USA > Nebraska > Seward County > History of Seward County, Nebraska, and reminiscenses of territorial history > Part 23
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37
73.88
two disbursements
46
95.56
two disbursements
73 73 J. R. Staufer
124
201.46
two disbursements
Joseph Britt Win. Shultz
35
71.92
two disbursements
John Prochaska
28
70.78
two disbursements two disbursements
79
C. J. Cooper Discontinued
29
76.62
two disbursements
80
81 Perry Bradley
18
56.52
two disbursements
82
Lewis Meyers
12
192.76
two disbursements
Thos. Carr
137
227.94
two disbursements
83 84 Wm. Pathe 85 Michael Schmitt
46
96.43
two disbursements
86 Fred Beckman
27
75.53
two disbursements
87 John Dalton
68
119.85
two disbursements
88 John Blackwood
82
149.53
two disbursements
89 I. H. Darling
27
71.11
two disbursements
90 J. B. Hamilton
87
155.78
two disbursements
91
C. H. Tipton
20
40.41
two disbursements Dist. with
Butler Co.
92 F. H. Connelly
26
62.61 two disbursements
93 Harvey Church
58
115.32
two disbursements
It will be noted in the above table that the amounts received by the districts was from the May and December apportionments. The num- ber of children given was from the December enrollments. The reader will observe that some districts appear by this table to have received more per capita than others. This comes by change in the enrollment from May to December.
65.40
two disbursements
49
95.41
two disbursements
74 75 26 77 Jacob Switzer 78 A. J. Anderson
45
101.20
two disbursements
29
73.08
two disbursements
Wm. Heers
53
108.19
38
83.26
23
38
78.84
two disbursements
55 56 57 Horace Walvin
Wmn. Barbee
42
83.66
two disbursements
276
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
LOCATION OF SEWARD COUNTY SCHOOLS
91
55
$1
15
50
33
68
D
C
B
93
A
13
36
44
67
70
28
14
83
12
87
89
54
10
66
63
69
51
59
32
11
H
E
F
G
75
37
90
57
10
81
56
31
12
30
86
6
71
6-1
72
L
27
K
J
I
53
78
38
21
62
1
3
23
5
48
65
M
P
35
20
39
21
3
17
18
76
29
25
92
84
1
19
88
61
The above plat shows as nearly as may be the location of every school house in the county by numbers, the figures denoting the position of the buildings. We are indebted to Superintendent Koch for the above płat.
.
17
16
N
O
49
58
34
15
85
52
60
13
16
277
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
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 section 30, in "L" precinct. passes into "M" precinct, in section 4, and passes through it in the south- east course, enters "O" precinct in section 30, and crosses the Saline county line near the southeast corner of section 32, and joins the North Blue just at the county line on the south line of section 32, in "P" precinct. Its principal tri- butaries are Johnson creek which rises in western Saline county, passes through "M" and "N" precincts, and joins with the river just at the county line. Beaver creek passes 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 sec- tion 7 in "M" precinct. Indian creek traverses the south- western portion of "M" and empties into the West Blue just southwest of Beaver Crossing. West Blue is a most excel- lent mill stream, and carries two flouring mills in this county and furnishes drainage to all the southwestern portion of the county. The river and tributaries are supplied at convenient distances with bridges. It 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 southeasterly 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 tributary, 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 Se- ward. Lincoln creek is a beautiful mill stream, and its broad valley 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 drain- age.
278
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
Blue river furnishes ample power for mills and factories, but these water-powers are only utilized in three points, viz: Seward, by H. L. Boyes & Sons, with a very creditable mill, at the Cooper & Henderson mill, and at Milford, where Messrs. Johnson & Co. have, at least, one of the most ex- tensive merchant mills in the west.
Several branches of Oak creek traverse "A" precinct, and numerous branches of Middle creek have their rise in "H" and "I" precincts, furnishing ample drainage and sup- plying 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 undulat- ing plain, with a southern inclination, and probably pre- sents 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 geographical position is sixty miles west of the Missouri, twenty-five south of the Platte, and forty-eight north of the Kansas line. The forty-first parallel of north 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 east of Seward. Our elevation seems to be just about right; we are generally free from malaria; chills and fevers are scarcely known since the pioneer days. At the date of the early settlement, when great quantities of new prairie sod were in the process of decay and the people had to endure unreasonable exposure, we were subject to chills 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 atmos- phere 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. 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 por-
279
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
tion of this continent. Our streams are not subject to dis- astrous 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. We are especially fortunate in the all-important element of water and water-courses.
TWO FOURTH OF JULY EPOCHS IN THE HISTORY OF SEWARD
Just about one month after the embryo city was estab- lished, we had a celebration.
