USA > Nebraska > Adams County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Adams, Clay, Hall and Hamilton counties, Nebraska, comprising a condensed history of the state, a number of biographies of distinguished citizens of the same, a brief descriptive history of each of the counties mentioned, and numerous biographical sketches of the citizens of such counties > Part 1
USA > Nebraska > Clay County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Adams, Clay, Hall and Hamilton counties, Nebraska, comprising a condensed history of the state, a number of biographies of distinguished citizens of the same, a brief descriptive history of each of the counties mentioned, and numerous biographical sketches of the citizens of such counties > Part 1
USA > Nebraska > Hall County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Adams, Clay, Hall and Hamilton counties, Nebraska, comprising a condensed history of the state, a number of biographies of distinguished citizens of the same, a brief descriptive history of each of the counties mentioned, and numerous biographical sketches of the citizens of such counties > Part 1
USA > Nebraska > Hamilton County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Adams, Clay, Hall and Hamilton counties, Nebraska, comprising a condensed history of the state, a number of biographies of distinguished citizens of the same, a brief descriptive history of each of the counties mentioned, and numerous biographical sketches of the citizens of such counties > Part 1
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Gc 978.201 Ad1b 1142799 1
M. L.
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01716 9829
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9.99
ISTORICAL
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MEMOIRS
× × OF X X
ADAMS, CLAY, HALL AND HAMILTON COUNTIES, NEBRASKA,
COMPRISING
A Condensed History of the State, a number of Biographies of Distinguished Citizens of the same, a Brief Descriptive History of each of the Counties mentioned, and numerous Biographical Sketches of the Citizens of such Counties.
ILLUSTRATED .***
CHICAGO. THE GOODSPEED PUBLISHING CO. 1890.
6
PRESS OF JOHN MORRIS COMPANY, CHICAGO.
G
1142799
PREFACE.
Ë
HE method by which this book was prepared is the only successful plan yet devised for the preservation of local history and biography throughout the United States, and the number of volumes distributed seems fabulous. Over one million copies have been sold in the United States in the last fifteen years at prices ranging from $10 to $25 per copy, aggregating a total valuation of fully $15,000,000. Many of these works are purely bi- ographical, containing no history whatever; others are genealogical, extending back to the origin of the family on this continent. Whatever may be the objection to the method of preparation, whatever fault may exist in the celerity of compil- ation and publication, the enormous circulation and the wonderful popularity of the works, as shown in their sale at high prices, prove that the end justifies the means. No one but an enemy of society and progress will undertake to dis- pute a proposition so manifestly true.
The Publishers have few if any excuses to offer in handing this fine volume to their patrons, for whom alone it was prepared. It is a work of permanent worth, carefully compiled from the most valuable material to be found, critically read and revised, and in mechan- ical make-up will challenge comparison with the most improved products of the art of book- making. Every biography was submitted by mail, and nearly all were promptly corrected and returned by the subjects. Much of the history was prepared by home talent and is substantially accurate. The promises contained in the prospectus used by our agents on the canvass, have been exceeded in almost every detail; a candid comparison is solicited.
The condensed State history was prepared mainly by Mr. C. F. Royce, editor of the Gazette- Journal, Hastings; several_important chapters were written by Mr. Isaiah Piatt, of the his- torical staff. The history of Hamilton County was written by Samuel Spanogle, Esq., of Aurora, and will be found to be a creditable production. The remainder of the history, save many small contributions from numerous residents, was compiled by Prof. M. A. Leeson, who has had over fifteen consecutive years' experience in local historical work. The diminutive size of the biographical department of Hamilton County is due principally to the surprising unconcern of a majority of the citizens of that county in the success of this most laudable enterprise. Thanking our patrons and friends for their liberal assistance, we respectfully tender them this beautiful volume.
CHICAGO, May, 1890.
THE PUBLISHERS.
SURNANE FILE
Aender - 27.50
6
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CONTENTS.
HISTORY OF NEBRASKA.
CHAPTER I.
The Territory of Louisiana-Nebraska Originally a Part of Louisiana-Ferdinand De Soto and His Expedition -The Exploration of the Mississippi Valley-Diseov- ery of the Mississippi River-Death of De Soto-Ex- plorations of the Jesnits-Joliet and Marquetle-La Salle's Exploration-France Claims the Territory- Governors of Louisiana-France Compelled to Relin- quish Lonisiana-President Jefferson buys Louisiana. 9-14
CHAPTER II.
