the war, he enlisted 
 in the 145th Illinois infantry and served nine months, seeing military service in 
 Missouri. While in the army he contracted chronic diarrhea, from w'hich he 
 never entirely recovered. On leaving the army he engaged in the hardware busi- 
 ness at Elkhart, 111., with his brother John H. Morris, in which they continued 
 for two years. Since that time William and J. H. Morris have been engaged for 
 short times in other mercantile pursuits, but devoted most of their time to inven- 
 tions. Morris' reverse buckle lor harness was produced by them, and is now 
 principally used in the construction of harness, and other valuable inventions, in- 
 cluding the " Delusion " and " 15th Amendment" mouse traps; and another 
 valuable invention which they were on the eve of manufacturing at Seward. He 
 was married in Ford county, 111., in 1867 to Miss Eliza J. Higdon, and the fruits 
 of their marriage are a son and daughter, six and eleven years old respectively. 
 In the fall of 1874 he removed to Seward, Neb., with his brother John and fam- 
 ilies. Last June a form of cancerous or hard malignant tumor appeared on his 
 left arm, which necessitated the amputation of the arm, but this proved of no 
 avail, and after long and patient suffering he died. Mr. Morris' inventive genius 
 was of the highest practical order. 
 
 ROLAND EEED. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born at Bainbridge, New York, in 1819, and 
 there he lived until his majority, when he pushed out to Tioga Co., Penn., and 
 made his home at the town of Shipping, where he remained five years, and mar- 
 ried Miss Jane Wetherbee, at the age of twenty-three. He changed his place of 
 residence to Delmer in the same county, and there remained until he moved to 
 Seward county in 1866. He located on a homestead two miles west of Beaver 
 
240 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 Crossing, where he spent the remainder of his days. There were born to him nine 
 children. He was a stalwart republican in polities. His religious sentiments 
 were Presbyterian, although he never united with the church. He left a widow 
 and family to mourn his loss. Was buried in the Beaver Crossing cemetery on the 
 ninth day of February, 1884. 
 
 MITCHEL. 
 James Emery Mitchel was born in McDonough county, Ills., Sept. 4, 1854; re- 
 sided in that county until five years ago, when he made his residence in Seward. 
 He entered the ministry in 1882, and was stationed at Germautown, where he 
 resided until his death. Was married Feb. 22, 1879, to Miss Sarah E. Dunahugh, 
 and to them were born four children, three boys and one girl, all of whom are 
 with their mother. Mr. Mitchel suftered greatly for several years from a honey- 
 comb enlargement of his leg. He found it necessary to have the leg amputated 
 in the winter of 1883, and then the case became more and more aggravated, causing 
 tumors, and aff"ected his lungs, finally caused his death, which occurred Nov. 22, 
 1886. He was buried in Seward cemetery, and left his widow, four little chil- 
 dren, and a wide circle of friends to mourn his loss. Mr. Mitchel was a very 
 zealous Christian worker. While his suflerings were terrible, yet he remained 
 cheerful and seemed always to rejoice in a bi'ight hope. He was cut down in his 
 early manhood, but he earned the gracious favor of the Master, and died 
 triumphantly. 
 
 JASPER EOBEBTS 
 Was born March 24, 1849, in Fulton county, 111., and died at Seward, Oct. 15, 
 1884, from a wound received while examining a revolver, which was accidentally 
 discharged. Mr. Eoberts came to Nebraska with his parents in the spring of 
 1866. He resided with the old people until he was of age, when he took a home- 
 stead near the present town of Staplehurst. Was married to Miss Mattie E. 
 Davis, daughter of Hon. W. E. Davis, June 25, 1871. There were born to them 
 five children, two of whom live and are with their mother, Claudius and Ealph, 
 two bright boys. Shortly after the sad death of the father, the oldest living 
 child, a boy of ten years (Wilber), was accidentally killed by the wreck of a 
 building in a heavy wind storm. Mr. Eoberts moved to Ulysses in 1880, and run 
 a meat market, then he dealt in stock and grain, and afterwards he started a gro- 
 cery store which he continued to manage to the time of his death. Mr. Eoberts 
 was a very successful and popular business-man, and his loss was sorely felt by 
 the community in which he lived. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, 
 and great numbers of his beloved order followed him to the tomb. He left a 
 wife, three children, and a wide circle of relatives and friends to mourn his un- 
 timely death. His last expressions as he neared the dark river were that he was 
 ready to go, and his only regrets were to leave the family and friends. Eev. 
 Selby, of David City, ofliciated at the burial. 
 
 PAYNE. 
 
 Steven Payne was born in the state of New York, July 11, 1811. He early in 
 life united with the Missionary Baptist church, and although never ordained as a 
 minister, he for many years held a license to do work in that line. His course has 
 always been open, frank, and sincere. Whatever he believed to be right that he 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 241 
 
 did -with all his might, regardless of what others thought or did. For a long time 
 he had been in poor health, and for some weeks had been confined to his bed, and 
 after much suffering quietly passed away, honored and respected by all for his 
 many good traits of character. Father Payne settled at Seward in 187 — His 
 death occurred Nov. 23, 1887, and he was buried Nov. 26th, Rev. J. N. Webb 
 officiating at the funeral. 
 
 REV. o. P. CONE 
 
 Was born in Ashtabula county, Ohio, April 16, 1842. His father, Rev. Edwin 
 Cone, was a local preacher in the Western Reserve conference of the church of the 
 United Brethren in Christ. At an early age he was converted, and joined the 
 church of his father. His boyhood and youth were not altogether devoid of hard- 
 ships, but they were well calculated to develop the symmetrical and self-reliant 
 character for which he was noted in the years of his vigorous manhood. Oct. 9, 
 1861, he was married to Miss Sallie H. Citerley, in Lake county, Ohio. Three 
 children, one girl and two boys, blessed this union. A few years later he felt that 
 he was called of God to preach the gospel. Ever ready to respond to the call of 
 duty, he connected himself with the Western Reserve conference about 1871, and 
 at once entered the active work of the ministry. Eight years he traveled in this 
 conference, his last circuit being Richfield, Summit county, Ohio, on which he 
 labored three years. These were years of abundant prosperity for the church, 
 and Rev. Cone earned for himself a reputation subordinate perhaps] to that of but 
 few of his co-laborers. In the fall of 1879 he moved his family to Nebraska, buy- 
 ing a farm one-half mile from Unadilla, Otoe county. He at once joined the East 
 Nebraska annual conference, and the following spring was appointed to Unadilla 
 circuit. Here he remained two years, during which time a commodious house of 
 worship was built in Unadilla. At the annual conference in the spring of 1882, 
 he was elected one of the presiding elders. In this capacity he was as successful 
 as before, and won the esteem of not only the people with whom he came in con- 
 tact, but of the ministers under his charge as well. At the expiration of the year 
 he was appointed to Seward station, where he served the people one year with gen- 
 eral satisfaction. Feeling that the general state of his health required him to take 
 a short rest, in the spring of 1884 he located for one year, but in August he ac- 
 cepted the position of general soliciting agent for Western College, Toledo, Iowa, in 
 which he worked during the fall and winter, doing good service for the educational 
 interests of the church. At the meeting of the annual conlerence, in March, 1885, 
 a lengthy petition from the people of Seward station was presented, asking that 
 their former pastor be returned to them for the ensuing year. Conference com- 
 plied, and Rev. Cone, feeling that his duty lay in the active work of the ministry, 
 yielded to the call of the church, and again became the pastor at Seward. May 
 31st, while preaching one of the most powerful sermons of his life, he was taken 
 sick in the pulpit, and was carried from the church to the house of Bro. George 
 Slonecker. By June 8th he was able to return to his home at Unadilla. On Sat- 
 urday, the 13th, he was stricken with paralysis of the lower limbs, and on Sunday 
 evening, with the setting of the sun, he peacefully and triumphantly passed the 
 boundaries of mortal existence, and entered that heaven whose beauties and 
 glories he had so often and so eloquently portrayed to his delighted hearers. 
 
 16 
 
242 HISTORY OF SEVV^ARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 EDGAR M. SPEAR 
 
 Was born in Webster, Monroe county, N. Y., June 7, 1840. Served in the war of 
 the rebellion under Couimodore Farragut, and was on the gunboat Sciota, at Mobile, 
 when it was blown up. Came to Seward in March, 1872, and planted a nursery. 
 Died Dec. 20, 1880. We are sorry that we can give no further account of a life 
 so eventful as his must have been. Mr. Spfear is remembered as a very worthy 
 citizen. 
 
 FREDERICK S. JOHNSON, 
 
 Senior member of the firm of F. S. Johnson & Co. , proprietors of Quenchaqua 
 flouring mills, and bankers at Milford. The subject of this sketch came toMilford, 
 Nebraska, in March, 1880, and, in company with James F. Johnson and H. D. 
 Perry, purchased an interest in the above flouring mills from the original proprie- 
 tor, J. L. Davison. In the following August the firm of Johnson, Perry & Co. 
 bought out the other partners, and the mill was operated by them until the death 
 of Mr. Perry, which occurred December 22, 1881, since that time the firm being 
 F. S. Johnson & Co., consisting of F. S. Johnson and James F. Johnson. The mill 
 is a brick and frame building, four stories high, 36x46. It is run by water power, 
 with a fall of fourteen feet and 150 horse power. Since April, 1881, have been 
 tvirning out 260 barrels of flour per day. They use steel rollers instead of buhrs 
 for the manufacture of flour, and have nine sets of these rollers, which only require 
 dressing once in five years. They are very much superior to the old style of mill- 
 ing, and produce better results, as 100 jjounds of this flour is equal to 122 pounds 
 ground by buhrs. The " Shogo" flour took the first premium at the Nebraska 
 State Fair for the best spring wheat made in the state, and the bread from this 
 flour also took the premium. The names " Shogo" and " Quenchaqua," stamped on 
 these sacks, excited considerable curiosity at the exhibition, as everyone wished to 
 know" the meaning of them. They are Aztec words, "Shogo " the brand of flour, 
 meaning the very best, and " Ineuchaqua," the name of the mills, meaning num- 
 ber one. The subject of this sketch was born in Oswego, N. Y., September 15, 
 1856, and received his literary education at Union college, Schenectady, N. Y, 
 
 WILLIAM H. REED 
 
 Was born in Hartford county, Connecticut, in 1810. Our record of his younger 
 years is very meager. Lost his first wife in Ohio, and was there married a second 
 time. Lost the second wife in Washington county, Iowa. Married Mrs. Watson 
 in 1857, who still survives him, and now resides at Weeping Water, in Cass county, 
 Nebraska. Mr. Reed came to Weeping Water Falls in 1861, and built a grist- 
 mill, which was the second one in Cass county. In 1866 he moved the old mill to 
 Milford and built a fine stone mill at the Falls in its place. Mr. Reed was a 
 partner with Mr. Davison in Milford, and he helped start the town. He took a 
 lively interest in all public matters, was always wide-awake and in earnest with 
 regard to the development of the county and his town. Was elected county clerk 
 in the fall of 1867, and had a very important part in the county seat contest. Mr. 
 Reed will be remembered as a man of will power ; was very determined and ener- 
 getic in all his undertakings. 
 
 While he lived at Milford he was the leader in all her enterprises, and foremost 
 in all her batiles with her rivals. He always fought to win, but stern fate seemed 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 243 
 
 lo be against him in the contest, and when the battle was lost irretrievably the 
 blow was so crashing that the old gentleman could hardly endure to remain in 
 the county, so he spent his last days at Weeping Water, where he had large inter- 
 ests. Mr. Reed was a kind-hearted, genial man. We would take it that he was a 
 an excellent neighbor and a good business-man. While it was the province of the 
 writer of this sketch to often cross swords with Mr. Reed in the struggles of the 
 past, yet we always admired his untiring energy and determination to win or die 
 in the last ditch. We always found him a pleasant man in his every-day life, 
 and one with many traits of character to admire. His life was active, and he acted 
 well his part in the development of Nebraska. When he had outlived his three 
 score and ten years he died, at the good old age of seventy-three, at Weeping 
 Water, Nebraska, and leaves an aged widow, a large family, and a wide circle of 
 friends and acquaintances to mourn his loss. 
 
 EEV. E. L. CLARK 
 
 Was born in 1810, in Addison Co., Vt. His father died just before his birth, and 
 the lad was raised by a stepfather. Was raised on a farm, and went to school in 
 Addison until he was of age, when he began studying for the ministry with a 
 Baptist clergyman. Married Miss Nancy Munger in 1831, at Whiting. Miss 
 Munger was born in 1812, at Whiting, Vt. Commenced his ministry at Troy in 
 the Baptist church. Preached at various places in Vermont until 1851, when his 
 health failed, and he moved to the Adirondack country in New York, and opened 
 a farm in the wilderness. Some time alterwards the family took up their residence 
 at East Constable, N. Y., and remained there until they removed to Seward county 
 in 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Clark raised eleven children, six boys and five girls. Mr. 
 Clark was the first resident minister of the county, and preached the second ser- 
 mon in the neighborhood of Seward, in the fall of 1865. The family had many 
 hardships to undergo in the early days, but he was a faithful worker and did very 
 much in moulding the moral and religious sentiment of this new country. Organ- 
 ized the first Baptist church, in 1870, at Seward, and remained its faithful pastor 
 until his health entirely failed, in the winter of 1872 and 1873. He died in the 
 spring of 1873, and was followed to the tomb by a sorrowing people. His wife died 
 in 1875 and was buried by his side. 
 
 BATCHELDER. 
 
 Louisa M. Whitwood was born near Ithaca, N. Y., April 17, 1831. In about 
 1846 her father's family moved to Rockford, Ills., where she was married to J. W. 
 Batchelder, by Rev. H. M. Goodwin, Feb. 18, 1852. The family moved to Seward 
 county in 1870, and settled in "B" precinct, where Mr. Batchelder still resides. 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Batchelder were born five children, as follows: Wm. H., born in 
 Rockford, Sept. 18, 1855; he now resides at Hoxie, Sheridan Co., Kansas; Flora I., 
 born at Rockford, Feb. 8, 1858; died of scarlet fever April 18, 1860; Whitwood J., 
 born at Rockford, March 10, 1861; resides now at "B;" Frank C.,born at Burritt, 
 111., Dec. 5, 1864; now resides at Grant, Keith Co., Neb. ; Edward G., born March 
 11, 1867, and still resides with his father. The deceased was for many years an 
 exemplary member of the Congregational church, and at the time of her death she 
 was a member of the Presbyterian church. She cheerfully bore the trials and pri- 
 w^ations of a frontier life. The kindness of her disposition and her readiness to as- 
 
244 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 sist in alleviating sorrow of others won for hei' the love of all who knew her. She 
 truly in the spirit of her Master went about doing good. She died triumphantly 
 when her work was well done, and left her husband, children, and a wide circle of 
 friends to mourn her loss. 
 
 KEV. ABRAM TOWNEE. 
 
 Born June 13, 1806, in Bradford Co., Pa. Married Miss Hester Vought, of his 
 native place, Jan. 1, 1826. Moved to Ohio in 1829. to Missouri In 1832. Was 
 licensed to preach in the M. E. church in 1844. Settled in Cass Co., Neb., in 1854, 
 when he preached the first sermou ever delivered in Cass county. His wife died 
 Feb. 7, 1866, at Rock Bluffs, in Cass county. The old gentleman moved to Butler 
 county in 1867, and had the honor of naming Ulysses. Since that date has several 
 times visited California, where he married a second wife, who lived but a short 
 time. Since that time he has made his home with his sons, Abram and Mc. D., 
 at Ulysses, and with his daughter, Mrs. Tishue, of Seward. There are six children 
 living, viz., Achatias, of Washington Territory; Abram, of Ulysses; Emily, now 
 Mrs. L. Patterson, of Kansas; Mc. D., of Ulysses; Susan, now Mrs. S. C. Cutter, 
 of Rapid City, Dak.; Lucy, now Mrs. William Gilmour, of Plattsmouth, Neb., and 
 Rannie, now Mrs. J. Tishue, of Seward. Mr. Towner lived a faithful Christian 
 and died in the triumphant faith of a blessed immortality. His death occurred 
 Aug. 29, 1886, at Ulysses, Neb. 
 
 MRS. JANE SNODGRASS, 
 
 The mother of Rev. E. W. Johnson, was born Aug. 4, 1812, in North Carolina. 
 She was the daughter of Elijah Wilcoxsen. When she was eighteen her parents 
 moved to Kentucky, from thence to Fulton county. 111., and located near the 
 present town of Lewiston. Here she married Moses C. Johnson, in 1831. In 1851 
 her husband was killed by a runaway team. She was the mother of nine children, 
 two sons and seven daughters. Among these children were Rev. E. W. Johnson, 
 Mrs. Abram Wallich, now deceased, and Mrs. Thomas Skillman. In 1853 she was 
 again married to Mr. James Snodgrass, and by him had one daughter. The old 
 lady died at Seward, Oct. 16, 1874. Her death was caused by injuries received 
 from a fall from the car steps at Seward depot one dark night. She suflered much 
 pain for several months from the injuries. When death came to her relief it found 
 her ready, and she quietly fell asleep in the arms of her Savior. 
 
 MRS. AMOS COLEMAN. 
 