Let us look for a moment at Seward as it then was and the surroundings. There was one little frame store- Beaty & Davis's-on the ground now occupied by Temp Anderson's grocery house; the Tuttle house, a small frame in an un- finished condition, where the old Commercial House now stands; Beaty's small residence, on the spot occupied by the Windsor House, and also a small frame house of Hon. W. R. Davis, on the lot now occupied by the family. Orlando Pierce had a small frame residence under construction, near the northeast corner of the block south of the State Bank, with the old log cabin of Lewis Moffitt on the lot now occu- pied by the residence of Mrs. Moffitt; a dug-out occupied by Geo. Boyes' family, near the old saw-mill, and the little old log sod-covered school house, near the present residence of Mrs. Spear, was all there was of Seward on that memorable day. Be it remembered there was not yet a legal road leading into or out of Seward. There was not yet a bridge of any kind on Plum creek, and only one low-water bridge on the river north of Milford. This was near the old Wm. Imlay farm, about eighty rods up the river from the present iron bridge, near Mr. Castle's farm residence.
There were located within five miles of the village the following named families: S. C. Ross, on the Gale home- stead; Stites Wooley, on section 15, town 11, range 3, east; D. P. Imlay, on section 15; David Imlay, Sr., on section 10; Mrs. Dunway, on section 3; Dr, Leland Walker, on section
280
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
11, (By the way, a severe storm had wrecked the doctor's residence and he was just in the act of gathering up the fragments and hauling them to town, and we believe the family were living in a tent where the opera house now stands.); Roger Cooper, on section 12; Win. Imlay, on sec- tion 18; John Roberts, on section 20; John N. Roberts, on section 19; Joseph C. Sampson, on section 19; Richard Sampson, on section 17; James A. Brown, on section 20; Ezra Shafer and Rev. E. L. Clark on section 28; Lewis An- derson and Win. Anderson on section 11, range 2, east; James Anderson on section -; Rev. E. W. Johnson on sec- tion -; Thomas Skillman on section -; Geo. Rogers and his mother on section -; Geo. Sloneker on section -; Chas. Thurman on section -; Joseph Thurman on section -; E. L. Ellis, F. Duncan and W. W. Cox on section 8, town 11, range 3, east.
The mass of the county was wild prairie as was nearly all the town site. There was a corn field on all the ground from Jackson avenue north. The few people of the town and community, however, were patriotic and they deter- mined to have a celebration. Some of the good women gathered up some strips of bunting and made a flag. Mrs. J. N. Beaty led in this laudable undertaking. The men went down to Moffitt's grove and cut the tallest and straightest pole to be found. Others were delegated to sally around and notify the country people of the celebration, and the neighbors rallied, some on foot, some on horseback, some with horse teams, and some with ox teams. They came with hearts full of enthusiasm and we celebrated .. We had no canon, neither firecrackers, brass bands, excursion trains nor strong drink. The good people had dug a public well in the public square and it gave us plenty of good cold, clear and sparkling water; we had plenty to drink of life- giving water and were all able to get home from the celebra- tion without the help of the police.
We raised the pole and sent the flag skyward to flutter for the first time over this beautiful land. A great pile of dirt from the well answered the purpose of a rostrum. The Declaration of Independence was read. Sweet patriotic songs were sung. Uncle John Ward and the writer made speeches
281
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
and of course they were eloquent. We all had a a good time and went home happy.
JULY FOURTH 1876
The Centennial celebration at Seward was one long to be remembered. Ample preparations had been made by a com- petent committee, and in what was then known as Robert's grove-now a part of the fairgrounds-the celebration was held.
The day was ushered in with beautiful sunshine. Sew- ard was at the time a wide-awake business place of five or six hundred people. It was eight years old, the end of the Midland Pacific railroad, and commanded the trade from Seward, York, Hamilton, Butler and Polk counties. At an early hour people began to arrive in all kinds of vehicles known to the time. A vast procession was formed in the streets representing all the various industries and peculiari- ties of our community. Delegations from distant counties, and every nook and corner of our county came pouring into the town until the throng was immense beyond computation. It is speaking within bounds when we say not less than five thousand people were on the grounds at the exercises. It
was a day of festivity, recreation and pleasure. Bands of music made the welkin ring. Cannon boomed and the small boy with the firecracker helped the thing along. Eloquent addresses were made, and right here the author did his first historical work. He read a short history of the county, or rather a series of reminiscences of the early settlement, and the applause of that vast throng perhaps is what has inspired his later efforts in that line. It was truly an era of good will, and all went merry as a marriage bell, and as we re- member there was no accident to mar the occasion.