Indian History of Nebraska-The Principal Tribes-The Poneas and Their Melancholy History-Their Treaties With the United States-Ontrages by United States Soldiers-Their Foreible Removal to the Indian Ter- ritory-Standing Bear's Escape-Arrest and Subse- qnent Release by Judge Dundy-The Pawuees, Otoes and Omahas-Great Battle Between the Sionx and Pawnees-The Great Uprising of August, 1864-The Massaere at Plum Creek-Stampede of the Settlers -Peace Restored. .15-19
CHAPTER III.
T , Settlement of the Territory-Population of Nebraska at the Formation of the Territory-The Earliest Visits of the White Men-The Trading Post and Settlement at Bellevue-Col. Peter A. Sarpy-The Mormon Set- · tlement at Florence-First Attempts to Found the City of Omaha-The Settlement of Douglas County -Col. John Boulware-The Settlement at St. Deroin -- The Founding of Brownville-Early History of Douglas County-Stephen Story and His Settlement in Richardson County 20-23
CHAPTER IV.
The Formation of the Territory-Other Territories Ad- mitted-Calls for the Formation of the " Platte Couu- try"-First Attempt to Erect the Territory of Ne- braska-A Resume of Political Events Leading to the Opposition to the Erection of Nebraska-The Mis- souri Compromise-Second Attempt to Form the Ter. ritory of Nebraska-Opposition of Southern Sena- tors-The Slavery Issue-Senator Douglas Introduces the Kansas-Nebraska Bill-Its Opposition and Final Passage. .24-27
CHAPTER V.
Geological Formation-Primitive Ages-Mineral Deposits -Topography and Physical Features-Extent and Area -Rivers, Lakes, ete .- Navigable Streams-Timber- Before the Time of White Men-Natural Produc. tions 24-34
CHAPTER VI.
The Exploration of Nebraska-Early Visitors-Govern- ment Expeditions-Valuable Extract by Judge Sav. age-Nebraska n> a Territory-First Officials-Death of Gov. Burt-Formation Into Counties-Early Legis. lative Sessions-Population in IS55-The " Florence Secession "-The Slavery Question Considered-The Territory in 1861-Numerous Nets and Measures of Interest -- Anxiety lo Become a State ... .....
... 35-45
CHAPTER VII.
Admitted Into the Union-Formation of State Govern- ment-Historical Record by Hon. C. H. Gere Condi. tion as a State Proper-First Officials-Lincoln, the Seat of Government-Early Elections-First Legisla- tive Sessions-Gov. Butler's Regime-The Governor Impeached-A Famous Trial-The James Administra- tion - Stirring Events - Blizzard and Grasshopper Scourge-State Officers Since Organization. . . . . . . 46-56
CHAPTER VIII
Nebraska's Part in the Rebellion-Number of Soldiers Furnished-Sentinyent of the People-Companies Or. ganized-Sketches of Infantry Regiments-Engage. ments Participated In-Home Protection Considered- Indian Encounters-Sketches of Nebraska's Senators and Congressmen -Senatorial Succession -Phineas W. Hitchcock-Thomas W. Tipton-John M. Thayer -Algernon S. Paddock-Alvin Saunders-Charles F. Manderson-Charles II. Van Wyck and Others . . . 57-64
CHAPTER IX
Counties in the State-Brief Historical Sketches-De scriptive Account of their Origin-Location, County Seats, etc .- First Settlements-General Development -- Advent of Railways-A Commercial Necessity-Sur- veys of 1853-54-Building of the Pacific Railroad- Ifistory of the Enterprise-Central Pacific Railroad- The Consolidation .65-77
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER X.
Nebraska's Important Cities-Sketch of Their Progress and Development-Material Advancement Noted- Character of Improvements-Present Interests-At- tractions Offered-Lincoln, the Judicial Center- Omaha, the Commercial Metropolis-Puhlie Prosperity -Educational Facilities-The Public School System- Early Enumeration-School Funds-Statisties-De- nominational Institutions of Learning-Local Col- leges. .78-89
CHAPTER XI.
State Institutions-Architectural Beauty of Buildings- Convenience of Construction-The Capitol Edifice- History of Erection -Appropriations - University- Blind Institute-Normal School-Insane Asylums- Deaf and Dumb Institutions-State Penitentiary- Nebraska an Agricultural State-Productions-Valua- tion-Climatie Features-Manufacturing Interests- Official Directory-Abstract of Votes-Eeclesiastical History. .90-104
ADAMS COUNTY.