 Mary C. Poisal was born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, June 13, 1839. She removed 
 with her father's family to Iowa in an early day, and to Cass Co., Nebraska, in 
 1864, where she engaged in teaching until her marriage to Amos Coleman in 1867, 
 July 30th. She was the mother of seven children, all boys, the oldest nineteen 
 and the youngest three years. Mrs. Coleman was converted at the tender age of 
 thirteen , and lived a consistent and earnest Christian life. Her home was with 
 the M. E. church, of which she was a valuable member. The family, consisting of 
 her husband and one child, settled on their homestead in " B " precinct in the 
 early spring of 1870, and they had their full share in the labors and trials of the 
 new settlement. She has been in poor health for near three years, her disease be- 
 ing a cancer of the breast. While a great sufferer she has been very patient and 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 245 
 
 cheerful. Her chief concern was that her husband and children should join her in 
 the better world. Her death occurred March 26,1888. She is mourned by the 
 family and a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. 
 
 KEV. THOMAS N. SKINNER 
 
 Was born is St. Lawrence county, Vermont, and was educated at Potsdam Col- 
 lege. At the age of twenty years he was converted to Christ. A few years later 
 he was married to Miss Ocha L. Bell, and emigrated from his native state to Illi- 
 nois, where he .commenced his ministerial work. At the age of thirty he re- 
 moved to Iowa, still continuing his chosen labor. In 1867 he was sent to Milford 
 in this county, to take charge of the Congregational church there and remained 
 its pastor for several years. In 1873 his wife died, leaving a family of five chil- 
 dren. On the 27th of March, 1877, he was married to Miss Nancy A. Dugan, who 
 still survives him. Later he removed to the north-western part of this state, 
 where he continued his labor of establishing churches and Christian institutions, 
 faithfully laboring lor the salvation of sinners until his health became so impaired 
 from overwork and exposure in that new and sparsely settled country, that he 
 was obliged to retire from his field of labor, and he returned to this county in 
 hopes of regaining health to continue the work in the Master's fold. His con- 
 stitution had been overtaxed and he never regained his old-time vigor. At every 
 opportunity he was at his post, preaching and warning sinners to repentance, 
 feeling that he had a call from God to fight the good fight until he was called 
 home to the Master he served so faithfully on earth. He leaves a wife and sev«n 
 •children to mourn his loss. The five children by his first wife are all grown, and 
 he has two little girls as the fruits ol the second union. 
 
246 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 MEN WHO HAVE ACTED WELL THEIR PART IN DEVELOPING THE COUNTY, AND' 
 WHO HAVE DISTINGUISHED THEMSELVES BY UNTIRING EFFORTS IN BEHALF 
 OF HER INTEREST AND ADVANCEMENT. 
 
 LEWIS ANDERSON 
 
 Was born in Bedford Co., Pa., April 15, 1833. Married to Miss Sarah A. Ed- 
 wards, of Huntington Co., Pa., April 7, 1853. Moved to Fulton Co., 111., in 1864, 
 and to Seward county in the spring of 1866, and made settlement on his present 
 farm. There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson seven children, four of whom 
 are now dead, viz., Edson and Lewis died while very young; Susan, who became 
 the wife of Norman A. Smith, died in 1880 ; and Wilson, who had been a cripple 
 for many years, died in the spring of 1 887. Those living are Lizzie, now Mrs. 
 John Metz ; Clara, now Mrs. E. A. Butler, of Ansley, Neb. ; and Bell, yet with 
 her parents. Mr. Anderson joined the I. O. O. F. the day he was twenty-one, 
 and takes great interest in the Order. Is a working member of the U. B. chnrch 
 and is among our most highly respected citizens. 
 
 G. BABSON, JR., 
 Is our oddity. As a business-man he has no superiors. He is especially gifted with 
 the knack of being everywhere present. He is ever on the fly, and always up to 
 his eyes in business. Runs the leading implement business of the county, is 
 manager of the Morris Lock Company, and has a leading hand in the canning 
 factory, and also the electric light company. Always to the front in all public 
 enterprise, and free with his money in every laudable undertaking. Mr. Babson 
 is a native of Massachusetts, where he received a thorough education. Has taken 
 an active interest in the public schools of our city, and was for many years a 
 member of our board of education. Has a bright, intelligent family. With all 
 his oddities, we could wish we had many more like him. Mr. Babson's wife died 
 during the early spring, and thus leaves the home of our friend desolate and his 
 young family without a mother. 
 
 JOHN W. BATCHELDER 
 Was born in Sullivan Co., N. H., in 1828. When he was but ten years old his 
 father's family moved to Winnebago Co., 111., near Rockford, where he continued 
 his residence for thirty-two years. Married in 1852 to Miss Louisa M. Whitwood- 
 To them were born five children, four of whom yet live. Mr. Batchelder moved 
 to Seward county in 1870, and located in "B " precinct, where he still resides. 
 His wife died in 1878, and in 1885 he married Mrs. Mary J. York. Mr. B. is a 
 member of the United Brethren church, and one of its leading members in thi& 
 county. He has improved his farm in a very creditable manner, and has a very 
 fine orchard of the various fruits. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 247 
 
 JAMES H. BETZER 
 May justly be considered the veteran newspaper man of Seward county. He is the 
 oldest man that is now an editor, and has been at the helm running the Blade longer 
 than any of his contemporaries, and has been in the ne^^spaper business when all 
 others of the craft here were young lads. Twenty-two years he has edited and 
 published a newspaper, eight years at Seward. Mr. Betzer is an uncompromising 
 republican, and fights the party battles manfully. Gives the hardest of blows, 
 and ever ready with his pen and Blade to give the reason of the faith within him. 
 His hostility to saloons is uncompromising. Ever ready and faithful helper in 
 public enterprises and charities, we trust he may many years wield the " shining 
 Blade " in the interest of Seward and her people. 
 
 WILLIAM D. BOWERS 
 
 Came from Maryland, in 1878, and was in the employ of Claudius Jones for two 
 and one-half years, and since that time has been with Mclntyre & Seeley. Wil- 
 liam is one of our most intelligent young men, and we trust that a bright future 
 is before him, as he has been found entirely trustworthy and competent. 
 
 HIRAM L. BOYES 
 Was born in Hillsboro, New Hampshire, Jan. 9, 1812. Was from the Scotch- 
 Irish and French descent. His father moved to Cattaraugus county, N. Y., when 
 Hiram was but three years old. Was married in 1836 to Miss Esther L. Hibbard, 
 of Erie county, N. Y. The young people made their way to the wilds of Michi- 
 gan, and settled in St. Joseph county in 1844. Made the trip around Cape Horn 
 to California in 1849, spending four years in the mines, and upon returning home 
 removed to Story county, Iowa, and was among the first to penetrate the western 
 wilderness. In 1867 came to Seward and built the mill, and from that time his 
 interests have been identified with that of the city and county. Is still the prin- 
 cipal owner of this most valuable property. The history of the mill enterprise is 
 set forth in other pages of this work. Mr. Boyes has long been identified with the 
 Seward schools as a prominent and eflicient member of the board of education. 
 Has for twenty years labored faithfully to build up Seward and Seward county. 
 We could heartily wish the old gentleman and his noble wife many long years to 
 enjoy the prosperity they have so well earned. His son Carlos is a partner and 
 manager of the business. Carlos has grown from boyhood at Seward, and has been 
 identified with the mill from the day its foundations were laid. 
 
 ABANES J. CALLENDER 
 
 Was born in Bucks county. Pa., May 1, 1842. His father's family moved to Mar- 
 shall county, 111., in 1854, and there the lad grew to manhood aud received his 
 education in the schools of that neighborhood. He came to Seward in the autumu 
 of 1871, and for two years clerked in Tishue's dry goods store. Commenced the 
 coal and stock trade in 1873, and has continued to do a thriving business in that 
 line for fifteen years. Was married to Miss Phoebe M. Nichols, who was born 
 and raised in Herkimer county, New York, near Utica, and who came to Nebraska 
 in 1875. The marriage took place Sept. 6, 1877. There have been born to them 
 four children, two of whom died while young, and Mary E. and Lloyd J., who 
 
248 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 are with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Callender are members of the Missionary 
 Baptist church and are among the useful members. Mr. C. has been city clerk, 
 also city treasurer. 
 
 EDMUND C. CARNS 
 
 Was born in Butler county, Penn., in 1844; removed to Mercer county, 111., in 
 1858; worked as a farmer boy until 1864, when he went to Minnesota; was a soldier 
 from that state, where he was engaged afterwards in government and Indian trans- 
 portation. After this he visited the Pacific coast. Made settlement in Seward in 
 the spring of 1873, and engaged in the grain trade for several years, and afterwards 
 was connected with the grain and coal trade at various points on the U. P. R. R 
 Was chosen member of the constitutional convention in 1875, and elected first state 
 senator of Seward county in 1876, and was a very eflScient member. Was very 
 active in committee work. In 1878 was nominated unanimously and elected lieu- 
 tenant governor of Nebraska, and unanimously nominated and re-elected in 18-0. 
 Was remarkably active as an oflicer, and made many warm friends and .some 
 bitter enemies. Very active and wonderfully energetic in whatever he found to do, 
 he has done much for Seward county and Nebraska. Very genial and social in his 
 nature, and a wonderful memory of uamesand faces, he perhaps has a more widely 
 extended acquaintance than any other citizen of the county. Some may not like 
 Cams, but with all the faults he may have we must accord him the credit of being 
 an enterprising, honest business-man, and one who has done much to bring Seward 
 county to the front. By his own push he worked his way into the front rank with 
 the prominent men of the state as a politician and a busiuess-man. Is now the 
 owner of a large herd of cattle in Merrick county and a fine farm in Seward county. 
 Always ready to give a helping hand in matters of public enterprise, and was 
 never known to refuse in matters of charity. Is always ready to help a friend. 
 Was happily married to Miss Margaret J. Burke, of Forestville, N. Y., in 1880, 
 a noble lady, who is ever to the front in charitable enterprises in our city. They 
 have a bright young family of three children — Margaret Elizabeth, Edmund 
 Burke, and Rachel Florence. 
 
 JOHN CATTLE, SKN., 
 
 President of the State Bank at Seward, is an Englishman by birth. Was born in 
 Yorkshire, in March, 1817. Married Miss Alice Sarby, of same place, in 1846. 
 There were born to them three sous and three daughters, only two of whom are 
 now living. Came to Nebraska in 1876 and settled on section 4 in G precinct. 
 One of the sons, Mr. Robert Cattle, died several years ago at the mountains, where 
 he was sojourning on account of ill health. Mr. Cattle brought a large amount of 
 wealth from the old country, and has made with his means large improvements on 
 his farm and also in the city. Has built several brick business houses and a num- 
 ber of dwellings. Mr. Cattle is universally known to be a very lenient man with 
 his customers. While he is conssidered very close in his dealings, he is never 
 known to oppress any one who strives to do his part. He retains his relations 
 with the Wesleyan church of England, but worships with the INIethodist congre- 
 gation, and renders liberal aid in supporting the church. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 249 
 
 I. G. CHAPIN. 
 This young man came to Nebraska and located at Crete, in 1882, where he 
 !he worked for a lumber firm for a year and a half, when he came to Seward and 
 was with the firm of W. H. Walker & Co., where he proved so efficient that he has 
 been promoted to the important trust of manager of seven yards of the great lum- 
 iber firm of S. K. Martin & Co. He controls yards at Ulysses, Poston, Utica," B," 
 Waco, Tamora, and Beaver Crossing. Pretty well done for a young man. 
 
 FRANK P. COMPTON 
 
 Came to Nebraska with his parents when a young lad, in 1858. The lamily re- 
 sided at Nebraska City until 1 868 when they made their home in Lincoln, and 
 moved to Seward in 1872. Frank learned the tinner's trade, and worked at the 
 business a number of years, but not liking the business he learned the printer's 
 •trade and has for twelve years followed that trade. In 1885 owned and edited the 
 Staplehurst ^"'ews, and in 1887 removed the office to Utica, where the field was 
 wider and is now editing the Utica Sun, a bright newsy paper. The writer of 
 this sketch has known Mr. Compton since his early boyhood days and we take 
 pleasure in saying that he is coming to the front in good shape. Is a young man 
 •of excellent habits and full of energy. We trust that a bright future is in store 
 for him. He has largely received his education in the school of adversity, but 
 has the will power to overcome every obstacle in the way, and we are heartily 
 glad to see him succeed. 
 
 CAPT. ROBERT T. COOPER 
 Was born in Stephenson Co., 111., in 1842, where he grew up to manhood. He en- 
 listed at Freeport in 1861, in the 46th 111. Infantry, in Co. B. In a short time was 
 promoted to the second then to the first lieutenantcy, and in 1865 was promoted 
 to the captaincy. Was discharged in 1866. The young man returned to his 
 native home, where his county honored him twice with the office of county treas- 
 urer, in 1869 and 1871. Settled at Seward in 1874 ; built the Cooper and Hen- 
 derson mills, south of Seward ; helped organize Seward G. A. R. Post No. 3 ; was 
 elected twice county treasurer of Seward county, in 1681 and 1883 ; was defeated 
 for the county clerkship in 1885, but was triumphantly elected in l>-87, over the 
 same opponent. Is a republican in politics. A man of good parts, generous and 
 obliging, wide-awake to public enterprise. The fall of 1887 brought him many 
 favors, first he gained the favor of a splendid woman and was married to Miss 
 :Emma D. Brenizer on September 24th ; next he was voted a gold headed cane 
 for good looks, and later was voted the clerkship of the county. Pretty well done 
 for one season. 
 
 THOMAS CORR 
 
 Was born in Washington Co., 111., in 1844. Was a farmer boy. Enlisted in the 
 11th 111. Infantry in 1861, in Co. C, on the first call. Re-enlisted in August fol- 
 lowing, in the 10th Missouri, and served three years. Being discharged at the end 
 •of his service, he returned and commenced a course of study in Washington Sem- 
 inary, but in a short time he answered the last call and enlisted for the third time 
 in the U. S. Vol. Veterans. Was promoted to second then to a first lieutenancy 
 for bravery and meritorious service. Was in Gen. Hancock's corps, and was one 
 
250 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 of the guards that were detached to hang Mrs. Suratt, Payne, Herald, and Arroffy. 
 for their part in the assassination of Lincoln. At the close of the war he returned 
 to Illinois, and in 1869 he made his home in Seward county, settling on his pres- 
 ent farm in C precinct. Has had the honors of notary and justice of the peace 
 for ten years. Was in 1884 elected to represent the county in the legislature, and 
 was a wide-awake and energetic member, doing much valaable work for the 
 county and state. Is one of the leading members of Seward Post No. 3, G. A. R.,. 
 and was a charter member of Oliver lodge No. 38, of the A. F. and A. M. Was 
 married in Illinois in 1868, to Miss Mary Adams. They have eight children, 
 three boys and five girls. Mr. Corr is full of enterprise and push as a farmer and 
 business-man, and a very worthy citizen. 
 
 WILLIAM WALLACE COX. 
 The subject of this sketch was born in Cattaraugus county, N. Y., November 12,. 
 1832, and was named for the great Scottish chieftain. In 1835 he moved with 
 his father and mother, Mordeci and Catharine Cox, to the then wilderness of 
 Sangamon county, Illinois, where his father died a few months after, and the 
 widowed mother soon moved and settled with the children near Monroe, in Green 
 county. Wis., where she died May 8, 1838, being the first white woman buried in 
 that county. Young William was given by his mother on her dying bed to the 
 care of James Hawthorn, a wealthy and respected farmer of the neighborhood, 
 with whom he lived until he was eleven years old, when becoming dissatisfied 
 with Mrs. Hawthorn, he made his home for the next two years with relatives 
 near Winslow, Stevenson county, Illinois. He then accompanied Samuel Phillips 
 to Chautauqua county, N. Y., where for more than a year his life was that of a 
 slave, when he found a splendid home with Elias Carrington, of Forestville. In 
 1848 he returned to Illinois, and the following year was a pupil of Hon. H. C. 
 Burchard, at the opening of Monroe Seminary. Mr. B. was since member of con- 
 gress from the Galena, Illinois, district, and afterwards superintendent of U. S. 
 mint. Mr. Cox, in 1850, commenced teaching near Monroe. After two years 
 resided at Belvidere, and taught in Boone county, Illinois, and afterwards in Mer- 
 cer and Knox counties. Was a student in Oberlin College, Ohio, for a time; also 
 at Knox College, at Galesburg, Illinois. In 1855 we find him as principal of pub- 
 lic schools in Abingdon, Illinois. He was married in 1856 to Miss Rebecca Samp- 
 son, and the young couple moved to Page county, lowa,^ a couple of years later, 
 where they lived until the 28th day of February, 1860, when they moved to Ne- 
 braska City, and the year following to the Great Salt Basin, and to their homestead, 
 near Seward in 1864. When fifteen years old he united with the Missionary Bap- 
 tist church, at Forestville, N. Y. To the happy union with a noble wife were born 
 eight children, viz.: Kate J., now Mrs. James A. Ruby; Nettie M., now Mrs. 
 Frank P. Pingree; Elmer E., Lincoln W., Omar L., Charles B., and Nora A., who 
 are living, and Carrie, the youngest, died in infancy. Mr. Cox has been ever a con- 
 sistent and ardent republican and an earnest advocate of the cause of temperance. 
 He has ever been a friend to the best interests of Seward county and Nebraska, and 
 has wielded his pen freely for their advancement. For many years he was engaged 
 in the grain and implement business at Seward, but met with financial reverses in 
 1874, which swept away nearly all of his property. His family has seen all sides 
 of pioneer life, its brightest sunshine and its darkest shadows. In hours of gloom. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 251 
 
 and general despondency, Mr. Cox was always cheerful and ready to encourage 
 his neighbors to have faith in Nebraska. Never urged his claims for political pre- 
 ferment, but was always an earnest advocate of progress in all matters pertaining 
 to his county and state. A man of generous impulses, and can never say no when 
 an appeal is made to him in behalf of the needy. 
 