FIRST WHITE CHILD OF SEWARD COUNTY
In the far off years to come when this generation has passed off the stage, it will be most interesting to know who, among the thousands that have had their homes here, was the first of our race to come to light and life. This person
282
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
was Ellen, daughter of Thomas Morgan and wife, born at the old home of her parents on the Blue river, about half a miile north and east of Ruby station in "J" precinct, October 7, 1861. Her present name is Mrs. L. W. Perkins, of Fron- tier county, Nebraska.
POLITICAL MATTERS OF SEWARD COUNTY
There are some peculiar features about the politics of this county worthy of special notice. For many years the county was strongly republican, especially on national and state matters, and the first two elections every candidate of that party was elected by large majorities. There are no records to be found of the election returns from the begin- ning of our political life in 1865 up to 1875. Somehow these records have been lost in the shuffle. This much we re- member, that our first Presidential election in 1868, Grant received 159 votes and Seymour received 41, and in 1872 Grant received 637 votes and Greeley 138. In 1876, we find the full returns wherein Hayes received 905 votes and Til- den 325. In 1880 Garfield received 1354 and Hancock 699. In 1884 Blaine received 1630 and Butler and Cleveland, Fusion, 1332; St. John received 67. In 1888 Harrison re- ceived 1804 and Cleveland 1658, Fisk 104 and Streeter 12. In 1892 Harrison received 1330 and Cleveland 763, Weaver, populist, 1166. In 1896 Mckinley received 1688, Palmer 53, and Bryan 1876. It will be noted that this is the first and only time in the history of the county that other than the republican candidate for the presidency, secured a majority of votes in the county, Mr. Bryan being the regular demo- cratic candidate and supported by the populists. In 1900. McKinley received 1937, Bryan 1865, and 49 votes were scat- tering. In 1904, Roosevelt received 2243, Parker 1029, scat- tering 371.
On the gubernatorial ticket, David Butler received large majorities in 1866, 1868, and 1870; Furnas in 1872; Garber in 1874 and 1876; Nance in 1878 and 1880; Dawes in 1882 and 1884; Thayer in 1886 and 1888. In 1890 the scale turned when J. E. Boyd the democratic candidate received 1478, while Richards, republican, received only 1238; Powers, indepen-
283
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
dent, 922; Paine, prohibition, received 49. In 1892, the tide turned again, and Crounse received 1237; Van Wiek, populist, received 1055; J. Sterling Morton, democrat, 955; and Bent- ley, prohibition, 70. In 1894 the populists had an inning. Holcomb received 1605; Majors, republican, 1496; and 183 scattering. In 1896, Holcomb received 1957, and McColl, republican, 1530, with 72 scattering. In 1898 and again in 1900 Poynter, fusion, received 1633; Hayward, republican, 1511; scattering, 22. In 1902, Mickey received 1595; Thomp- son, fusion, 1597; and Davis, prohibition, 41. In 1904, Mick- ey received 1751; Berge, fusion, 1842; scattering, 69.
Notwithstanding the county was so strongly republican for so many years, Hon. Thomas Graham, a thorough going democrat was elected five successive terms county clerk, 1870 to 1880: he was followed by Ed. O'Keefe, an anti-monop- olist one term; then Joseph Dupin, another red-hot democrat, was elected three successive terms, up to 1888, when the tide turned and R. T. Cooper, republican, was elected. Since that time the clerkship has drifted back and forth from re- publican to populist and democrat, just as it happened.
The office of sheriff has also been in the hands of the democrats a large share of the time.
Three terms out of six in the early years the democrats elected the state senator, viz: Graham, Dumphey, and Wright: and of later years it has drifted from one party to the other, republican, democrat and fusion being about equal.
From 1868 to 1887, a mixed ticket was elected, but in the last named year the republicans made a clean sweep. It is proper to say that nearly all the gentlemen elected were very popular and worthy citizens. Just why it has so hap- pened that a naturally strong republican county as this was for so many years should elect so many men on the opposi- tion ticket is hard to explain, only in this way: that our peo- ple are very independent and will vote just as the notion takes them, without much regard for politics.
It will be noted in the roster of county officials, mem- bers of the state senate representing Seward county but cit- izens of other counties, are not noted.
The county officers of the county have been very efficient men and have performed their duties well. For thirty-three
284
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
years there has not been a defaulter, and only one little ir- regularity that is hardly worth noticing.
MILFORD'S UNWELCOME GUESTS
A scene of wild excitement occurred in the summer of 1878, when the Ponca Indians were journeying from their old home in the north part of our state to their new home in the Indian territory. Under the command of Major How- ard the Ponca tribe, about five hundred strong, were passing through this county. As they passed through Seward all seemed cheerful and happy. We recollect that the tribe was well provided with excellent teams, new wagons, and all the necessaries of life, but there was an under current of dis- satisfaction at having to leave the old home. Shortly after leaving Seward one of the teamsters had an accident which started trouble. His wagon was overturned and a child was killed. This was a bad omen to the mind of the Indians, at same time a chief's daughter was very sick, and was carried on a litter.