CHAPTER XII.
An Historical Sketch-Location and Area-Population- Adaptability to Agriculture-Physical Features-Nat- ural Gas-Climatic Features-Game-Fremout's Trav- els-Kit Carson - The Government Well - Indian Treaties-"Bill" Kress-Some First Things-Pio- neers-Original Tax Roll-Settlers' Associations. . 107-117
CHAPTER XIII.
Establishment of County-Boundaries-Transactions of Commissioners and Supervisors-County Seat War- Court Affairs-Terms from May, 1873, to January, 1890-Important Criminal Cases-Numerous Murders, Hangings, ete .- Defalcation. 118-135
CHAPTER XIV.
Record of Eleetions-Various Officials Chosen-Consider- ation of Questions of Local Importance-Under Town- ship Organization Laws-Proposition for Funding Bonds-Journalists and Journalism-The Newspaper as a Powerful Moral Agent-Sketches of Press Euter- prises-First Issues of Sundry Publications-Their Development and Influenee .. 136-148
CHAPTER XV.
Military History-Survivors of the Civil War-Roster of Soldiers-Strickland Post-Juniata Post-Hansen Post -Kenesaw Post-Company F-Associations aud So- cieties -- Reunions, ete .. .. 149-153
CHAPTER XVI.
Societies, Associations, etc., of Local Importance-Agri- cultural Society-Hastings Fair Ground Association- District and Central Agricultural Societies-Patrons of Husbandry, Grange, ete .- Aid Society-Farmers' Alliance - Medical Associations - Associations of Teachers-Temperance Societies and Movements- Sunday-School Conventions-Woman's Suffrage Asso- ciation-Railroad History-Education-School Sys- tem, etc. 154-162
CHAPTER XVII.
Hastings City-Location and Additions-Town Company -Judicial History-Kinnan Claim-First Settlement -- Beginnings of Religious and Business Enterprises- Building the City-Fires-Storms-Improvements- Transactions of City Council-Financial-Officials, ete .- Board of Trade-Business Men's Association -- Post-office-Banks and Loan Associations-Wholesale Houses-Commercial Institutions-Manufactories- Churches-Schools and Colleges-Secret and Benevo- lent Societies-Y. M. C. A .- Home for the Friendless -Insane. Asylum-Sundry Societies. 163-193
CHAPTER XVIII.
Towns Outside of Hastings Juniata's History-As the Old County Seat-Development-Present Interests -- Representative Citizens-Sketch of Kenesaw and Vi- cinity-Its Founding and Subsequent Growth-Some First Things- Ayr Village - Hansen - Millington- Roseland-Mayflower-Holstein-Other Ceuters of Commercial Note-Inland-Ludlow .. ... 194-206
CLAY COUNTY.
CHAPTER XIX.
Introduction-Population-Elevations-Area-Rivers and Streams-Physical Formation-Grasshopper Plagues -Effects of Same-Storms and Blizzards-Destroying Elements-Exploration-Pioneers-An Old Settler's Reminiscences - Indiau Warfare - Evacuation of Spring Ranche-Female Captives-Organization of Old Settlers' Association .. .. . .. 341-363
CHAPTER XX.
The Newspaper Press-The Pioneer Champion-Har- vard Journals-Sutton Journalists-Fairfield Jour- nals and Periodicals-Clay Center Journals-The De Weese Reeorder-Educational Interests-Publie Schools, Teachers, etc .- Statistics-County Societies and Associations-Professional Roll, ete .- Memoirs of War-Militia Companies-Roster of Volunteers.364-371
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXI.
Clay Center and Sutton-Location of the Seat of Justice -Pioneer Days of the Villages-Early Business Hfonses and Dwellings - Incorporation - Schools- Churches - Secret and Benevolent Associations- Opening of Railroad Connections - Telephone- Banks-Post-offices-French and Gray Settlements- General Development and Progress-Present Inter- ests-Modern Condition. 372-386
CHAPTER XXII.
flarvard and Fairfield-Beginning-Pre-Emption of Town Sites-Original Surveys-Incorporations-Early Mer- chants - Pioneer Business Men-First Buildings- Mayors, Trustees, Aldermen, ete .- Official Directory -Voters of 1836-401-Commercial Interests-Finan- cial-Fires-Water System-Educational and Relig- ious Matters-Secret and Benevolent Organizations- General History 387-411
HALL COUNTY.
CHAPTER XXIII.