 JACOB H. CULVER 
 
 Was born in Mercer county, Ohio, in 1845. The family removed to Wisconsin when 
 Jacob was but two years old. They settled in Sheboygan county, and his father 
 engaged in the lumber business. The lad received his early training in the dis- 
 trict school of the neighborhood. At the tender age of sixteen he enlisted as a 
 drummer boy in Co. K. of the First Wis. Infantry, serving one year in that capac- 
 ity, and at the battle of Perryville the color-bearer being killed, Jacob dropped 
 the drum and grabbed up the flag and bore it aloft in triumph, and continued to 
 carry it through the service. Was in the battles of Chaplain Hills, Chickamauga, 
 Mission Ridge, Lookout Mountain, and Chattanooga, and also in the Atlanta cam- 
 paign. Eeturning from the war he entered the Wisconsin University in 1866. 
 Was elected engrossing clerk of the Wisconsin senate in 1869. In 1870 he came 
 to Seward county, and made Milford his home. Was postmaster at Milford in 
 1870, and in December of that year, in company with H. G. Parsons, commenced 
 the publication of thei?/we Valley Eecord, which was Milford's tirstand best paper. 
 In the spring of 1873 the Record was consolidated with the Daily Leader, at Lin- 
 coln, which Culver and Parsons succeeded in bringing up to a paying business, 
 when Mr. Culver sold his interest, returned to Milford in 1874, and bought an 
 interest in the flouring mills with J. L. Davison. He continued with the mill 
 until 1879, when the mill was sold to Johnson, Perry & Co. Mr. Culver was the 
 organizer of Winslow Post No. 56, and was its first commander. Married Miss 
 Ada Davison in 1870, and they are the happy parents of five children, viz. : Clar- 
 ence C, Elvin E., Harry H., Fred D., and Lulu. His wife was raised from early 
 childhood in Seward county. They were among the organizing members of the 
 Congregational church of Milford. He is now vice president of the Morris lock 
 factory, of Seward; is a stock farmer and also coal dealer at Milford. He is one 
 of the most widely known of our citizens, and is the most untiring in his efl^brts 
 to build up his town and county. His zeal knows no bounds. Milford owes 
 very much to him for her prosperity, for by his bull dog determination the great 
 mill was secured, and in no small degree he helped to secure the A. & N. railroad,, 
 and the Sanitarium owes its existence to him. Also the Industrial Home. Mr. 
 Culver is a man of pronounced views on all questions of public importance, a 
 strong republican in politics, and a radical temperance man. Is a man of fine- 
 social qualities, and has many friends and of course some bitter enemies. 
 
 HERSCHEL B. CUMMINS, M.D., 
 
 Was born in Green county. Pa., in March, 1859. Lived in Washington county, 
 West Va., six years during his boyhood. Moved with his father's family to Hen- 
 derson county, 111., where he attended school. Came to Seward county in May, 
 1874. Studied medicine for several years at Seward, then took a regular medical 
 course in the University of Nebraska, graduating in the class of 1884 and 1885,. 
 with honors. Has practiced his profession in Seward with marked success since 
 
252 HISTORY OF SEWARD COU^^TY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 finishing his course. We are glad to see one of our own Reward boys coming to 
 -the front and able to build up a good practice at his own home. Is now honored 
 by the appointment as county physician. 
 
 W. R. DAVIS. 
 
 "Was born in Yadkin county, North Carolina, Nov. 26, 1824. Was married to 
 Miss Margaret A. Bohannou, of his native place, and to their union were born eight 
 children, two of whom died in infancy; Rebecca, now Mrs. J. N. Beatty; Annice, 
 now deceased, the former wife of Mac Towner, of Ulysses; Mattie, now Mrs. Jas- 
 per Roberts; Abner Y., of Decatur county, Kansas; Major A. V., of Beaver Cross- 
 ing, Neb; Josephine, now Mrs. A. C. Hull, of Hastings, Neb. The young couple 
 moved with their family to Iowa, in the year 1852, going all the weary way with 
 an ox team. In 1857 they settled in Cass county. Neb., being among the first set- 
 tlers of the infant territory. He was elected to the third, fourth, and fifth sessions 
 -of the territorial legislature, appointed assistant assessor of internal revenue in 
 the summer of 1862, and enlisted in the army in 1864. His wife died December 
 10, 1864, while he was in the army. He was discharged by his own request, under 
 special order No. 155, April 17, 1865. He then returned home and was immedi- 
 ately appointed assistant assessor of internal revenue in the Plattsmouth district. 
 When making one of his first trips across the plains, while performing his official 
 duties, he made the acquaintance of the author of this book. He had lost his way 
 and blundered on to Mr. Cox's cabin about 11 o'clock at night. To add to his 
 ■comforts he had a lame horse and was nearly starved. In August, 1866, he mar- 
 ried Miss Hannah C. Coleman. To them were born two children, Nellie R. and 
 Frank R,, who reside with their parents. In the summer of 1868 he and his son- 
 in-law, J. N. Beatty, put in a general stock of goods at Seward, it being the first 
 store in the new town and the second in the county. They continued in business 
 under the firm name of Beatty & Davis most of the time until 1878. Mr. Davis 
 is yet an active business-man, although near sixty-four years old. Has done much 
 to build up Seward, always taking a leading part in all laudable business enter- 
 prises. The oldest merchant of our city, and may be fairly considered one of the 
 best. His two younger sons are associated with him in business. He united with 
 the M. E. church when yoiing, and has through the years been one of the most 
 earnest working members. Prominent as a temperance advocate, frequently speak- 
 ing in public on temperance and kindred subjects with good eff'ect. Mr. Davis 
 has had an honorable part in the development and advancement of this county, 
 using time, energy, and money freely in public enterprises and charities. We may 
 fondly hope that Mr. Davis may live long to enjoy the fruits of his well-spent life, 
 and enjoy the associations of the people he has worked so fiaithfully to benefit. 
 
 AMOS W. DONALDSON 
 Was born in Hocking county, Ohio, in 1828. Was raised on a farm at his native 
 place. Moved to Indiana and remained two years, when he returned to Ohio and 
 opened a store at Maysville. Had formed the acquaintance of Miss Sarah A. 
 Dunaway, in Indiana, and in 1858 he went back and was married. Shortly after 
 this the young couple moved to Missouri, w^here it was not healthy for northern 
 people at the opening of the war, and they moved to Iowa, and there he enlisted 
 in the 33d Iowa Infantry and served three years. Made their home in Seward 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 253 
 
 county in 1869, and settled at their present home. They have raised six sons, viz., 
 Jared, William, Amos, Henderson, Oscar, and Arthur. Mr. Donaldson has been 
 one of our most worthy citizens. He now has a good farm and a very pleasant 
 home. 
 
 JOHN DUNBAUGH 
 
 Is the oldest man in Seward county, and was born iu Lancaster county, Pa., Oct. 
 22, 1798. He claims to have been a playmate of James Buchanan. The old gen- 
 tleman lives with his son Elijah, and seems quite robust. Somewhat deaf, but 
 retains his eyesight reasonably well ; can read coarse print. His descendants are 
 becoming a great host, and are composed of four generations, having at least four 
 great-great-grandchildren. Has resided at Seward since the summer of 1873. 
 
 MICHAEL DUNIGAN 
 
 Was born in Ireland, in 1836, and came to this country in 1853. Looked over sev- 
 eral states, and finally located in Knox Co., Illinois, in 1856. In 1862 he enlisted 
 in the 64th Illinois Infantry, in Company D, and served during the war, being at 
 the front in all the sanguinary engagements of his regiment. In April, 1871,. 
 he located in the north-east portion of Seward county, and was among the first in 
 that locality. He is a member of the A. F. and A. M., and is a charter member of 
 Oliver Lodge No. 38. Has served three terms as county commissioner, and one 
 term as supervisor from "B" town. Married Miss Mary E. Shumaker, in Illi- 
 nois, in 1866. They have eight children. Mr. Dunigan is universally regarded 
 as a thorough-going business man of more than ordinary ability. The fact that 
 he, a democrat, was three times elected as commissioner in a strongly republican, 
 county, speaks well of the man. Mr. Dunigan is a successful farmer, and very 
 enterprising and liberal in his dealings ; loves his adopted home, but never for- 
 gets the wrongs of his native land. The new town of " B," on the F., E. & M. 
 V. railroad, is situated on part of what was his farm, and to all appearances a 
 bright future awaits him, and we rejoice that success crowns his honorable efforts 
 to advance the interests of his county. 
 
 KODERICK E. DUNPHY 
 
 Was born in Lafayette county, in the territory of Wisconsin, in 1848. He learned 
 the blacksmith trade in his native county, and remained there until 1872, when 
 he went to Rockford, 111. Returned to the old home and married Miss Elizabeth 
 A. Gregory, in 1873. In 1879 the family moved to Seward, where Mr. Dunphy 
 opened a wagon and carriage shop, and has conducted a successful and growing 
 business to the present time. He has served four years as member of our city 
 council, and was elected state senator from this county in 1882, and served with 
 much credit. He is one of the few Wisconsin democrats, but not very radical — a 
 very moderate one, indeed, we should say. As a business-man and citizen Mr. 
 Dunphy is very popular. His wife died in December, 1886, and he is left alone to 
 care for their two children — Miss Gabriel B. and Homer G. Mr. Dunphy is 
 always ready to lend a helping hand in all public enterprises, and it is a pleasure 
 to see such men prosper. 
 
■254 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 JOHK X. EDWAEDS 
 Was born in Huntington county, Pa. , January, 1847. Settled in Iowa while a young 
 man, and enlisted in the 7th Iowa Cavalry and .served three years. At the close 
 of the war went to school and taught alternately, and thus acquired an educa- 
 tion by his own exertions. Married Miss Nannie Kirkpatrick, the daughter of a 
 pioneer Methodist minister of Iowa, in December, 1869, at Mount Pleasant. After 
 his marriage he graduated in the Ohio Law School. The young people settled in 
 Seward in 1873, where he practiced his profession, and afterwards opened the Bank 
 -of Seward County, Neb. Such success crowned his eftbrts that in 18!^7 he also opened 
 a bank at Wray, Colorado. Mr. Edwards also is an extensive breeder of fine stock, 
 in which business he takes great delight. He is one of the most active members 
 of the G. A. E. of Nebraska, and has been honored by his comrades with many 
 honorable and responsible positions. He has been in poor health for some years, 
 yet his ambition is so great that he is considered one of the most active and ener- 
 getic citizens. Is a man of extraordinary financial skill, and one of our most 
 generous and charitable citizens. To him and his amiable wife have been born 
 iive children, two of whom are dead, one boy and one girl. Willie, Mattie, and 
 Kalph still bless their home. 
 
 ELISHA L. ELLIS. 
 
 Was born in Henry county, Indiana, in 1834. Was raised a farmer boy. Came 
 to Lancaster county, Nebraska, in 1858. Made choice of a claim (the farm near 
 "the iron bridge, owned by Mr. Castle) on the 25th of June, 1858, and entered the 
 same in 1860, it being the first land entry in Seward county. He returned to 
 Missouri in 1864, and married Miss Artemesia Harrison. Returned to Seward 
 county with his young wife in the spring of 1866, and took a homestead (his 
 present farm). We quote in another chapter sketches from his memorandum 
 kept from 1858 to 1864 of scenes and incidents on this wild frontier. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Ellis have raised four children, all girls, viz., Mary L., now Mrs. B. F. Hickman ; 
 Nancy E., now Mrs. J. I. Hickman (she was born here); Effie E. and Lilly E., 
 both with their parents. Mr. Ellis has had quite an important part in the devel- 
 opment of our county and city. He was ever watchful and earnest in all matters 
 where Seward's interests were at stake. At one time he saved Seward from ruin by 
 ■detecting a fraud in a railroad bond proposition, where it was designed to have the 
 people of Seward sign her own death warrant, by leaving such a loop-hole as would 
 "permit the railroad to cross Blue river four or five miles south of the present city, 
 and thus have ruined our city forever. He was ever ready to dare and do any- 
 thing for Seward, and is entitled to much credit for the energy displayed. He 
 is a kind neighbor and a good citizen, somewhat odd in his manners, but a good, 
 whole-souled man for all that. 
 
 JAMES M. FLETCHER 
 Was bom in Pendleton county, Kentucky, Oct. 14, 1838. His father was a farmer, 
 and James had the ordinary duties of a farmer boy in that rough region of coun- 
 "try, which may best be expressed in his own language, as rolling logs, grubbing, 
 burning brush, and biting the heads oft' tobacco worms. Was married at nine- 
 teen to Miss Lidea Smalley. In 1859 the young people moved to Indiana, and 
 settled in Fayette county, with two babes, Edward H. and Abey. Enlisted in 
 
HIS'iORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 255 
 
 •Co. H, 36th Ind. Vol., and served in the army of the Cumberland. Was in the 
 awful struggle at Pittsburg Landing, and was paralyzed by the concussion of a 
 bursting shell. Soon after the battle he was discharged on account of his disabil- 
 ity. Has been a sufferer ever since, and for two years he was entirely helpless, 
 many years ago. He displayed wonderful determination in his struggle to sup- 
 port his young family, tending one crop while on his crutches. He engaged in 
 packing pork iu the seventies, and the panic of 1873 swept his all from him. 
 Struggling with disease and financial embarrassment for seven years, he turned 
 his face toward Nebraska and settled at Seward in 1880, where he has been from 
 that time the head of the firm of J. M. Fletcher & Co., butchers and dealers in 
 meats. Four of their nine children died while young, three being buried in In- 
 diana and one in Nebraska, and the five, viz., Edward H., Abey, Emma, William, 
 and Delia, all remain with the old folks, although all grown. Mr. Fletcher is a 
 member of the M. E. church, and until his total disability was an enthusiastic 
 worker in the Sabbath-school. Is a working member of Seward G. A. R. Post. 
 Is an enthusiastic republican, and gives his political opponents some terrific blows. 
 When able to get into the field he throws his whole soul into the political cam- 
 paign. For two years past he has been helpless most of the time, and unable to 
 lie down on his bed, but rests in a reclining chair. One strange feature of his 
 >case is, he cannot sleep. He never gets a good night's sleep. He remains cheer- 
 ful and enjoys the society of friends and neighbors. Is peculiarly gifted with con- 
 versational powers, and is a very entertaining public speaker. Has a happy 
 faculty of telling stories, with good effect, and can keep an audience in a roar of 
 laughter. The business of the firm has been so well conducted that the old people 
 are financially in comfortable circumstances, and have a pleasant home. His 
 noble wife has been a sure staff upon which to lean in all the dark hours of his 
 affliction. Ever faithful and watchful to him, she has always proved a tower of 
 strength. 
 
 JEKOME C. FORD 
 
 Was born at Algonquin, McHenry Co., III., in 1840. Enlisted in Co. H, III. In- 
 fantry, in 1861, just after his majority, and participated in the bloody battles of 
 Pea Eidge, Perryville, and Stone River, where he was wounded and taken pris- 
 oner and enjoyed prison life awhile at Libby. Was paroled in February, 1863. 
 Was then sent to Annapolis Hospital, where he received a furlough and was sent 
 home. In 1864, returned to duty, and was iu all the engagements of the Atlanta 
 campaign until the 23d of June, when he received a second wound. In September 
 1864, his time expired. Was married Dec. 28, 1864, to Miss Clarinda Beebe, of 
 his native place. To their union have been born Lydia M., now Mis. E. C. Mil- 
 ler ; Frederick S., Elmer E., and Harry E., all at home. Settled at Seward in 
 1874, where the family resided seven years. They now reside on a farm five miles 
 north-east of the city, where they have a pleasant home. Mr. Ford was a charter 
 member of Seward Post, and is highly respected by the brotherhood. His aged 
 mother, now eighty -three years old, resides with him. She has been blind for 
 thirty-three years. The old lady is in lair health and retains her faculties reason- 
 ably well. 
 
256 HISTORY OF SEWAED COUNTY, NEBRASKA, 
 
 JOHN F. GOEHNEK 
 Was born is Germany, in 1850. Came to America in 1869, while yet a lad, and' 
 worked as clerk in a grocery store in St. Louis. Came to Nebraska in 1871, and 
 clerked at Nebraska City until the summer of 1873, when he opened a small gro- 
 cery store in Seward, and in 1875 commenced the grain trade. Made a success of 
 his business, and in 1879 built the first Goehner block, on the corner of Seward 
 and Seventh streets, and in 1884 built the fine block on the corner of Seward and 
 Sixth streets, and placed an immense stock of hardware. The young German lad 
 has grown to be a splendid business-man and displays unbounded energy and en- 
 terprise in building up the county and his adopted city. Is a leading member of 
 the Lutheran church, has twice been honored as member of the city council, and 
 once the county has honored him with a seat in our state senate. Is one of our 
 most enterprising citizens, always in the lead in all matters that tend to build up 
 Seward, and to his indomitable perseverance we owe the construction of the F., 
 E. and M. V. railroad. Has lately been honored by having one of our bright 
 towns named for him. Pretty well done for the German boy. 
 