Late in the day the band arrived at the proposed camp- ing ground near the bridge, and just at this time the young . squaw died. This was another bad omen, and the Indi- ans were becoming excited thinking the great spirit was angry at them. The major saw there was a spirit of great discontent, and he promised them a week of rest.
The teppes were placed and camp fires were started, just then a furious storm broke upon them. One squaw had a kettle of boiling water suspended on a tripod over the fire. Some children were seated near the fire an awful gust of wind overturned tents and threw the camp into dire confusion, and the huge kettle of boiling water scalded one child to death, and another was seriously burned by being knocked into the fire. Confusion ruled the hour, Pandimonium broke loose.
Fortunately the bucks had just been shooting beeves and had used up all the ammunition at hand. Major Howard sent a messenger post haste up town for a doctor. Dr. Brandon quickly responded, little thinking that he was to "walk into the jaws of death; into the mouth of hell." Dark-
-
285
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
ness began to veil the sky, and peal on peal of dreadful thunder with the ghastly scene only illumined by the flashes of lurid lightning and the whole camp in the wild revelry of a war dance and ready to wreak vengeance upon the pale face. Major Howard had under his command about thirty white teamsters with the doctor; in their midst a hollow square was formed and the men with revolvers were given strict orders to fire to kill provided the ferocious savages made an on- slaught with raised tomahawks, and scalping knives. The doctor of course was brave, but somehow his hat raised a foot or more. Thirty white men had to cooly face five hun- dred infuriated savages. The moment was awful in the ex- treme. The Indians were so frantic with rage that it was with great difficulty that a parley was effected, but finally a truce was made, when the poor creatures could be made to understand that it was the medicine man come to their relief, when they quieted down. The people of Milord knew nothing of the trouble or danger until it was all over.
If a blow had been struck or a shot fired there would probably have been one of the bloody tragedies of history to relate for the village would only have been awakened when the work of death and distruction had commenced.
CHAPTER XVI.
NEWSPAPERS OF SEWARD COUNTY
NEBRASKA ATLAS
The story of the newspapers of our county, if all told, would be a long one. The date of the first issue of a paper in the county is March 16, 1870, when O. T. B. Williams a former editor and proprietor of a paper in Columbus, Neb- raska, managed to find Seward.
The long and tedious winter had given way before the genial sunshine of spring when Mr. Williams put in his ap- pearance. The good people were feeling pretty good and were ready to welcome the advent of a newspaper. The press that was to do the work was a "small fry," but we were all glad to welcome it; it was yet a "day of small things" in this county. If the press was small, it was large enough for the work it had to do. The paper was not as large as a "Sunday Bee" or a "Chicago Tribune" but it was large in our eyes at the time. It was christened, "Nebraska Atlas." This would indicate that the field of its useful in- finence would be as wide as our young state. We will quote from its news columns the principal paragraphs of the first issue, as follows:
"The new frame school house is to be commenced short- ly. We are greatly in need of the building and we hope the committee will prosecute the work with vigor. We trust the building will be completed in time for the summer school."
The reader will note that the above named school house was our first frame school house: it was sold by the dis- trict when the brick building was erected in 1874.
The next item in the news column was that that there was near $700 subscribed for the new Baptist church. This is most encouraging.
"Our citizens have taken hold of the matter in earnest.
287
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
and there is no doubt but this summer will see the church edifice completed. Mr. Moffitt gives three lots on which to erect it."
These were the lots owned and occupied for many years by the Presbyterian church. More of this on another page. "A petition is about to be started for the incorporation of our town [Seward] and we hope to see every name upon it."
"Judge J. D. Maine in the Oak Grove settlement is credited with raising one hundred and fourteen bushels of corn to the acre the previous summer."
We select the following correspondence in the first issue which in the light of subsequent events reads a little like prophecy :
SEWARD, MARCH 15, 1870.
DEAR 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 dark- ness is giving way, the sky is brightening, the clouds that have overshadowed us are disappearing, 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 coyote, or the hoot of the owl, or the whoop of the wild man, as in the days past, we will behold a city surrounded by thousands of splendid farms. Here we will see springing into life facto- ries, seminaries, churches, and here will concentrate work- shops and a multitude of merchants, 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 com- ing to posses the land.
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:
288
HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA
"HICKMANVILLE, MARCH 10, 1870. MR. EDITOR;
"Presuming that the Atlas is to be published for the gen- eral information 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 the large influx of Hick- mans from the state of Iowa, John D. Hickman being the pioneer, who settled on his land (homestead) in 1868. Since that time immigrants have come so rapidly that all the gov- ernment land 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 erec- tion.
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