USA > Nebraska > Seward County > History of Seward county, Nebraska, together with a chapter of reminiscenses of the early settlement of Lancaster county > Part 17
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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 effective 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.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
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. Was favorably impressed with the quality of lands. Party arrived at the house of A. J. Wallingford, on Salt 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 commeneed 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 ereek, 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 are fearful that these Indians will rob and kill them as they return, and are preparing fortifieations, 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
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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 claim. 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 pleasant, 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 terrible dust storm is noted. The atmosphere was fairly darkened by it. Fearful prairie fires on the 12th, damaging the settlers greatly, and came very near burning a house where a dead man lay at the time.
June 10th 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. They 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 party got lost on the prairie, and laid out all night.
September 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 :
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
Thursday, July 1, 1858-This day promises to be rainy and dis- agreeable. We ran 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 mulberry 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 MeKinly 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 effaced 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- quain 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.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
BEAVER CROSSING BUGLE
was 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.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
CHAPTER X.
CHURCHES-ADVENTISTS, SEVENTH DAY-AMISH MENNONITES-BAPTIST MIS- SIONARY-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 3, 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.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
county, Indiana, visited the church and held communion, when two new members were received into the communion.
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 Danniels, 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. Hazelwood and wife, A. A. Messenger and wife, John Burkett and wife, S. K. Keyes and wife, and Mrs.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
E. Davison. The church flourished for some years and erected a house of worship, 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 men- 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 at 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.
HISTORICAL SKETCH, BY REV. H. A. FRENCH.
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.
During 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,
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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 church, 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, H. A. French (a licentiate) was chosen to fill this office.
At first the church had no rules or regulations, except such as 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 Wright, Miss. Barbary Davis, Miss Lillie Davis, Miss Hattie Davis, Clarence Wright, Charles Burnham, Mrs. Carrie Burnham, 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 McIntyre, 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.
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
GERMAN EVANGELICAL FRIEDEN'S CHURCH AT SEWARD
[BY REV. 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 bought 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. Charities consist in general church work, supporting the pastor, contributions to home and foreign missions, seminaries, orphan homes, and other benevolent institutions. The pastors were, Rev. 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 FRIEDENS GEMEINDE CHURCH,
[WRITTEN BY REV. J. P. WELSCH,]
on the West Blue, is located in the south-east corner of Sec. 36, in 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, Wilhelm Riege. In a meeting of the society held on the 21st of June, 1874, it was resolved to buy the ten acres of land in the south-east corner of Sec. 36, in O precinct, then owned by Victor Vifquain. Up to the year 1876 the society held its meetings in school and private houses, during which time several different ministers preached here, viz .: Rev. Regier, of Lin- coln ; Rev. Schaster, of Swan creek ; Rev. Irion, of Germantown.
On the 22d 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
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
Welsch, of Burlington, Iowa, bought the south-cast } 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-five feet high, at an estimated cost of from $1,800 or $2,000, including 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 REV. K. T. GRUBER.]
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. Daeling, 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,
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HISTORY OF SEWARD COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
had at first in 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 1870. 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 were: Henry Neujahr, R. Heit- mann, and F. Gierhahn. A sod house, as a church, was erected in 1874, a frame church in 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. Neujahr, 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 1835, 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. Metzner, 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.
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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 Northfield, 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 edifice that was dedicated September 12, 1877, on Sec. 14, in L town- ship, which cost about nine hundred dollars. The church is in a flourishing condition. They maintain a good Sabbath-school.
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