 THOMAS GKAHAM . 
 
 Came to Seward county in 1866, and settled on a homestead near Old Camden. 
 Taught the first school at that place in the following winter. Was appointed 
 school superintendent in 1869, and elected county clerk in the fall of 1869, which 
 office he held continuously for five terms, or ten years. This may be considered 
 rather remarkable, as he has been an unflinching democrat and this has always 
 been a strongly republican county. Mr. Graham has been mayor of the city. Is 
 a surveyor by trade, and was in the employ of the government at various times 
 in surveying western lands. Was honored by a seat as state senator one term. 
 We are pleasedJ|to quote in another place from his memorandum while in govern- 
 ment service. Married Mrs. Denison. They have one son, Walter, now pursuing 
 a course of study in the University of Nebraska. 
 
 REV. KARL THEODORE GRUBER 
 
 Was born A.D. 1832, in Saxony, Germany. His father was a minister of the gospel 
 in Germany, and emigrated with a hundred and sixty souls of his and other con- 
 gregations (on account of religious intolerance in the Fatherland), in 1839, and 
 
 settled in county, Missouri, where the subject of our sketch was raised. 
 
 Was a student at Concordia college four years, and moved with it to St. Louis in 
 1849, and studied three more years. Was pastor of several congregations in Mis- 
 souri and Illinois, then came to Nebraska in November, 1870, and had charge of 
 several congregations of Lancaster, Seward, York, and Hamilton counties. Ee- 
 turned to Illinois in 1880, on account of poor health; in 1885 returned to Nebraska, 
 and is now pastor of the congregation near Orton, in Seward county. Was 
 ordained minister of the gospel, May 29, 1855. Was married October 21, 1850, to 
 Miss A. M. Kipp. To their happy union were born ten children, of whom two are 
 now dead. Mr. Gruber, or Father Graber, as we all love to call him, is a man of 
 wonderlul perseverance, and is loved and honored not only by his own people, but 
 by all of his acquaintances, and they are numbered bj^ the thousands. As a 
 spiritual teacher he has exercised a wonderful influence for good over the Ger- 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 257 
 
 man people of this whole county. He has the honor of founding more churches 
 of his denomination probably than any other minister in Nebraska. We trust 
 that he may yet live many years to labor for the Master and enjoy the society of 
 his host of friends, and may his last days be his brightest and happiest, and he 
 receive at last the welcome applaudit, " Well done, my good and fivithful servant 
 come up higher." 
 
 AVILLIAM C. HARTMAN 
 
 Was born of German parents, in Clayton county, Iowa, in 1857. His father's 
 family moved to Seward county and settled on a homestead near Marysville in 
 1866, and there William grew up and was married to Miss Nancy Kennison in 
 November, 1877. To this happy union were born four children, one of whom 
 died in infancy. Three bright little ones, viz., Callie, Eosa, and Florence, remain 
 to bless the home of their parents. Mr. Hartman has grown to manhood amonff 
 us, and is a splendid type of our progressive citizens. Although reared in 
 a pioneer settlement, with meager opportunities for mental culture, yet he 
 is far above the ordinary in intelligence and possessed of superior business 
 ability. A man of excellent morals, and full of enterprise, wide-awake 
 with regard to all public enterprises, honorable in all his dealings, he has been 
 very successful as a manager of his large business interests, and we confidently 
 trust that his prosperity may increase with the years. The author of this sketch 
 has known him since his early childhood, and the bright, energetic and manly 
 German boy has had a fast hold on our admiration through all these vears. 
 
 JAMES A. HAZELWOOn 
 
 Came to Seward county with his parents (Rev, W. G. Hazel wood) in 1869. when 
 he was but eleven years old. Worked on the farm until of age, and by industry 
 and careful management is now at the head of one of the largest business interests in 
 the south half of the county. Mr. Hazelwood is full of push and enterprise and 
 ranks among the foremost business-men of the county. Has just completed the 
 largest and best livery barn in the county, a mammoth brick structure. He is 
 also a dealer in farm machinerj\ 
 
 WILLIAM HICKMANj 
 
 Was born in Randolph county, Indiana, in March, 18:^1. Learned the carpenter's 
 trade in his youth. Settled in Jasper county, Iowa, in 1851. After three years he 
 laid aside his tools and engaged in farming. Came to Seward county in 1868 and 
 was one among the first to settle in " B " precinct. Resided on the farm and im- 
 proved it until the summer of 1887, when he moved to Seward and embarked in 
 merchandising. Mr. Hickman was twice elected to represent his county in the 
 legislature, was a member of several important committees, and was accounted 
 one of the most valuable members. Is a stalwart republican. Was always con- 
 sidered as one of our leading farmers, and now is one of our leading business-men 
 Married Miss Louisa E. MoflSt, in 1853, and they have children as follows : Charles 
 F., Arlepha A., Eldora E., Barclay M., Alice E., and Elzena, who died in 1877 
 He is a member of the A. F. and A. M. Has by industry and careful manao-e- 
 ment got one of our best improved farms. 
 
 J7 
 
258 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUXTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 LEVI HAFEE. 
 Mr. Hafer was boiu in Northnniberland county, Pa., iu 1844, where he was 
 raised on a farm. Married Miss Sarah L. Huflman, of his native place, iu Janu- 
 ary, 1866. The young people came west to grow up with the country in 1868, and 
 settled on a horiiestead, where they now reside (Walnut Grove Farm). They have 
 raised seven children, all yet at home, viz., Martin A., Louis 11., Irvin R., Ida M., 
 John, Susie, and Charles. Mr. Hafer and wife helped organize the first U. B. 
 church in the county, and they are yet among the most honored and useful mem- 
 bers. While they are cheerful givers, they have been remarkably prosperous. He 
 now owns four hundred acres of excellent laud and has fine improvements. They 
 have grown up with the county, sure enough. Mr. Hafer Is among the honorable 
 and worthy citizens. 
 
 ISAAC HOLT 
 
 Was born in Waterbury, Conn., in 1820, where he remained until his removal to 
 South Bend, Ind., in 1869. He came to Seward in 1879. Has one son, Edward I. , 
 who is now in the West. Mr. Holt is one of our heaviest capitalists, and takes 
 pride in giving generously to public enterprises and charities that meet his 
 approval. Married his second wife in 1880, Mrs. M. McKinley. The old folks 
 have a pleasant home. He commenced lile for himself without a dollar, at twen- 
 ty-one. 
 
 WILLIAM HORNBURG 
 
 Was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, January 4, 1829. Immigrated to America 
 in 1856, and settled in Clayton county, Iowa. Came to Nebraska City in 1865, 
 and toSeward county in 1867, took a homestead iu " D" precinct, and was among 
 the first to locate on upper Lincoln creek. His aged parents came with him, and 
 had a home with him while they lived. The old gentleman died ten years ago, 
 and the old lady four years ago. Mr. Hornburg remained a bachelor until about 
 ten years ago, when he married Mrs. Dora Hornburg, the wido.w of his brother 
 Henry, who was drowned in 1877 iu Lincoln creek. Mr. Hornburg has no chil- 
 dren of his own, but has been a kind father to the four children of his brother. 
 He helped organize the Lutheran church at Marysville, was one of its principal 
 oflicers, and remains one of its most worthy members. Was elected a county 
 commissioner in 1870, and had quite an important part iu the county seat strug- 
 gles. Was always a firm friend of Seward. He owns a valuable farm, and is 
 pleasantly situated. A very genial and companionable man, worthy of the esteem 
 of all. 
 
 WILLIAM IMLAY 
 "Was born in Pennsylvania, in 1830. Removed with his father's family to Ohio at 
 an early age, and some years afterwards to Indiana, where he became acquainted 
 with Miss Mary Donaldson, to whom he was married in 1853. In 1856 the young 
 people moved to Harrison county, Iowa, iu 1858 to Cass county, Neb., and in 
 1863 to Salt Basin, Nebraska. In 1864, early in the spring, he settled on his 
 homestead (the present home). Was in the fall of 1864 elected to represent Sew- 
 ard and Lancaster and a vast area of unorganized territory to the westward in the 
 territorial legislature. Had a prominent place on several important committees, 
 and was considered a valuable member. In 1865, at our organization, he was 
 
HISTORY OF SEACARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 269 
 
 elected a county commissiouer, which office he held three terms, and took a leading 
 part in all matters pertaining to our develoijment and advancement. Because of 
 his energy and will power as an officer, he was frequently spoken of as the county 
 commissioners of Seward county. In later years Mr. Imlay has taken but little 
 part in county affairs, but has thrown all his energy into the improvement of his 
 farm. He united with the Presbyterian church when young, was one of the 
 founders of their church at Seward, and remains one of its most worthy and use- 
 ful members. Mr. and Mrs. Imlay, during the early years, underwent many of 
 the privations incident to pioneer settlements, but they have come off more than 
 victorious. They have a nice comfortable home, have raised a large and intelligent 
 family of children, and the old people are highly respected and honored by a wide 
 circle of friends and acquaintances. We honor them for their sterling qualities 
 as citizens, as good neighbors, and as earnest laborers in laying the foundations of 
 Nebraska. 
 
 REV. E. W. JOHNSON 
 
 "Was born in Fulton county, 111., Oct. 8, 1838. Was raised a farmer boy. While 
 young was in poor health, and for some time it was thought that be would not 
 live to become a man. His school privileges were meagre. His father was killed 
 by accident when the lad was but twelve. At fourteen he resided with his grand- 
 parents at Lewiston. At eighteen commenced teaching in his native county, and 
 until he was twenty-six he taught and went to school alternately, at the Lewiston 
 Seminary. His health failing, he was compelled to abandon teaching. Married 
 Miss Jane Street, in October, 1861. Shortly after their marriage they were both 
 converted, under the pastorate of Rev. J. V. B. Flock, of the U. B. church, at 
 Johnson school-house in Fulton county. He soon became impressed with the 
 idea that it was his duty to preach the gospel. Was licensed in August, 1864. 
 His health was so very poor that a change of climate was a necessity, and in 1866, 
 May 13th, the family settled in Seward county. For six years his health was so 
 poor that he could do but little preaching. He organized the first U. B. class at 
 the residence of C. J. Neibardt. Commenced his regular work in the ministry in 
 1872 and 1873. Organized several churches in the county in the years 1874 and 
 1875. Conducted some revivals, in which a hundred or more were converted, and 
 seventy-five were organized into classes. Was elected presiding elder in 1875, and 
 was appointed to the south-east district of Nebraska. His labors were very suc- 
 cessful, and during that year over four hundred were added to the church. Was 
 re-elected in 1876, and sent to Fairmont district. This embraced Polk, York, 
 Seward, Saline, Jefl'erson, Fillmore, and part of Hamilton counties. Overcome 
 with labors, he rested during 1877, but was in the pulpit nearly every Sabbath. 
 Was again elected elder in 1878, and sent to Omaha district, but was compelled to 
 • resign on account of ill health, but did service on W^est Blue circuit in York 
 county. His labors were blessed, witnessing fifty conversions, and under his lead- 
 ership Bethel church was erected. In 1879 was assigned to Lincoln creek circuit, 
 and labored in Seward county and this year organized Seward church. In 1880 
 was appointed to Seward circuit, and that year their church was built and wit- 
 nessed a revival. Was again elected presiding elder in 1881, and was assigned to 
 Omaha district, but was unfortunately compelled again to resign. In 1882 was 
 sent to Crete circuit, and labored with success, witnessing forty conversions. 
 
260 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 Remained in charge of Crete circuit during 1883. In 1884 was again elected pre- 
 siding elder, and sent to Plattsmouth district, where he remained in that honored 
 position until the present. Was elected for fifteen consecutive years as corres- 
 ponding secretary of the conference. Mr. Johnson has now regained his health 
 and is quite rugged. His life has been thus far a very useful one in spreading the 
 gospel in this new land. 
 
 CLAUDIUS JONES. 
 
 This gentleman was born in the state of New York, migrated to the West in his 
 early manhood, and had for many years a chequered life. Was at one time a mem- 
 ber of the Chicago board of trade. His career is a marvel, his financial success won- 
 derful. His character is unlike that of the most of mankind — that is, he is a man of 
 strong likes and dislikes, never known to forget or forsake his friends, nor is he for- 
 getful of his enemies. He has the warmest of friends and some bitter enemies. He 
 came to Seward during the summer of 1873, and opened the State Bank, the first 
 bank in the county. One peculiarity of the State Bank, it always had plenty of 
 money provided the security of the borrower suited Mr. Jones. He is a man of 
 remarkably quick perceptions, and of business ability equal to the best. Natur- 
 ally generous, making large donations to charitable purposes and such public 
 enterprises as meet his approval. A man who cannot be irritated by hot words; 
 personal abuse affects him no more than pouring water on a duck's back affects the 
 duck. Mr. Jones has become independently rich among us, and is our heaviest 
 capitalist, being the president of the Jones National Bank at Seward. Is also our 
 largest farmer. His farms consist of over six thousand acres of land, and he is 
 also our largest stock raiser and fine stock breeder. He has a great admiration for 
 fine stock, and spends many pleasant hours among his herds of Short-horns and 
 Holsteins. He has raised a bright and intelligent family of young people. Upon 
 the whole we are satisfied that Seward county is the better and richer for his 
 coming. 
 
 JOHN M. LANGDON 
 
 Was born in Janesville, Rock Co., Wis., in 1853, and came with his father's family 
 to Salt Basin, Nebraska, in 1862, when he was less than nine years old. The lad 
 grew up to manhood in this new country, where it has been our pleasure to be in- 
 timately acquainted with him all these years, and it is with pleasure we write of 
 the b6y who has grown up[in the wilderness under the many adverse circumstances, 
 with limited opportunities for an education, yet by dint of his own will has grown 
 up to be an intelligent business-man. John moved with the family to Seward 
 county in 1872, when they settled in " A " precinct, in what was known as the 
 Oak Grove settlement, where he remained until he was grown. Came to Seward 
 in 1882, purchased a home and took care of his aged mother while she lived, and 
 provided her with a pleasant home. Was married to Miss Lucy Manning in 1885, 
 an estimable young lady of Seward. Mr. Langdon has been some years extensively 
 eno-aged in supplying the people of Seward with fruit trees, in which business he 
 has justly earned an honorable reputation as a trustworthy citizen and gentleman. 
 Mr. Langdon is a highly respected member of the Presbyterian church of Seward. 
 We can heartily wish the young man many years of prosperity and usefulness. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 261 
 
 ALEXANDER D. LANGE 
 Was born at Bloomington, 111., in 1855. Came to Seward in 1880. Married Miss 
 Louisa Kiniel in 1882. They have one bright little son, Phillip C. Mr. Lange 
 commenced the grocery trade in 1886, and is fast gaining a reputation as a valu- 
 able and worthy business-man. 
 
 HON. WM. LEESE 
 
 Came to Seward many years ago, a young man without money or family prestige, 
 and commenced at the bottom round of the ladder to climb. With indomitable 
 energy he determined to amount to something in life. With poverty and many 
 attendant discouragements staring him in the face, he commenced the study of 
 law. Many, not knowing of the mettle of the young man, could not see anything 
 but failure in his designs. He struggled with adverse circumstances through years 
 of preparation for the high duties of his exalted profession, and the resulting 
 achievements have been grandly successful. Occupying the exalted position for 
 the second term of attorney general of our state, and performing heroic work in 
 behalf of the people, he stands to-day the central figure in Nebraska. All eyes 
 are fixed upon him, and he is fast acquiring a national reputation. AH because 
 hehas been faithful to duty and full to the maximum of determined energy. Mr. 
 Leese was born at Athens, Tenn. Married Miss Margaret L. Wilson, at Palmyia, 
 Neb. Came to Nebraska May 11, 1868. They have four children, all yet at home, 
 Effie, Ray, Clara, and Leo. 
 
 LOUIS J. LEGEE, 
 Born in France, Department of L'Eure, Canton of Comfort, Parish of Appeville, 
 the lltb of July, 1818. Was raised a farmer boy until about sixteen, when he 
 learned a trade, making weaver's reeds. Took a regular course of study in the 
 normal schools of Paris, after which he became a teacher and was principal of the 
 Gospel Society's school at St. Denis, near Paris, where he was in charge twenty- 
 four years. Was secretary of the Protestant Institute of Paris nine years, and was 
 associated with many of the leading men of France during the reign of Napoleon 
 3d. Was professor four years of phototenic association. For his effective work 
 received three silver medals. He also received one bronze medal for his efficient 
 work in the deaf and dumb asylum. He lelt Paris the year before the Franco 
 Prussian war, and came to this country in 1869. Made his settlement in Seward 
 county in 1873, and took a homestead in "I " precinct. Mr. Leger has a family 
 of twelve children, seven boys and five girls. Mr. Leger is a very intelligent gen- 
 tleman, being thoroughly versed in all European affairs, and familiar with French 
 history especially. 
 