Topography and Natural History-Beginning-Limits Defined - Population - Above Sea Level - Water Courses-The Platte River-Climatic Features-Dis- turbing Elements-Indians and Pioneers-First Ex- plorers-Indian Massacres-Forts for Protection- Early White Settlements and Settlers-Reminiscences -Primitive Experiences-Establishment of Grand Island-Some First Things, etc. 531-540
CHAPTER XXIV.
Establishment of County-Transactions of Board-Sup- plementary Acts-Appointment of Officials-Elec- tions-An Interesting Record Book-Commissioners and Supervisors-Tax Levies-Finance -- Resume of Political Events-Returns of Voters-Politicians of Note-Official Record-Judicial History-A Summary of Court Affairs-Attorneys Admitted to Practice- Trials of Importance. 541-560
CHAPTER XXV.
First Newspaper in Hall County-Mormon Journals-Im- migration Induced by Journalism-Pioneer Papers- Expressed Opinions of Sundry Editors-Agricultural Societies-Grange, Alliance, etc .- Immigration So- ciety-Sugar Beet Industry-An Important Sonree of Income-Mortgage Record-Educational Interests and Teachers' Associations-Statistics-Physicians' Cirele-Medical and Dental Associations-Transporta- tion Facilities-Railroads-Railroad History ..... .. 561-572
CHAPTER XXVI.
Foundation of Grand Island City-First Events-Original Plat-Meeting to Organize a Village Government- Organization-Town and City Elections 1873-1889- Pioneers of the City-Building and General Advance- ment-Soldiers' Home-Public Library-Merchants' Club-Board of Trade-Post-office-Banks and Loan Associations-Fire Department and Fires-Manu- facturing Industries-Bect Sugar Factory and Im- provement Association-Trade Statistics-Hotels- United States Land Office-Church Organizations- City Schools-Secret Societies-Military Societies- Temperance Societies-Musical Associations and Old Base Ball Teams. 573-597
CHAPTER XXVII.
Wood River - Commencement - Some First Things- Growth and Upbuilding-Early Commercial Interests -Pioneer Merchants-The Gazette-Incorporation- Population-Present Business-Bank-Religious So- cieties-Secret and Benevolent Organizations-Doni- phan-Location, Elevation, etc .- Events of Import- ance-Early Happenings-Fire of 1887-Churches and School - Other Villages - Alda - Underwood- Spencer-Cairo-Runelsburg and Shelton .... . .. .. 598-604
HAMILTON COUNTY.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
General Description-Boundary and Area-Physical Feat- ures, Streams, etc .- Geologie Formation-Soil-Pro- duetiveness-Statistical Valuation-Population-Cli- mate-Storms-Days of Old-Zoology-Earliest In- habitants in County - Aborigines - Explorations- Mormon Trail-Ranches-First Settlements-A Num- ber of Pioneers-Reminiscences-Indian Depreda- tions-A Few First Things-Early Agriculturists Now Otherwise Occupied-Deceased Pioneers .713-719
CHAPTER XXIX.
Legislative Acts-Boundaries Defined-Representation- Senatorial and Representative Districts - Section Lines-Organization and Formation-County Seat War-Commissionera' Proceedings-Estimate of Ex- penses for 1890-Judicial History-District Court- Beginning-Early Terms-Officials-Roll of Attor- neys-Present Court Officers-Cases of Civil Import- ance-Crimes and Criminal Cases 720-730
.
CHAPTER XXX.
Political History-First Voters-Earliest Election-Form- ation of Parties-Conventions - Establishment of Party Interests-The Lines Drawn-Candidates-In- teresting Contests-History of Political Movements- Election of 1889-Statistics-Election Returns-Ros- ter of Public Servants .731-740
6
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXXI.
Journalism aud Journalists-First Efforts in Hamilton County-Newspapers-Style of Publication-Periodi- cals-Present Newspaper Men-Office Equipments- Affairs of Military Importance-Historical Sketch- G. A. R. Posts-Veterans-Societies-Agricultural Associations-Grange-First Fair-Farmers' Alliance -Hamilton County Medical Society-Scholastic Af- fairs-Organization of School Districts-First School -Grades, ete .- Superintendent's Report of 1889. . . 741-749
CHAPTER XXXII.