 GEORGE W. LOWLEY 
 
 Was born in Leeds, England, March 5, 1842. His parents came to this country 
 when George was very young, and settled in Pennsylvania, but soon changed their 
 residence to Indiana, in 1854. Commenced the study of law while in his teens, 
 but was quick to hear his country's call to arms, and enlisted in the 11th Ind. Vol. 
 Was with the brave boys at the capture of Ft. Donaldson, and was there wounded 
 and upon receiving his discharge he returned to his law study. However, just 
 before enlisting he edited and nublished the Tipton Republican awhile. Soon after 
 returning home from the war he was admitted to practice in all the courts of 
 
262 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 Indiana, and the curious can find his name frequently in the reports of the supreme 
 court of that state. Mr. Lowley came to Nebraska in 1870, and settled in Lin- 
 coln. Made his home at Seward in 1871, where he tried life on a homestead for 
 awhile, but it not agreeing with him he opened a law office in Seward, and prac- 
 ticed in all the courts of Nebraska. Was elected probate judge in 18H1, and held 
 the office three consecutive terms with much credit. It has been universally con- 
 ceded that he was one of the most efficient probate judges of our state. He has 
 now returned to take his place in the front rank among the able barristers of Ne- 
 braska. Mr. Lowley is an enthusiastic republican. Was married to Miss M. W. 
 Long in 1867, and they have seven children, viz., Joseph S., May M., Stephen, 
 John L., Millie, Earl, and George W. Mrs. Lowley has been an invalid many 
 years, but she bears her suffering with patience. 
 
 HON. EDMUND MCINTYUE 
 
 Is thoroughly known to have the courage of his convictions. He is full of energy 
 and enterprise. Whatever his hand finds to do he just goes at it with all his might. 
 It matters not whether friend or foe opposes. While it is often our duty (as we see 
 it) to bitterly oppose many of his public acts, yet we must admire the proud spirit 
 that knows no such word as fail in his undertakings. Has filled the office of mayor 
 of our city five terms, and has for many years been one of the most active officers 
 of the state agricultural society and once its president. We cannot be mistaken 
 when we say that among the foremost of our state he has acted well his part in 
 bringing his county and city to the front. Full of enthusiasm in all public enter- 
 prises, wide-awake as a citizen and business-man. With all the faults we may 
 think we see we could not afford to spare him from our city or county. He has 
 through all the years of his long residence been one of Nebraska's best builders. 
 
 GEO. A. MERRIAM 
 
 Came to Nebraska in 1868, when a boy in his teens, and resided with his parents 
 at Milford, where he worked in his father's store (the second store in Milford) 
 summers, and taught school winters. In 1876 he settled in Seward, clerked for 
 several years, and in 1884 was elected district clerk ; was re-elected in 1887, and 
 makes an excellent clerk. Has grown to manhood in our county, and we are glad 
 to see him come to the front. He is full of energy, and is universally considered 
 one of the best clerks in this judicial district. Was married to Miss S. F. Martin, 
 in 1^74, and they now have two bright children. His aged father and mother, 
 Mr. and Mrs. S. G. Merriam, reside at Milford. 
 
 KEY. WESSON G. MILLER, D.D., 
 
 At this time presiding elder of the Lincoln district of the M. E. church, was born 
 in Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1822. His literary education was received at Gallupville, 
 in his native state. Taught school five years, then moved west, and settled at 
 Waupun, Wisconsin, and engaged in lumbering. Entered the ministry in 1845. 
 Was ordained deacon by Bishop Waugh, in Chicago, in 1847, and in 1849, was or- 
 dained elder at Platteville, Wis. Labored in the Wisconsin Conference thirty- 
 five years. Was stationed seventeen years in Milwaukee. Was transferred to 
 Nebraska in 1879, and served two years as presiding elder in the Omaha district. 
 Was then appointed presiding elder of York district. He purchased a farm near 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 263 
 
 Utica, where he built a home known as Sunnyside. "Was made Doctor of Divinity 
 by Lawrence University, in Wisconsin. Is the author of several valuable books and 
 pamphlets, such as "Thirty Years in the Itinerancy," "Milwaukee Methodism," 
 "Temperance Cyclone," and the "Giant Wrong," etc. Married Miss Mary E. 
 Bowman in 1847. To them were born three children, viz., Mary E., now Mrs. 
 Capt. F. P. Lawrence, late of Wisconsin ; Laura E., the late Mrs. Jesse Smith, late 
 of Fond du Lac, Wis ; Mrs. Smith died at Utica in November, 1879; and Wesson G., 
 Jr., who lives with the old folks. The reverend father has had a long and varied ex- 
 perience in his Master's work. He stands iu the church among the most honorable 
 and worthy of its faithful servants. We trust that his declining days may be 
 bright and happy, and we are sure that when his Lord calls, he will be fully ready 
 and prepared to render a good account of his stewardship. 
 
 JAMES MOORHEAD 
 
 Was born in Stark Co., Ohio, Oct 21, 1830. His father's family moved to Han- 
 cock Co., Ohio, iu 1H35, where James remained until 1859, when he came to Ne- 
 braska and settled in Sarpy county. The following year he went to Colorado, and 
 engaged in mining for two years. In 1862 he went back to Ohio, and enlisted 
 August 14th, in Co. G, 99th Ohio Vol. Infantry. Was in the battles of Perry ville, 
 Chickamauga, and Lookout Mountain. Was at Washington on duty when Early's 
 raid occurred, and waited thirty-six hours for his dinner, but was busy all the 
 time sending compliments (leaden) to the enemy. Was a member of Lincoln's 
 body guard for a time. Discharged in July, 1865, when he made ready and in 
 the spring of 1866 returned to Nebraska, settling near Omaha, and moved to 
 Seward county in 1870, where he has led the peaceable and quiet life of a farmer. 
 Was married to Miss Sarah Campbell, of Wood Co., Ohio, Jan. 20,1870. They 
 have raised two children, Elizabeth L. and William H., both yet at home. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Moorhead helped to organize the Presbyterian church of Seward, and 
 remain among the useful and honorable members. Mr. M. has been quite suc- 
 cessful, and the family are now pleasantly situated and are enjoying a good degree 
 of prosperity, 
 
 REV. GEORGE M. MOREY 
 
 Has been all his active life in the ministry of the M. E. church. His father was 
 born in Maine, and his mother in New York, and himself was born in Union Co., 
 Ohio, July 25, 1835. His father moved to Fulton county, 111., when our lad was 
 two years old, and he had all the usual experiences of a frontier life. In 1858 he 
 entered the ministry, in which calling he has devoted the best energies of his life. 
 Married Sept. 1, 1858, to Miss Louisa E. Wright, of Avon, 111., who was born in 
 Ohio, in 1837. They have raised five children, viz., Eva, Osman B., Byron J., Lydia 
 B., and Grace E., all yet with their parents at home. They have four dead. On 
 Oct. 1, 1883, he was transferred from the Central Illinois Conference to the Nebraska 
 Conference, and stationed at Seward for three years, where his labors were very suc- 
 cessful and acceptable to the church and people. Mr. Morey owns a farm three 
 milesnorth-eastof the city, where he resides, and with the sons he conducts the farm. 
 Is interested in fine stock, and makes the Red Polled Angus cattle his specialty. 
 Mr. Morey was an earnest republican, casting his first vote in 1856 for John C. Fre- 
 mont. Has all his life been very active in all reformatory work. Was very earnest 
 
264 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 in his opposition to human bondage, and in favor of human liberty. Was a Union 
 man with all his heart during the war. Ever an earnest advocate of temperance, and 
 ever in deadly opposition to the liquor traffic, in 1880 he became convinced that 
 men should vote as they pray, so he joined the prohibition party, and uow^ stands 
 thoroughly committed to the cause of temperance, as he was to the breaking of 
 the bondsmen's shackles in the time of the rebellion. 
 
 FRANCIS MOETON 
 
 Was born in Vermilion county. 111., in 1833. His parents moved to Green county, 
 Wisconsin, when Frank was but ten years old. Here he became a playmate 
 of the author of this book. Was raised a farmer boy until he was seventeen 
 years old, when he was taken violently with the gold fever, and in company with 
 many of the neighbors made an overland trip to California, where he remained 
 three years Saved and brought home some money. Married Miss Drucilla 
 Divan in 1854. Lived in the old neighborhood until their removal to Seward 
 county in 1872, when they settled on a homestead about five miles south-east of 
 Seward. Mr. and Mrs. Morton helped organize the Seventh Day Advent church 
 at Seward. Mr. Morton enlisted in Company D, Wis. Vol., and served until 
 wounded at Cedar Mountain. Was in Banks' famous retreat from Winchester, 
 and had several close calls. Is now a member of Seward post. To Mr. and Mrs. 
 Morton were born ten children, nine now living, as follows: Lucinda, now Mrs. 
 A. Skillman, of Seward ; Catherine, now Mrs. Alex Hackworth ; Mary, now Mrs. 
 John Hand, of Seward ; Urias, now of Wray, Col. ; Francis, Jr. , of Ruby, Neb. ; 
 Thomas, of Wray ; Ada, now Mrs. M. Boyes, of Wray ; and Charles and Ira, of 
 Ruby. 
 
 ISAAC D. KEIHARDT 
 
 Was born in Williams county, Ohio, January 5, 1837. His parents moved to St. 
 Joseph county, Ind., when the lad was seven years old. His mother died 
 when he was ten years old, and Isaac had to shift for himself. When 
 eighteen he returned to Ohio and taught school a year, after which he 
 made his home at South Bend, Ind., where he studied law with Judge 
 Listen. Was admitted to the bar at LaPorte, Ind., in 1860. Next we find the 
 young man over in Illinois, where he enlisted August 9, 1862, in Co. F, 76th 111. 
 Inft. , where he served as sergeant till November, 1863, when he was promoted to 
 the lieutenancy, and in January, 1865, he was commissioned captain. Was in the 
 battles of Hatchie Run, Black River Bridge, Champion Hill, Raymond, at the 
 siege of Vicksburg in both charges. Was wounded at Cross Bayou, La., Aug. 5 
 1864, Was mustered out of service in April, 1866. Made his home in Arkansas 
 until his removal to Nebraska in 1871. Was quite prominent in the political 
 struggles in Arkansas, and came within one vote of being elected to congress at 
 one time. Mr. Neihardt was twice elected sherifi" of Seward county, and has 
 served eight years as justice of the peace in " G " precinct, and is now serving his 
 second term as police judge. Was married to Miss Kate Rogers, at Essex, Indiana, 
 Jan. 3, 1858. They have raised three children, Schuyler C, died in Seward; 
 Mary C, now Mrs. J. A. Divan, of Ruby; Emma A., one of our accomplished young 
 teachers. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 265 
 
 EICHAED S. NORVAL 
 "Was born in 1849, in Fulton county, Illinois. His early boyhood was spent on the 
 farm of his father. Eeceived his early education in the log school-house of the 
 pioneer days of Fulton county, but while in his teens pursued a regular course of 
 study at Hedding College, at Abingdon, Knox county, but did not graduate. 
 Taught several terms of school in the old neighborhood. Took a regular course 
 with his older brother (Judge Norval) in the law department of the University of 
 Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and graduated in the same class with honors. In 1871, 
 in company with his brother, he settled at Seward, and opened a law office, where 
 success has crowned his efforts in a marked degree. In less than sixteen years he 
 has risen from the humble beginning of a student to the front rank among the 
 legal lights of Nebraska. Mr. Norval was married in the fall of 1873, to Miss 
 Martha A. Gray, of Knox county, Illinois, and to their union have been born eight 
 children, three of whom died while young. The five are with their parents, viz., 
 Eva M., Oliver Gray, Ethel, Cloyd, and Leona. 
 
 HON. T. L. NORVAL, JUDGE OF THE 6TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT, 
 Was born in Fulton county, Illinois, in 1847, August 26th. He attended 
 the public schools and worked on his father's farm until he was seventeen 
 jears old, when he commenced a course of study at Hedding College, at 
 Abingdon. At twenty he commenced teaching, spending all leisure moments study- 
 ing Blackstone and Kent. Visited Nebraska in 1869, and being so well pleased 
 ■with the country he determined to make it his future home. In the fall of 1869 
 he entered the law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where 
 he graduated with honors in March, 1871, receiving the degree of Bachelor of 
 Laws, and was admitted to practice in the supreme court of Michigan, a few days 
 afterward. He returned to his old home and taught a year to earn money to get 
 a library, and in the spring of 1872 he located at Seward, and engaged in the 
 practice of his profession with his younger brother, Eichard S. Married Miss 
 Ella Godfrey, Feb. 5, 1875. They have two little girls, viz., Winnie, born Feb. 16 
 1878, and Merle, born May 10, 1883. Mr. Norval has been engaged in many very 
 important trials, such as the Midland bond injunction, the Lincoln & N. W. R. R. 
 bond injunction, the Jones tax case, the Clough murder, the Cassler murder, the 
 Patrick murder, and many others. As a lawyer he has been very successful. He 
 is a republican in politics. Has been honored with many offices, viz., city clerk, 
 ■councilman, mayor, was state senator in 1879, and was appointed in the spring of 
 1883 by Gov. Dawes to succeed Judge Post as judge of the 6th judicial district of 
 Nebraska. In the following fall he was nominated by acclamation, by the repub- 
 lican convention at Aurora, for the same office, and was elected by a large majority 
 over Hon. M. A. Mills, having in Seward county alone near 1,000 majority. Was 
 again elected in 1887, by increased majorities, getting every vote in Seward county, 
 and all but three in Polk county. Mr. Norval has proved a success wherever 
 tried, as a teacher, as a lawyer, a senator, and a judge, and in a marked degree en- 
 joys the confidence and esteem of the whole people. 
 
 REV. C. E. PHINNEY 
 Was one of our pioneer ministers, who settled at an early day in the western part 
 of the county. He went to work bravely and earnestly in his " Master's vine- 
 
266 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 yard," and reared the standard of the cross. Woukl face winter storms and en- 
 dure poverty and fatigue to better the condition of the people and bring them up 
 to a higher standard in morality and religious life, and the community owes him 
 its grateful remembrance for the good work done in their behalf. He has justly 
 earned the high esteem with which his church and the people hold him. Long 
 may he live to enjoy the society of friends and neighbors, and at the last receive 
 the welcome embrace of the Savior he has served so Avell. 
 
 REV. JOSEPH H. PRESSON 
 
 Was born in Warren Co., Ohio, in 1840. His father was a Methodist preacher. 
 The family moved to Rushville, Ills., in 1846. The lad's life was void of special 
 incidents, other than that of preachers' boys in general. Just as he became of age 
 the war broke out, and he enlisted in 1861, and was in the famous 15th Army Corps 
 under Gen. Sherman, participating in all its marches and in many of its con- 
 flicts until after the capture of Atlanta. Was in the following battles: Shiloh, 
 Shelby Depot, Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, May 19th and May 
 22, 1863, the siege ending July 4, 1863, Jackson, Miss., Amsterdam Ford, Mission 
 Ridge, Kenesaw, and Atlanta. Was mustered out of the service at Chattanooga, 
 Oct. 30, 1864, and within sixty days he had found his way to the territory of Ne- 
 braska, and settled at Tecumseh. Here he resided six years. Was twice elected 
 county clerk, and served four years. He had the honor of nailing on the first lath 
 that ever was placed upon the wall in Johnson county. He was converted and 
 became a member of the M. E. church in 1866, and was the same year licensed to 
 preach. Joined the Nebraska Conference in 1871, and was appointed junior 
 preacher under Rev. A. L. Folden, at Tecumseh. Was afterwards sent to Platts- 
 inouth, to Omaha 18th street church, to Nebraska City, and Pawnee City, and then, 
 by special request of the official board, to his old home at Tecumseh. While at 
 this charge his health failed, and he was compelled to engage in secular business 
 for five years, but retaining his membership in the Conference. Returned to the 
 work of the ministry in 1886, and was sent to Seward, where he has labored with 
 great success and to the entire satisfaction of the church and the people to the 
 present time. He is a man of marked ability as a public speaker, and scarcely 
 ever fails to have a large and appreciative audience. His intelligence takes in a 
 wide range, and he is unusually apt in his illustrations. At times, when he be- 
 comes warmed up, his eloquence holds his audience spell-bound. Is a member of 
 Seward G. A. R. post, and takes a warm interest in its work. Is enterprising, 
 always interested in the advancement of every good work of the city or county. 
 Is an every-day worker in the vineyard, foremost to lead all charities, very aflable 
 and genial in all his intercourse with the people. Was married to Miss ]Maggie 
 Huff in 1866. They have three sons. His amiable and intelligent wife is a great 
 help to him in his ministerial work. 
 
 JOHN ROBERTS, SEN. 
 
 Was born Nov. 29, 1813, in Henry Co., Kentucky. His father was from the old 
 Virginia stock that moved to South Carolina and thence to Kentucky when it was 
 a wilderness. John was raised a farmer boj' in that new region, where school op- 
 portunities were meager, and his early education was limited. The family moved 
 to Fulton Co., 111., in 1835, and again pitched their tent in the wilds of that new 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 267 
 
 •land among the first settlers. John here married Miss Susan Hall, daughter of 
 John and Prudence Hall. She was born April 30, 1818, in Franklin Co., 111., 
 where her parents had settled in the territory of Illinois some years before. Susan 
 was born just before Illinois was admitted as a state to the Union, 1818. The 
 young people made themselves a farm and resided in Fulton county until their 
 removal to Seward county in 1866. All their ten children were born at their Ful- 
 ton county home, viz., Lucy Jane, now Mrs. John Durland; John N., of Seward; 
 Mary, the former wife of Richard Sampson, now deceased; Susan, now Mrs. J. C. 
 Sampson, of Seward; Prudence, now Mrs. J. M. Palmer, of Ulysses, Neb.; Jasper, 
 now deceased; James T. ; Marion, now of Elbert Co., Col.; Laura I., now Mrs. A. 
 M. Hickman, of Seward, and Douglas H., of Elbert, Col. The old people have a 
 great number of grandchildren who are now grown, and quite a number of great- 
 grandchildren. Mr. Roberts erected the first frame building on the site of Seward, 
 which is spoken of elsewhere in these pages. He has had quite an important part 
 in the building of our city. In 1871 he platted the south half of the homestead 
 into lots, as part of the Harris, Motfit, and Roberts' addition. Has built three sub- 
 stantial brick business houses. He was quite fortunate in his selections of lands- 
 when he first came here and they have made him a handsome fortune. He had a 
 prominent part in the struggles of the pioneer days, when everything was so un- 
 handy. He hauled lumber with teams from Nebraska City for his first building. 
 The old people now have a comfortable and beautiful home, just by the splendid 
 city they helped to build. 
 