City of Aurora-Location and Appearance-History of Proposed Origin-Original Site-Beginning-Building up the Village-Additions-First Structures-Early Business Men-Incorporation-Character of Build- ings-Public Buildings and Improvements-Roster of Officers - Post-office -Railroads-Educational Inter- ests-Industries-Financial Institutions-Churches, with Sketches of their History-Secret Societies-
Other Organizations-General Features of Aurora's Attractiveness .750-761
CHAPTER XXXIII.
Other Villages and Towns in Hamilton County-Brief Historical Sketch-Their Importance-Centers of Commercial Influence-Population-Business Affairs -Indication of Advancement-Religious and School Interests, etc .- Orville-Hampton-Stockham-Brom- field-Marquette-Phillips-Country Churches. . . 762-770
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Adams County 206-340
Clay County . 411-530
Hall County .. .604-711
Hamilton County 770-783
$
PORTRAITS.
M. L. Elsemore
Between 112 and 113
George P. Schwab.
Between 408 and 409
E. C. Webster
Between 168 and 169
Thomas H. Matters.
Between 484 and 485
Hon. James Laird (deceased).
Between 232 and 233
Edward Hooper.
. Between 568 and 569
W. W. Phillco ...
Between 296 and 297
Sumner Davis, M. D Between 620 and 621
D. M. Nettleton.
Between 360 and 361
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HISTORY OF NEBRASKA.KK
CHAPTER I.
THE TERRITORY OF LOUISIANA-NEBRASKA ORIGINALLY A PART OF LOUISIANA-FERDINAND DE SOTO AND HIS EXPEDITION-THE EXPLORATION OF THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY-DISCOVERY OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER- DEATH OF DE SOTO-EXPLORATIONS OF THE JESUITS-JOLIET AND MARQUETTE-LA SALLE'S
EXPLORATION-FRANCE CLAIMS THE TERRITORY-GOVERNORS OF LOUISIANA-FRANCE COMPELLED TO RELINQUISHI LOUISIANA-PRESIDENT JEFFERSON BUYS LOUISIANA.
Justly Cæsar scorns the poet's lays; ' It is to history he trusts for praise .- Popc.
EBRASKA was originally a part of the great Territory of Louisiana, which com- prised very nearly one-third of the present area of the United States. A history of the State would be in- complete without at least a brief reference to the earliest explorations of the region which to-day forms so important a part of our great Nation. The story of the earliest ex- plorations of Louisiana by the Spaniards in 1539-44 reads more like some mediæval romance than an authentic historical record. Singularly enough, the first explo- ration of the great valley watered by the "Father of Waters" was more the result of a love of adventure on the part of a few Spanish cavaliers, lured by visions of suddenly- acquired riches, than of a desire to enlarge the boun- daries of science or to increase the wealth of a nation.
The discovery of the Mississippi River, and the first exploration of the great valley bearing its name, are commonly attributed to Ferdinand de Soto, a Spanish captain and explorer, and one of the most famous of the Eldorado adventurers of the sixteenth century. He was the contemporary of Cortez and Pizarro, the cruel conquerors of Mexico and Peru, and was a companion of the latter in the famous campaign which resulted in the overthrow and spoli- ation of the Incas.
The adventurous spirit of the times had impelled Columbus to brave the dangers and imaginary terrors of unknown seas, and the discovery of a new world, peopled with a new and unknown race of beings, was the result of his daring. De Soto, with others of a like ventursome disposition, was attracted to the newly-discovered continent, and in 1518 he is found a member of an expedition to Darien. In 1828 he made an exploration of the coasts of Guatemala and Yucatan, and again, in 1532, he led 300 volunteers to the assistance of Pizarro, who was at that time engaged in the conquest of Peru. De Soto signal- ized his campaign in Peru by many brilliant achiev- ments; and he returned to Spain with an added
S
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HISTORY OF NEBRASKA.
r
luster to his fame, and his pockets lined with riches ignobly wrested from a weak and confiding people.
In the year 1538 De Soto organized the memor- able expedition that was forever to make his name famons in the annals of history. His was no com- mon band. It was composed of the flower of Span- ish chivalry, and in its ranks many a scion of noble blood acknowledged the leadership of the renowned explorer. All were actuated by the same motives- - the love of adventure and the hope of gain. The conquests of Mexican and Peru led them to believe that still other semi-barbarous nations were hidden in the unexplored recesses of the strange, new con- tinent. In equipment and accoutrements the expe- dition rivaled the most gorgeous descriptions of oriental splendor. The glittering armor and mag- nificent paraphernalia of the soldiers, the silken ban- ners and the resplendent trappings of the fiery war horses, together with the mysterious and picturesque rites of the priests of the Spanish church who ac- companied the expedition, were well calculated to inspire a barbarous foe with respect and awe.
The expedition landed in safety at Espirato Santo Bay, on the coast of Florida, in May, 1539. Following the example of the intrepid Cortez, De- Soto burned his ships and fearlessly turned into the trackless wilds of the unexplored peninsula. For four years the little band wandered through the al- most impenetrable forests of the lower Mississippi Valley. History gives us but the meager details of those four years of weary wandering; but the un- told privations and sufferings of the hapless explo- ers can in a measure be conceived.
At first the Indians looked upon De Soto and his followers as gods descended from the heavens, and feared them accordingly; but when they saw that the white men were, like themselves, subject to disease and death, and possessed no supernatural power, their enforced friendship turned into deadly hate and open hostility. Their ill-will increased with the brutality with which they were treated whenever they incurred the displeasure of the cruel and haughty Spaniards. De Soto and his men were compelled to fight many pitched battles with the Indians, who were invariably defeated.
The captive Indians, who were compelled to
serve as guides, led the greedy Spaniards farther and father into the interior by repeating tales of fabu- lous wealth of the temples and palaces of great cities. Lured by the ever fleeting ignis fatuus of wealth, De Soto's band, now rapidly decreasing in numbers, plunged still deeper into the wilderness, their march being constantly retarded by conflicts with the Indians, and their pathway marked by the graves of those who had died hy the poisoned arrow of the Indian warrior, or from effects of the fetid breath of the fever-breeding swamps. They strug- gled on and onward, until in the spring of 1541, the glorious sight of the broad Mississippi-the mighty Father of Waters, burst upon their wondering vision. There it rolled in all its majesty, a river broad enough to float on its bosom the combined navies of the then civilized world. De Soto crossed the mighty river in hastily constructed boats, and pursued his wanderings on the western side. It is more than probable that his eyes rested on the broad prairies of the now fertile State of Nebraska. Cer- tain it is that Nebraska was visited by Spanish ex- plorers long before the advent of the French or Eng- lish, for portions of their armor and equipment have been discovered in this State within the past decade; but whether or not these relics belonged to De Soto's hand is a secret forever locked in the breast of un- written history.
But all wanderings must have an end; and, weary of their long journeying, and discouraged by their failure to find the coveted riches, De Soto's dis- heartened band turned to retrace their steps to the sea. On the homeward march De Soto was stricken with a malignant fever, from the effects of which he died. Mournfully the little band consigned the re- mains of their daring leader to the depths of the mighty river which he had discovered. Electing another leader, they pushed on in an attempt to reach the east coast of Florida. Failing in this, they constructed boats and launched out into the Mississippi, reaching the mouth of the river after a precarious voyage of nineteen days. They followed the coast until they came to a Spanish settlement, where they found means to return to Spain.
Thus ended one of the most remarkable explor- ing expeditions ever known to history. Three pub-
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HISTORY OF NEBRASKA.
lished narratives of the expedition were given to the world; but the Spaniards formed no conception of the magnitude of De Soto's discovery, nor of the vast possibilities of empire that lay within the track- less forests of the dark continent. It is useless to indulge in idle speculation as to what the history of the great territory of which Nebraska is a part, might have been had the indolent Spaniards com- prehended the extent and fertility of the vast regions drained by the great river and its tributaries. Had they so comprehended it, they might have founded an empire, beside which the mighty empire of Rome would have dwindled into insignificance ; but, beyond planting a few weak and struggling colonies in Florida, Spain did nothing to establish her claims to the Mississippi Valley, and a hundred years elapsed before civilized man again visited that re- gion.
For nearly a century and a half after the ill- fated De Soto slept beneath the waters of the great river which he had discovered, the Mississsippi Val- ley remained undisturbed in the possession of the Indians. Spain had made no effort to civilize the vast region she had claimed by right of discovery, and in the meantime the course of events had brought about many changes in the Old World. France and England had become the two great rival powers of Europe, and both had turned eagerly to the new continent for new fields of conquest. Eng- land had established herself along the coasts of the Atlantic and was gradually extending her domains to the westward. France had obtained a foothold at Quebec and was slowly pushing her colonies up the St. Lawrence River. Both nations saw the al- most limitless possibilities of empire in the great valley of the Mississippi, and both took steps to- ward its occupation. France assumed the initiative and eventually acquired the coveted territory.
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