 JOHN N. ROBERTS, 
 
 Son of John Roberts, Sen., was born in Fulton Co., 111., in 1838. Married Miss^ 
 Margaret A. Shreves, who was born in Bedford Co., Pa., and with her parents set- 
 tled in Fulton county while she was a child. Their wedding occurred August 6, 
 1863. The young couple moved to Seward county in the spring of 1865, and set- 
 tled on a homestead (their present farm). There have been born to them eight 
 children, two of whom died in infancy. Those living are: Samuel O., Cora A., 
 now Mrs. Peter Sampson (she is one of the few born in this neighborhood that are 
 married); Maggie L. , Lillie V., Julian R., and John F. Mr. Roberts may fairly 
 be counted among our most prosperous farmers. Has an excellent farm, finely 
 improved, and he is very prosperous. 
 
 FRANK G. SIMMONS 
 
 Was born in the city of New York, on May 31, 1854. His parents were people of 
 good family, though in moderate circumstances, his father being of a Massachusetts 
 family, w bile his mother traced her descent to the early Dutch settlers of New 
 Amsterdam. At an early age his mother died, but her place was taken by her 
 sister, who took care of the children so devotedly that they never felt the loss of 
 their mother. The boy began to go to school at four years of age, and was a con- 
 stant attendant until twelve years old. At that time the death of his father com- 
 pelled him to seek his own living, and he went to work in a book-binding estab- 
 lishment in New York. He remained there but a short time, and in 1867 went to 
 Illinois, where he worked on a farm for about eight years, going to school as he 
 was able to during the fall and winter seasons. In 1874 he came to Nebraska, 
 and located at Seward, and has resided here ever since. For about three years he 
 
268 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 taught school, aud then went into the printing business, going into the office of the 
 Nebraska Reporter. After learning the printer's trade he worked in the office for 
 several years, and finally, in 1882, bought the paper, which he still owns. In the 
 spring of 1887 Mr. Simmons was appointed steward of the Nebraska Institution 
 for Feeble-Minded Youth, located at Beatrice, and is now devoting his time 
 mainly to that business, though he still continues to edit his paper. He was mar- 
 ried Jan. 1, 1879, to Miss Anna W. Bough ton, and they have four children, viz., 
 Euby M., Iva E., Arthur L., and Beulah. Mr. Simmons is a growing man. He 
 was but a mere boy when he came to Nebraska, and with no help but his own 
 ■determination he has steadily advanced step by step until he is among the best 
 known editors of our state. We predict a bright future for him. 
 
 THOMAS SKILLMAN, 
 
 The first settler in F precinct, was born in New Jersey on Nov. 1, 184S. His wid- 
 owed mother moved to Fulton county, 111., in 1851, where Thomas was a resident 
 until the spring of 1865. Married Miss America Johnson in December, 1864. The 
 young couple moved to Seward county the following spring, and Mr. Skillman 
 made his claim (the present farm) on Lincoln creek, and was for a time our most 
 western settler. These young people had many hardships to endure, as they were 
 just beginning life and had but little means, but by perseverance and energy they 
 have succeeded in making for themselves a pleasant home and are now quite inde- 
 pendent. They have only one child (a son), Jerry T., now past twenty-one, and is 
 one of the few grown men that were born in this settlement. 
 
 GEN. JAMES M. TRUE 
 
 "Was born in Scott county, Kentucky, Oct. 14, 1823. Moved with his parents to 
 doles county. 111., in 1834, and there grew up to manhood, living and working on 
 a farm. In 1852 commenced the mercantile business in Charleston, 111. This bus- 
 iness he followed until he enlisted as a private at the opening of the war, in Co. 
 E, 38th III. Infantry Vol., and was elected captain of the company. Was mustered 
 into the service at Springfield, Aug. 2, 1861. His command operated in south- 
 east Missouri. December 1, 1861, Gov. Yates, of Illinois, sent him a commission 
 as colonel of the 62d 111. Infantry Vol., for meritorious service. He at once joined 
 his regiment and took command. The regiment was mustered into service April 
 10, 1862, by Capt. John Watson, of the regular army. Served this regiment until 
 March 5, 1865, when President Lincoln sent his name to the senate for Brigadier 
 General of volunteers, and on the 18th of April, President Johnson signed his com- 
 mission and forwarded it to him in the extreme southern part of Arkansas, where 
 he was in command of a section of country, having a brigade and division com- 
 mand most of the time for two years previous. His operations were in the 
 western army under its different commanders, much of the time with and near 
 •General Grant. In the sanguinary engagements, marches, and counter-marches of 
 the bloody campaigns of the noble western army, our subject had a very impor- 
 tant part, aud acted it well. Was a brave soldier, aud a good general, and had 
 the respect and love of all the boys under his command. At the close of the war 
 he returned to his former business in Mattoon, 111. Within the first year he was 
 ■elected to the legislature from the district composed of Coles, Edgar, Vermilion, 
 and Douglas, by two thousand majority. This was the 25th general assembly of 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 269 
 
 Illinois. He served in the first, second, and third sessions. He declined a renom- 
 ination. February 10, 1874, Gen. Grant appointed him U. S. Consul to Kingston, 
 Canada. In March of that year he reached his consulate, and filled the responsi- 
 ble duties of that office until April, 1878. In 1883 he became a citizen of our 
 county, and has been engaged in stock feeding. He devotes his spare time to the 
 ministry, having been ordained by the Predestinariau Baptist church soon after 
 his return from Canada, in 1878. We believe Mr. True is our only citizen who 
 earned the title of general by actual service in the field. While he is compara- 
 tively a new citizen of our county, he has done so much for his country that he is 
 fully entitled to recognition in these pages as one worthy of all praise. 
 
 PHILLIP UNITT 
 
 Is one of our leading stockmen. Came to Nebraska a young man without means, 
 and by enterprise and good judgment ranks as among the foremost stock men of 
 Nebraska. Owns one of the finest barns in this country, and handles hogs and 
 cattle by the thousand. He is an Englishman by birth — the fattest and jolliest 
 Englishman of whom we know. 
 
 REV. J. N. WEBB, 
 The veteran preacher of Seward county, and probably of our state, was born in Jef- 
 ferson county, N. Y., in 1811. Commenced preaching in 1832, fifty-six years ago, 
 and has been in active work of the ministry ever since. In 1834 was settled as 
 pastor of the church at Smithsville, where he labored five years; was pastor for six 
 years at Carthage; was twenty years at work in the St. Lawrence Association, 
 then three years at Titusville, Pa., when he came to Nebraska in the interest of 
 home missions, and in that work he traversed Nebraska through and through for 
 nine years, at all times of year and in all kinds of weather. Whether in the 
 scorching sun of mid-summer or the chilling blasts of winter blizzards, he was 
 ever about his Master's work, visiting and encouraging feeble churches and render- 
 ing them aid and encouragement, and gathering the scattered membership together 
 and establishing churches. When he was baptized his pocket-book was baptized 
 with him, and his life and all that he possessed was consecrated to the Master's 
 use, and while his financial talent has been most remarkable for a minister, he has 
 distributed it among the poor. Has from his own purse scattered in the mission 
 work ten thousand dollars in Nebraska alone. Since 1879 he has labored for fee- 
 ble churches and the educational interests of his people. Shall we state to what 
 denomination Elder Webb belongs? Perhaps so, but it is more important to 
 know that his long and valuable life has been wholly given to preaching the ever- 
 lasting Gospel of Christ to the people, and while the Missionary Baptist church is 
 his home, yet his field of usefulness was the world, and his work has been won. 
 derfuUy blessed. He is yet in the harness, and is a tower of strength, holding 
 aloft the Standard of the Cross among the people. He first visited Seward in 1869, 
 and this has been a part of his field of labor since that date, and he has made 
 Seward his home for the last two years having been pastor of Sewaid church. 
 
 DR. JAMES H. WOODWARD 
 
 Settled at Milford, Neb., in 1871, and was one of the first physicians in the county. 
 In 1873 he removed to Seward, where he has enjoyed a successful practice ever 
 since. Was a native of Indiana, born January, 1835. Married in 1861 to Miss Emma 
 
■270 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 •Glifford. Clraduated at Ciucimiati Eclectic Medical College in the class of 1866. 
 Had been throngh the St. Louis medical schools. Delivered a series of lectures 
 before the St. Louis Medical College from 1875 to 1877. Has delivered many lec- 
 tures before the Seward school of medicine and surgery. Is a member of the E. 
 M. Society of Nebraska, and an ex-president of that honorable body. Also a 
 "member of the National E. M. Society. Is also a member of the K. of H., and 
 is their examining surgeon at Seward. Has delivered a series of lectures before 
 the school of medicine of the State University. Is author of a work on " Eclectro- 
 Therapeutics." Is the owner of the famous electric belt. 
 
 HENRY WOETENDYKE 
 
 Was born April 6, 1828, in Ontario county, New York. When he was a young lad 
 his parents moved to Genesee county, N. Y. In 1851, while yet a young man, he 
 came West, and settled in Chicago. Was first employed by the government in 
 locating and surveying a national road in Minnesota territory from St. Paul to 
 Crow Wing. Also from St. Paul to Stillwater. After this service he returned to 
 Chicago, and was engaged in a mercantile house for several years. Next we find 
 him at Dixon, selling goods for two years. Came to Cass county in 1857, and 
 worked, improving a farm near W^eeping Water, for three years. In 1860 he took 
 the gold fever and went to the mountains, where he sought and found some gold. 
 Returned to Nebraska in 1866, and has made his home in Seward county since 
 that time. He helped build the first mill at Milford. W^as elected probate 
 judge in 1868. Married Mrs. Emily J. Badgley in 1867, a young widow lady who 
 had the grit to come to Nebraska and get a homestead. To the happy union 
 were born three children, the oldest, Henry J., died when fifteen years of age; 
 Diantha, now a young lady of sixteen years, and John O., eleven years old. Mr. 
 Wortendyke has been quite successfvrl as a farmer and business-man, is at 
 present one of our most wealthy citizens, and is quite enterprising. At an 
 ■early day he helped improve the West's mill property. A man of generous 
 impulses, and gives much to public enterprises and charities. Is a strong 
 republican in politics, an earnest temperance man, and withal a highly 
 respected citizen. Mr. Wortendyke and wife are among the honored mem- 
 bers of the M. E. church of Millbrd. It has been the privilege and pleasure 
 of the writer to enjoy the intimate acquaintance of Mr. Wortendyke and 
 family for over twenty years, and we have always appreciated their sterling qual- 
 ities as citizens and neighbors. We can truly wish them long, happy, and useful 
 lives. 
 
 CALVIN J. WEIGHT 
 
 Came to Nebraska in 1879, and settled in "B" precinct, where he owns a large 
 stock farm. He is largely interested in cattle and hogs, and maybe fairly counted 
 among our most enterprising farmers. One thing that speaks volumes for the 
 man is this, he is an uncompromising democrat, and while his county is strongly 
 republican, he was elected in the fall of 1886 by a handsome majority to represent 
 the county in the state senate, in opposition to a man of sterling qualities. Was 
 born in 1834, in Portage county, Ohio. Was a merchant for a time, then a 
 photographer. In 1861 he moved to Marshall countj^, Ind., where he was en- 
 gaged in the services of the siovernment as a detective otficer. Was married to 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 271 
 
 Miss Elizabeth Church, in Madisou coiiuty, Iowa. Is a member of the A. F. and 
 A. M. in good standing. Is thoroughly awake in all matters of public enterprise. 
 "While we may widely differ with him in m^iny respects with regard to public 
 matters, we can see in him sterling qualities as a business-man, legislator, and 
 citizen. 
 
 JOHN ZIMMEKER 
 
 Came to Seward in 1873, a mere boy in the employ of the firm of Bishoff and 
 Zimmerer. The latter gentleman was an older brother of our friend. Some time 
 afterward John was admitted to a partnership with the firm. His business ability 
 developed rapidly, and in a short time he was placed in full charge of their large 
 and ever expanding business. John proved faithiul to every trust, and not many 
 years had elapsed until he was accounted one of the leading business-men of 
 Seward. His business ability and his remarkable success is almost a prodigy. 
 Before ten years had passed he became sole proprietor of the immense hardware 
 business, and is now owner of the finest business block in the city and is 
 among the foremost of the business-men of Central Nebraska. He is a 
 German by birth, wide-awake and progressive, very liberal in all public 
 enterprises and charities. Has a leading part in every enterprise that tends 
 to build up his county and his city. We could heartily wish for hundreds 
 more just like him. Herein lies the secret of his success : Twenty years ago he 
 commenced work in a hardware store at $5 per month and board and clothes. 
 The first year he saved and sent his father $50, money he had borrowed to pay his 
 way to America. Young men, please learn a lesson li'om his example. 
 
272 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 LIST OF STATE OFFICERS, U. S. SENATORS, REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS, ANI>> 
 U. S. MARSHALS FROM THE ORGANIZATION OF THE TERRITORY UP TO THE 
 PRESENT TIME. 
 
 We append the following lists taken from the State Legislative 
 Manual of 1887, by permission: 
 
 GOVERNORS. 
 
 Francis Burt, appointed Oct. 16, 1854. Dem. 
 Mark W. Izard, appointed Feb. 20, 1855. Dem. 
 Wm. A. Richardson, appointed Jan. 12, 1858. Dem. 
 Sam. W. Black, appointed May 2, 1858. Dem. 
 Alvin Saunders, appointed May 15, 1861. Rep. 
 David Butler, elected, took seat Feb. 21, 1867. Rep. 
 Robert W. Furnas, elected, took seat Jan. 13, 1873. Rep. 
 Silas Garber, elected, took seat Jan. 11, 1875. Rep. 
 Albinus Nance, elected, took seat Jan. 9, 1879. Rep. 
 James W. Dawes, elected, took seat Jan. 4, 1883. Rep. 
 John M. Thayer, elected, took seat Jan. 6, 1887. Rep. 
 The elected governors were elected at the fall elections previous to- 
 their inauguration, the dates of which are indicated above. 
 
 LIEUTENANT GOVERNORS.. 
 
 Othman A. Abbot, Jan. 4, 1877. Rep. 
 Edmund C. Cams, Jan. 9, 1879. Rep. 
 A. W. Agee, Jan. 4, 1883. Rep. 
 H. H. Shedd, Jan. 8, 1885. Rep. 
 
 SECRETARIES. 
 
 Thomas B. Cuming, appointed Aug. 13, 1854. Dem. 
 John B. Motley, appointed March 23, 1858. Dem. 
 J. Sterling Morton, appointed July 12, 1858. Dem. 
 A. S. Paddock, appoiuted May 6, 1861. Rep. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 273 
 
 T. P. Kennard, elected, took seat Feb. 21, 1867. Rep. 
 AV. H. James, elected, took seat Jan. 10, 1871. Rep. 
 John J. Gosper, elected, took seat Jan. 13, 1873. Rep, 
 Bruno Tzschuck, elected, took seat Jan. 11, 1875. Rep. 
 S. J. Alexander, elected, took seat Jan. 9, 1879. Rep. 
 
 E. P. Roggen, elected, took seat Jan. 4, 1883. Rep. 
 Gilbert L. Laws, elected, took seat Jan. 6, 1887. Rep.. 
 
 AUDITORS. 
 
 Chas. B. Smith, appointed March 16, 1855. Dem. 
 
 Samuel L. Campbell, appointed Aug. 3, 1857. Dem. 
 
 Wm. E. Moore, appointed June 1, 185S. Dem. 
 
 Robert C. Jordan, appointed Aug. 2, 1858. Dem. 
 
 Wm. E. Harvey, appointed Oct. 8, 1861. Rep. 
 
 John Gillespie, appointed Oct. 10, 1865. Rep. 
 
 John Gillespie, elected at organization of state government. Rep^ 
 
 Jefferson B. Weston, elected Jan. 13, 1873. Rep. 
 
 F. W. Liedtkie, elected Jan. 9, 1879. Rep. 
 
 John Wallichs, a])pointed to fill vacancy, Nov. 12, 1880. Rep. 
 
 John Wallichs, elected Nov., 1881. Rep. 
 
 H. A. Babcock, elected, inaugurated Jan. 8, 1885. Rep. 
 
 H. A. Babcock, re-elected Nov. 8, 1887. Rep. 
 
 TREASURERS. 
 
 R. P. Rankin, appointed March 16, 1855. Dem. 
 
 Wm. W. Wyman, appointed Nov. 6, 1855. Dem. 
 
 Augustus Kountze, appointed Oct. 8, 1861. Rep. 
 
 Augustus Kountze, elected state 1867. Rep. 
 
 James Sweet, elected, inaugurated June 11, 1869. Rep. 
 
 Henry A. Koenig, elected, inaugurated Jan. 10, 1871. Rep. 
 
 J. C. McBride, elected, inaugurated Jan. 11,1875. Rep. 
 
 Geo. M. Bartlett, elected, inaugurated Jan. 9, 1879. Rep. 
 
 Phelps D. Sturdevant, elected, inaugurated Jan. 4, 1883. Dem. 
 
 Chas. H. Willard, elected, inaugurated Jan. 8, 1885. Rep. 
 
 C:has. H. Willard, re-elected 1887. Rep. 
 
 LIBRARIANS. 
 
 James S. Izard, appointed March 16, 1855. Dem. 
 H. C. Anderson, appointed Nov. 6, 1855. Dem. 
 John H. Kellom, appointed Aug. 3, 1857. Dem. 
 18 
 
274 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 AloDzo D. Luce, appointed N'ov. 7, 1859. Dem. 
 Roberts. Knox, appointed 1861. Rep. 
 T. P. Keuuard, appointed June 22, 1867. Rep. 
 Wm. H. Jones, appointed Jan. 10, 1871. Rep. 
 Guy A. Brown, appointed March 3, 1871. Rep. 
 
 ATTORNEY GENERALS. 
 
 Champion S. Chase, elected 1867. Rep. 
 Seth Robinson, elected 1869. Rep. 
 Geo. H. Roberts, inaugurated .Jan 10, 1871. Rep. 
 ■ J. R. Webster, inaugurated Jan. 1-3, 1873. Rep. 
 Geo. H. Roberts, inaugurated Jan, 11, 1875. Rep. 
 C. J. Dilworth, inaugurated Jan. 9, 1879. Rep. 
 Isaac Powers, Jr., inaugurated Jan. 4, 1883. Rep. 
 Wm. Lease, inaugurated Jan. 8, 1885. Rep. 
 Wni. Leese, re-elected 1887. Rep. 
 
 SUPERINTENDENTS OF PUBLIC, INSTRUCTION. 
 
 Seth W. Reals, elected 1869. Rep. 
 
 J. M. McKenzie, elected, inaugurated Jan. 10, 1871. Rep. 
 S. R. Thompson, elected, inaugurated Jan. 4, 1877. Rep. 
 W. W. W. Jones, elected, inaugurated Jan. 6, 1881. Rep. 
 Geo. B. Lane, elected, inaugurated Jan. 6, 1887. Rep. 
 
 COMMISSIONERS PUBLIC LANDS AND BUILDINGS. 
 
 r. M. Davis, elected, inaugurated Jan. 4, 1877. Rep. 
 A. G. Kendall, elected, inaugurated Jan. 6, 1881. Rep. 
 Joseph Scott, elected, inaugurated Jan. 8, 1885. Rep. 
 Joseph Scott, re-elected 1887. Rep. 
 
 JUDGES OF SUPREME COURT. 
 CHIEF JUSTICES. 
 
 Fenuer Furguson, appointed Oct. 12, 1854. Dem. 
 
 Aug. Hall, appointed March 15, 1858. Dem. 
 
 Wm. Pitt Kellogg, appointed May 27, 1861. Rep. 
 
 Wm. Pitt Kellogg, re-appointed May 8, 1865. Rep. 
 
 Wm. A. Little, appointed 1866. Dem. 
 
 O. P. Mason, appointed 1866. Rep. 
 
 O. P. Mason, elected 1867. Rep. 
 
 Geo. B. Lake, elected, inaugurated Jan. 16, 1873. Rep. 
 
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 275 
 
 Daniel Gautt, elected, inaugurated Jan. 3, 1878.* Rep. 
 Samuel Maxwell, elected, inaugurated May 29, 1878. 
 Geo. B. Lake, elected, inaugurated Jan. 5, 1882. Rep. 
 Amasa Cobb, elected, inaugurated Jan. 3, 1884. Rep. 
 Samuel Maxwell, elected, inaugurated Jan. 4, 1886. Rep. 
 
 ASSOCIATE JUSTICES AND JUDGES. 
 
 Ed. R. Harden, appointed Dec. 4, 1854. Dem. 
 
 James Bradley, appointed Oct. 25, 1854. Dem. 
 
 Sa,m M. Black, appointed, date not given. 
 
 Eleazer Wakeley, appointed April 27, 1857. Dem. 
 
 Joseph Miller, appointed April 9, 1859. Dem. 
 
 Wm. F. Lock wood, appointed May 16, 1861. Rep. 
 
 Elmer S. Dundy appointed June 22, 1863. Rep. 
 
 Geo. B. Lake elected, inaugurated Feb. 21, 1867. Rep. 
 
 Lorenzo Crouuse, elected, inaugurated Feb. 21, 1867. Rep. 
 
 Daniel Gantt, elected, inaugurated Jan. 16, 1873. Rep. 
 
 Samuel Maxwell, elected, inaugurated Jan. 16, 1873. Rep. 
 
 Amasa Cobb, elected, inaugurated May 29, 1878. Rep. 
 
 Amasa Cobb, elected, inaugurated 1882. Rep. 
 
 M. B. Reese, elected, inaugurated Jan. 3, 1884. Rep. 
 
 Samuel Maxwell, elected 1887. Rep. 
 
 CLERKS OF SUPREME COURT. 
 
 H. C. Anderson, appointed 1856. 
 Chas. L. Salisbury, appointed 1858. 
 E. B. Chandler, appointed 1859. 
 John H. Kellom, appointed 1861. 
 Wm. Kellogg, Jr., appointed 1865. 
 Geo. Armstrong, appointed 1867. 
 Guy A. Brown, appointed 1868. 
 
 REPORTERS SUPREME COURT. 
 
 J. M. Woolworth, appointed 1870. 
 Lorenzo Crounse, appointed 1873. 
 Guy A. Brown, appointed 1»75. 
 
 U. S. MARSHALS FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEBRASKA. 
 
 Mark W. Izard, appointed Oct. 28, 1854. Dem. 
 
 *Died in office. 
 
276 HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA. 
 
 Eli R. Doyle, appointed April 7, 1855. Dem. 
 Ben. P. Raukin, appointed March 29, 1856. Dem. 
 P. W. Hitchcock, appointed Sept. 19, 1861. Pep. 
 Casper E. Yost, appointed April 1, 1869. Rep. 
 J. T. Hoile, July 1, 1861. Rep. 
 Wm. Dailey, 1870. Rep. 
 Ellis Bierbower, 1885. Rep. 
 
 TERRITORIAL DELEGATES TO CONGRESS. 
 
 Napoleon B. Gidding, elected Dec. 12. 1854. Dem. 
 Bird B. Chapman, elected Nov. 6, 1855. Dem. 
 Fenner Furguson, elected Aug. 3, 1857. Dem. 
 Experience Esterbrook, Oct. 11, 1859. Dem. 
 Samuel G. Daily, Oct. 9, 1860. Rep. 
 Samuel G. Daily, re-elected Oct. 1862. Rep. 
 Phineas W. Hitchcock, elected Oct. 11, 1864. Rep. 
 John Taffe, elected Oct. 9, 1866. Rep. 
 
 REPRESENTATIVES TO CONGRESS. 
 
 Lorenzo Crounse, Oct. 8, 1872. Rep. 
 Frank Welch, Nov. 7, 1876. Rep. 
 Thos. J. Majors, Nov. 5, 1878. Rep. 
 E. K. Valentine, Nov. 5, 1878. Rep. 
 A. J. Weaver, March 7, 1883. Rep. 
 
 James Laird (re-elected 1884 and 1886), first took his seat March 
 7, 1883. Rep. 
 
 G. W. Dorsey (re-elected 1886), ]\Larch 5, 1885. Rep. 
 John A. McShane, elected Nov., 1886, March 5, 1887. Dem. 
 
 U. S. SENATORS. 
 
 John M. Thayer, 1867 to 73. 
 T. W. Tipton, 1867 to '75. 
 P. W. Hitchcock, 1871 to 77. 
 Algernon S. Paddock, 1875 to '8i. 
 Alvin Saunders, 1877 to '83. 
 C. H. YanWyck, 1881 to '87. 
 Chas. F. Manderson, 1883 to '89. 
 A. S. Paddock, 1887 to '93. 
 
Il^DEX 
 
 PAGE 
 
 "A" Precinct 87, 132 
 
 Advocate founded 49 
 
 Atchison & Neb. R. E 61 
 
 Agricultural Society 95 
 
 Arrest of county commissioners 37 
 
 Atlas founded 42 
 
 Assessments of county 107 
 
 Ancient Order of United Workmen 212 
 
 Anderson, Lewis 30, 246 
 
 Anderson, Allen S 146 
 
 Anderson, Mrs. Sarah F 144 
 
 Anderson, J. H 105 
 
 Anderson, James 117 
 
 Addition (Cloyd's) 150 
 
 Addition (H., M., and K.'s) 150 
 
 Addition South Seward 153 
 
 August trost 18 
 
 Antelope 8, 16, 140 
 
 Agricultural College 216 
 
 Armory and gymnasium 217 
 
 Anderson, R. P 172 
 
 "B" Precinct, its history 87, 113, 142 
 
 Bates tragedy 65 
 
 Baety, J.N 24, 41, 147 
 
 Bellows, Peter 21, 23 
 
 Bitterness of sectional strife 36, 38, 84, 86 
 
 Beginning of county seat embroglio 33 
 
 Bond proposition, lirst 42 
 
 Bond proposition, second 43 
 
 Bond proposition, third 45 
 
 Bond proposition, A. &N 62 
 
 Bond proposition, F., E. & M. V 69 
 
 B. & M., Turns a cold shoulder 43 
 
 B. &M., Swallows the M. P 54 
 
 B. &M., Swallows the A. &N 63 
 
 B. & M., Extended to York 54 
 
 Becard, Fritz 57 
 
 Blue Valley, Where it never rains 17 
 
 Blue River on a wild rampage.., 32, 39 
 
278 INDEX. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Brush, Marcus, Elected to legislature 42 
 
 Bridge, First on Salt creek 14 
 
 Bridge, First on Blue river 27 
 
 Bridge at Seward, First 148 
 
 Brown, James A 119, 129 
 
 Boyes, H. L. (his mill) 42, 149 
 
 Boyes, Geo 153 
 
 Bugle, Beaver Crossing 188 
 
 Boyes, Margaret 236 
 
 Boughton, Eliza 238 
 
 Boyes, H. L 247 
 
 Bartlett, John S 93 
 
 Ballard, Mrs. J. H 94 
 
 Buffalo, Last killed in county 140 
 
 Buifalo meat 79 
 
 Buft'alohunt 140 
 
 Buffalo Bill saved the boys 140 
 
 Bible Society, Its organization 79 
 
 Beaver Tribune 84 
 
 Ballots or bullets 84 
 
 "Blessed are the peacemakers " 85 
 
 Blighted R. R. lands 79 
 
 Babson, G., Jr 163, 246 
 
 Blade, Blue Valley • 49 
 
 Bfctzer, J. H 49, 157, 247 
 
 Bachelder, Mrs. L. M 243 
 
 Bachelder, John W 246 
 
 Bowker murder 66 
 
 Between two fires 34 
 
 Brick store. First 46 
 
 Bank, First in Seward 46 
 
 Bottom fell out 152 
 
 Best, Mrs. Thomas (her death) 92 
 
 Baily , Miss Agnes 72 
 
 Bowers, W. D 247 
 
 "C" Precinct '• 113 
 
 Cadman,John , 13, 14, 15 
 
 Cadman, probate judge of Lancaster county 38 
 
 Calkins, Charles (his cabin) 15 
 
 County ofiicers of Seward county 102 
 
 Chambers. John (awful fright) 15 
 
 Chambers, Joseph 18 
 
 Gassier, Orlando, murder and execution 59 
 
 Camden (old freight road and bridge) 57 
 
 Camden post-ofBce 33 
 
 Camden Mills 33, 134 
 
 Crimm, Dr 22 
 
INDEX. 279 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Clay county (division of it) .* 14 
 
 Cooper, Eoger 35,237 
 
 Cooper, William 35 
 
 Cooper, E. F 104, 249 
 
 County organization 34 
 
 County seat of Lancaster county 15 
 
 County commissioners. First 34 
 
 County clerk. First 35 
 
 County board, First meeting 35 
 
 Courtright, Abram 44, 234 
 
 Courtright, J. B. (fruits) 177 
 
 County seat question agitated 36 
 
 County seat election, first, second, third 36, 44 
 
 Comparative statement of wealth and population 109 
 
 Clough, Nathan (murdered) 53 
 
 Clough, Warren, (murder trial) 54 
 
 Coleman, H. M 55, 80 
 
 Coleman, Mrs. Amos 244 
 
 Coufer, Rev. G. M 57 
 
 Church, First in county 191 
 
 Church, First in Seward 198 
 
 Churches — 
 
 Adventist, Seventh Day 189 
 
 Amish Mennonite 189 
 
 Baptist Missionary 190 
 
 Baptist Predestinarian 203 
 
 Catholic 191 
 
 Congregationalist ■. 191 
 
 Evangelical Friedens 193 
 
 Evangelical Lutheran 194 
 
 Methodist Episcopal 200 
 
 Methodist Protestant 196 
 
 Presbyterian 198 
 
 United Brethren 196 
 
 Clippings from the Atlas 71 
 
 Clippings from the Record...^ 75 
 
 Clippings from the Eeporler '. 88 
 
 Cone, Rev. O. D 241 
 
 Combs, Rev. A. J 49, 235 
 
 Cloyd, W. C. (his addition) 150 
 
 Center of county 43 
 
 Colfax, Schuyler (visits Seward ) 94 
 
 Coal mine 80 
 
 Caught a coon 82 
 
 Chroney, Chas 48 
 
 Camden disfranchised 84 
 
 Constitution (vote on same) 82 
 
 Corporation election for Seward 154 
 
280 INDEX. 
 
 • PAGE 
 
 Corr, Thos 103, 249 
 
 Cams, E. C 102, 248 
 
 Cars reach Seward 153 
 
 Cummins, Dr. H. B 251 
 
 Culver, J. H 44, 88, 251 
 
 Clark, Rev. E. L 33, 103, 243 
 
 Clothing of the pioneers 168, 130 
 
 Calico (its price) 168 
 
 Cotton cloth (its price) 168 
 
 Coroner's jury 30 
 
 Crop estimate oi Reporter 92 
 
 Crop estimate by Ed. Mclntyre 92 
 
 Counterfeit money factory 91 
 
 Chemical laboratory 217 
 
 Christian university 218 
 
 Common school buildings of Lincoln and Lancaster county 218 
 
 Court-house for Lancaster county 220 
 
 Callender, A. J 247 
 
 Cattle, John, Sen 248 
 
 Chapin, I, G 249 
 
 Compton, F. P 249 
 
 Cox, W. W 250 
 
 "D" precinct 115 
 
 Davis, W. E 24, 41, 148, 154, 157, 252 
 
 Davison, J. L 8, 27, 77, 80, 104 
 
 Dawson, Jacob 11, 12 
 
 Donevan, W. T 7, 10 
 
 Dunaway (his death) 29 
 
 Dec. 31, 1863 (intensely cold) 17 
 
 Desert land 13 
 
 Derby, G.A 55, 116 
 
 Derby, Miss Clara 57 
 
 Diary of E. L. Ellis 185 
 
 Diary of Thos. Graham 186 
 
 District No. 9 organized 149 
 
 Dundy, Judge E. S 19 
 
 Durland, John 33 
 
 Dunaway's (settlement) 108 
 
 District court. First in Lancaster county 19 
 
 District court. First in Seward county 172 
 
 De Lamatyr (Hon.) speaks 92 
 
 Dedication of the U. B. church 93 
 
 Docken, C. L., suicides" 9'* 
 
 Dunigan M 102, 106, 252 
 
 Donaldson, A. W 252 
 
 Donaldson, Mrs. E.D 238 
 
 Dunbaugh, John 252 
 
INDEX. 281 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Duncan, Mrs. E. E 232 
 
 Dedication 3 
 
 Dust storms 64, 186 
 
 Distribution of state buildings 215 
 
 Dunphy, R. E 102, 252 
 
 "E" precinct 116 
 
 Ellis, E. L .....2H, 129, 185, 254 
 
 Elsworth, F. M '. 130 
 
 Efforts to locate capital at Seward 40 
 
 Extract from an address at old settlers' reunion 1"3 
 
 Efforts to change the business portions of the city 153 
 
 Earned his mileage 31 
 
 Electric lights 164 
 
 Emigration from Seward 68 
 
 Election on new constitution 82 
 
 Election on county seat, First 36 
 
 Election on county seat, Second 36 
 
 Election on county seat, Third -. 43 
 
 Editor's valedictory ; 87 
 
 Edwards, J. N 74, 99, 155, 254 
 
 Empty sack 9 
 
 Editor's twins 89 
 
 Evans, Elizabeth 
 
 Ewing's hotel 150 
 
 Exodus of citizens 64 
 
 Energy displayed in securing settlers 34 
 
 Elk and elk meat 16, 140, 185, 186 
 
 Entered the first land 186 
 
 Episcopal academy 
 
 Elsworth, F. M 42, 172 
 
 Experiment station 217 
 
 " F "precinct, its history 117 
 
 First homestead 27 
 
 First sermon at Lancaster 1" 
 
 First sermon at Seward 33 
 
 First representative in legislature 31 
 
 First births at Lancaster 18 
 
 First births at Seward 31 
 
 First births on town site 150 
 
 First saw-mill and corn burr in Seward county 33 
 
 First saw-mill at Seward. 42 
 
 First tax levy 35 
 
 First store in Seward county 128 
 
 First store in Seward 41, 147 
 
 Firststore in Lancaster 14 
 
 First post-office in Seward county 128, 159 
 
282 INDEX. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 First post-office in Seward 157 
 
 First residence in Seward 42, 148 
 
 First celebration in Seward 42 
 
 First visit to Lancaster county 7 
 
 First visit to "G" precinct 28 
 
 Firemen's Association 181 
 
 Fifty Lincoln citizens visit Seward *92 
 
 Fine stock and breeders 181 
 
 Freshet in winter 32 
 
 Fruits of Seward county 177 
 
 Freight road and travel 14, 127 
 
 Folden, Rev. A. J 57, 201 
 
 Fouse, John E 27, 123 
 
 France, Geo. B 76, 78, 105 
 
 Fairplay's letter 77 
 
 First census of Seward 155 
 
 First census of county 109 
 
 Finances of Seward 155 
 
 First school in Saline county 77 
 
 First school in Seward county 76, 77 
 
 First school at Seward 39, 47, 162 
 
 Ford, J. C 254 
 
 Food of pioneers 169 
 
 Fourth of July, 1862 11 
 
 Fourth of July, 1868 41 
 
 Fourth of July, 1876 53 
 
 Free hotels 34 
 
 Fletcher, J. M 254 
 
 First Sunday-school at Lancaster 17 
 
 First Sunday-school at Seward 47, 159 
 
 First church organized in Seward ; 49 
 
 First hotel in Seward 41, 148 
 
 First marriages in county 171 
 
 First marriages in "G " precinct 171 
 
 First frame house in Lancaster county 10 
 
 Five hundred Indians attack two men 186 
 
 French, Rev. H. A 191, 103 
 
 Fourteen spokes in the wheel 218 
 
 " G " precinct, its early history 118 
 
 Gage county 13, 14 
 
 Gale, R. T 27, 30, 32, 230 
 
 Giles, John 23 
 
 Game 15 
 
 Goehner, J. F 69, 102, 157, 256 
 
 Goehner & Wilkins 57 
 
 Graham Thomas 77, 102,104, 105, 256 
 
 G. A. R., Seward Post, its history 204 
 
INDEX. 283 
 
 PAGE 
 
 G. A. R., Winslow Post, its history 208 
 
 G. A. E., Major Keenan's Post, its history 208 
 
 Good Templars 159 
 
 Grand view 28 
 
 Goodbrod, Geo 57 
 
 Grasshopper scourge 50 
 
 Greeley's advice taken 28 
 
 Green (the rebel) 26 
 
 Gregory, J. S 13, 18 
 
 Gregory basin 25 
 
 Growth of Seward county 107, 108, 109 
 
 Growth of the city 89 
 
 Geographical townships made precincts 87 
 
 GrovelandP. O '79 
 
 Gruber, Rev. T. K 194, 256 
 
 Grangers, The murderers 66 
 
 Grant, Fred, his death 92 
 
 Gerken, Peter, drowned ~4 
 
 Government court-house 215 
 
 Grain trade of Lincoln 219 
 
 Gere, Hon. C. H. , His paper on Lancaster county 214 
 
 "H " precinct, its history , 121 
 
 Happy days for settlers 40 
 
 Herrick, Widow 50 
 
 Hitchcock, Hon. P. W 10 
 
 Harthey, Miss Rossa 57 
 
 Hawk pie 56 
 
 Hartman, W. C 257 
 
 Hospitality of the people 44 
 
 Historic letter, J. A. Brown 129 
 
 Historic letter, E. W. Olney 132 
 
 Historic letter, Mrs. H. W. Parker 134 
 
 Historic letter, L M. K. Johnson 136 
 
 Historic letter, F. M. Timblin 142 
 
 Historic letter, Mrs. Sarah F. Anderson 144 
 
 Hornburg, Wm 103, 115, 142, 258 
 
 Hauling cord wood to Lincoln 143 
 
 Harris, J. H., his enterprises 150 
 
 Harris, Daniel H 103 
 
 Hunters 16, 79, 140 
 
 Hunter's paradise 16 
 
 Huston, S. W 79 
 
 Hagaman, Wm 236 
 
 Humphrey, our first druggist 42 
 
 Hill, Wm. E 27 
 
 Hooker, Miss Eva 76 
 
 Hickman, Wm 113, 103, 257 
 
284 INDEX. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Hickman, J. D 113 
 
 Holt, Isaac 258 
 
 Hazelwood, Rev. J. D 45 
 
 Hazelwood, J. A 257 
 
 Honey bee 69 
 
 Hensel, H. C 183 
 
 Home of the Friendless 216 
 
 Half a million in church property 220 
 
 Hafer, Levi 258 
 
 "!'■ precinct 121 
 
 Imlay, David, Sr 28, 231 
 
 Imlay, William 25,28, 30, 32, 258 
 
 Imlay, D. P 30 
 
 Imlay, Joseph 30 
 
 Ingham, Prof. O. S. (his somersault) 85 
 
 Increase of settlement 76 
 
 Impeachment of county clerk 37 
 
 Incorporation of Seward 87, 154 
 
 Incorporation of Seward as a city 155 
 
 Injunction in the M. P. bond matter 86 
 
 Injunction in the A. & N. bond matter 63, 91 
 
 " I hangs mine self," (a story) 149 
 
 Indian anecdotes 11, 15 
 
 Indian scares 15, 19, 140, 144 
 
 Ingham's eloquence 89 
 
 Industrial Hall 217 
 
 "J" Precinct 122 
 
 Jones, Joseph 116 
 
 Jones, Claudius 46, 131, 260 
 
 Jones, Lord 128 
 
 Jackson avenue 150 
 
 Jones caricatured 62 
 
 Johns, L. G 149 
 
 Johnson, Rev. E. W 117, 259 
 
 Johnson, Jesse R 27, 138 
 
 Johnson, L M. K 136, 140 
 
 Johnson, James 128 
 
 Johnson, F. S 242 
 
 " Jonah can't swallow the whale " 70 
 
 Langdon, Milton 234 
 
 Langdon, Mrs. Anne 235 
 
 Langdon, John 260 
 
 Lake, Judge ^^-^ 
 
 Langworthy, Mrs. S. C 1*^3 
 
 Lincoln city compared with other capitals 214 
 
 Lincoln, " the fiat city" 214 
 
INDEX. 285 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Lindsay, Mrs. Adeline 233 
 
 Lanjre, Alex 261 
 
 Leese, Wm 261, 274 
 
 Leger, L. J 261 
 
 Lowley, Geo 261 
 
 "M" Precinct 124 
 
 Masonic Fraternity 209 
 
 Mason, Judge O. P 10 
 
 Mason, Joel 8 
 
 Mclntyre's report to B. & M 92 
 
 Maine, Judge J. D 9, 37, 104, 132 
 
 Manley. Samuel 149, 237 
 
 Midland road completed 46 
 
 " Me good langian " 23 
 
 Morton, J. Sterling 10 
 
 Men who helped make Seward county 246 
 
 Mohawk lumber yard 153 
 
 Marquett, T. M 19 
 
 M. E. church founded , 49 
 
 McKesson, Rev. Dr 33 
 
 McKinley and Morton 27 
 
 Missouri rebels 18 
 
 MoflStt. Lewis 32 
 
 Morgan. Daniel 25 
 
 Milford founded 33 
 
 Milford Mills (built) .35 
 
 Milford newspapers 183 
 
 Metz was drowned 67 
 
 Moving to homestead 30 
 
 McNall (his death) 93 
 
 McCandlish, Rev 79 
 
 Money order office at Seward 158 
 
 Money order office at Milford 80 
 
 Majority asrainst bonds 84 
 
 Majority for bonds 86 
 
 Mass meeting in Seward to condemn fraud 85 
 
 Mortimer's letters • 87 
 
 McKillip, D. C 87 
 
 McPherson, M. R 87 
 
 Mayor, first of Seward 155 
 
 Mc Intyre, Edmund 96, 97, 98, 155, 156, 262 
 
 Miller, Rev. Dr. W. G 262 
 
 Merriam. S. G 45 
 
 Merriam,Geo. A 172, 262 
 
 Morton, Francis 264 
 
 Morris, William 239 
 
 Mitchel, Rev. J. E 240 
 
286 INDEX. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Mothers and wives of pioneers 166 
 
 Millspaugh, Daniel 27 
 
 Mass meetings at Camden 81, K4 
 
 Moffit, Leroy (his death) 74 
 
 McKay, Geo. C 114 
 
 Morris keyless lock factory 164 
 
 McLean, Rev. T. L 202 
 
 Milford churches 191, 202 
 
 Manufacturing in Lincoln 219 
 
 Morehead, Jas 263 
 
 Morey, Rev. G. M 263 
 
 "N " Precinct 125 
 
 Nebraskan founded 183 
 
 " Never rains on Blue river" 17 
 
 Norval, Judge T. L 95, 102, 130, 155, 172, 265 
 
 Norval, R. S 89, 130, 155, 265 
 
 Nevcjahr, Henry (his death) 93 
 
 Nichols, Ross 124 
 
 Nicholsville 80 
 
 Nelden post-office 77 
 
 Notable workers for Milford 44 
 
 Nine spokes in the wheel 218 
 
 Neihardt, L D 264 
 
 "O" Precinct, its history 126 
 
 Oak Groves 28, 37, 130, 132 
 
 Olney, John 38 
 
 Olney, E. W 105, 132 
 
 Omaha Indians 15 
 
 Old log school-house 39, 47, 148, 162 
 
 Our people, general characteristics 170 
 
 Odd Fellows, Seward Lodge 212 
 
 Odd Fellows, Utica Lodge 211 
 
 Old State-house 215 
 
 Oldest man in Seward county 253 
 
 Old settlers' reunions 172 
 
 Oat meal mill 164 
 
 One hundred trains per day 220 
 
 Organization of Lancaster county 220 
 
 "P" precinct, its history 127 
 
 Parker, H. W 13, 33, 80 
 
 Parker, H. W., defeated 42 
 
 Patrick murder 67 
 
 Peckham, Darwin 9 
 
 Peat deposits 76 
 
 Possibilities of Seward as a manufacturing city 161 
 
 Pound, Judge S. B 38 
 
INDEX. 287 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Politics of Seward county jOl 
 
 Prairie fires 12 jqq 
 
 Phinney, Rev. C. E 57^ 265 
 
 Post-office and mails I57 
 
 Peddler's dilemma (a story) I49 
 
 Precincts changed 82, 85,86, 87 
 
 Pleasant Dale P. 79 
 
 Presson, Rev. J. H ogg 
 
 Payne, Steven 240 
 
 Persuaders] , g 
 
 Pembertou (his crime) 20 
 
 Public well , J 43 
 
 Probate court record j 71 
 
 Prairie breaking 75^ II9 
 
 Perkins, Mrs., sues the saloons 90 
 
 Pingree, Mrs. Nettie M I74 
 
 Penitentiary 015 
 
 Political history of Lancaster county 220 
 
 Rapid development of county 41 45 75 
 
 Ragan, O. C 56 
 
 Roberts, John, Sen 35, 75, 151, 266 
 
 Roberts, J. N., Jr 33, 267 
 
 Roberts, Jasper 240 
 
 Reynolds, Job T 27 
 
 Secord, Blue Valley, founded 45 
 
 Reed, Wm. H 3 ^ 242 
 
 Record, its salutatory 77 
 
 Record, its valedictory 87 
 
 Reed, Roland 239 
 
 Reporter founded 48 
 
 Railroads of Lincoln 218 
 
 Skinner, Rev. T.N 245 
 
 Salt Basin 7 8 
 
 Samson, Richard 33 
 
 Sampson, J. C 35 
 
 Saunders, Gov 10 
 
 Schamp, Peter H 
 
 Scott, John 28 
 
 Sweet music 23 
 
 Seward county as it is now 109 
 
 Storm of indignation 37 
 
 Seward as we see it in 1888 163 
 
 Shirley's ranch 9 
 
 Shafer, E. B 35 
 
 Seward schools and names of first scholars 47 
 
 Seward schools, history of 163 
 
 Seward's early history and growth I47 
 
288 INDEX. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Seward surveyed 41 
 
 Seward out-generaled 42 
 
 Skillman, Thomas 33, 268 
 
 Stephenson, Samuel 42 
 
 Standard, Thos 56 
 
 Serpent's fall (story) 115 
 
 Struggle to secure settlers 34 
 
 Sufferings of the pioneers 39, 40 
 
 Skaigs, Rev., first M. E. minister 49 
 
 School moneys paid out in 1871 „.. 78 
 
 School moneys paid out in 1887 181 
 
 Snow storms 68, 179 
 
 Stock feeders 180 
 
 Strang, A. L 148 
 
 Shattuck, Etta 180 
 
 Smallpox 66, 67 
 
 Staplehust founded 114 
 
 Stephens, Jeff (his death) 80 
 
 Seward liars 81 
 
 Sales of the Reporter 48, 49 
 
 Stop the reaper ! 86 
 
 Special papers — 
 
 Agricultural Society (its history) 95 
 
 Drainage and Water Courses 99 
 
 County Ofiicers 102 
 
 Assessments from 1865 to 1887 107 
 
 Politics, of the County 101 
 
 Census Tables 108 
 
 Comparative Tables of Wealth and Population 109 
 
 Tern perance Work 1 59 
 
 Seward Sick 64 
 
 State and Territorial Officers 272 
 
 Wilderness Home in Childhood 174 
 
 Scenes in justice court 18 
 
 Simmons, F. G 49, 267 
 
 Stanwood, Mrs. Mary 237 
 
 Spear, E. M 242 
 
 South Seward 153 
 
 Schick sold the bonds 90 
 
 School monej's appropriated 78, 86, 87, 181 
 
 Shooting of Mcintosh 90 
 
 Squaws carry the corn 186 
 
 Smith, Chas. L 183 
 
 Spear, Mrs. E. M 88, 163 
 
 Street railways of Lincoln 220 
 
 Stock yards 219 
 
 Street paving 220 
 
 Snodgrass, Mrs. Jane 244 
 
ixDEx. 289 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Town painted red 149 
 
 Tramp to Lincoln in the dark 38 
 
 Tributes to the memory of the dead 230 
 
 Troup "A," Neb. National Guards 183 
 
 Tisdale, Thomas 83, 125 
 
 Tisdale, Mrs. Thomas (her death) 93 
 
 Thompson, W. J 27, 83,125 
 
 True, Gen. J. M 203 
 
 Towner, Rev. Abram 244 
 
 Tishue, Joel (his brick store) 88 
 
 Two B & M. R. R's 63 
 
 Trying to carry a buck deer 186 
 
 Tribute to the wives and mothers of the pioneers 166 
 
 Township organization 69 
 
 Timothy and clover 69 
 
 Trustees, First, of Seward 154 
 
 Telegraph completed to Seward 74 
 
 Twenty school-houses 79 
 
 Twenty-five stations 219 
 
 Tile works 219 
 
 Three millions in improvements 220 
 
 True, Gen. J. M 268 
 
 Union Pacific R. R. located a 12 
 
 Union restored, its effect on Nebraska 24 
 
 Utica founded 54 
 
 Unorganized territory under control of Seward county 35 
 
 Utica street fight 90 
 
 Unitt Phillip 269 
 
 University of Nebraska 215 
 
 Utica Sun Ill 
 
 Vifquain, Col 81,83, 127 
 
 Visiting in old times 169 
 
 Value of farms in Lancaster county 218 
 
 War among the newspapers 48 
 
 Wallingford, Richard 8, 10 
 
 Wallingford, A. J 8,27, 134 
 
 Wallick, Mrs. Abram 234 
 
 Whipping the oxen 21 
 
 W^illiams, O. T. B 42, 104 
 
 Winter of 1863-4 17 
 
 Winter of Desolation 39 
 
 Well, first in Seward 148 
 
 West, Thomas 25, 33, 136 
 
 West, James 139 
 
 West, Alexander 139 
 
 West's mill, built 33 
 
 19 
 
290 INDEX. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Wind-mill, first in the county 148 
 
 Wortendyke, Henry 44, 104, 270 
 
 Wrangle with county clerk 37 
 
 Webbeke, Len a 180 
 
 Welty, Bessie (killed) 92 
 
 Wingfield, E. W. (his death] 93 
 
 Walker Robert (his death 93 
 
 Wendall, Ira (his death) 94 
 
 Woodward, Dr. J. H 80, 269 
 
 Walker, Dr. Leland 41, 43, 154 
 
 Wright, C. J 102, 106, 270 
 
 Webb, Rev. J. N 269 
 
 Walker, Mrs. Elsie T 232 
 
 Wooley, Stites 31,119, 236 
 
 Windsor house 64, 164 
 
 Wesley an un iversi ty 217 
 
 West Lincoln 219 
 
 Wholesale houses 219 
 
 W. C. T. U 212 
 
 Young. Rev. J. M 11, 12, 14,17,230 
 
 Zimmerer, .Tohn 271 
 
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