USA > Nebraska > York County > York County, Nebraska and its people : together with a condensed history of the state, Vol. I > Part 50
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The first death that occurred in the county among the settlers was that of the infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. N. J. Dixon in the winter of 1867 and 1868.
The first school district organization effected in the county took place in this precinet in 1869. William Taylor was elected moderator, A. J. Gilmore, director, and John Meagher, treasurer. This was distriet No. 1, and is known as the Bussards District. A sod school house was erected in the fall of this year on section 8 and the following spring school was opened with Miss Lizzie Lowery as teacher. These were the introductory steps of the present ethicient school system of the county.
The settlers are liberal in their praise of Miss Lowery's early work and honor her as the pioneer teacher of the county.
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
UNITED BRETIIREN
The organization of this church took place in the winter of 1868 and 1869 at the house of David Bussard. The original members of the society are Mr. and Mrs. David Bussard, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Gilmore, William Bussard, and Kate Bussard. The first meetings were held at the "dug outs" and sod honses of the settlers. When the Bussard school house was completed it was used as a house of worship as well as a school. The society met in the school house until the church was completed, in April, 1879, at which date the dedication services took place. Rev. Simeon Austin was called as pastor in the spring of 1871 and remained two years. Rev. N. P. Spafford succeeded him in 1874 and officiated for one year. Rev. E. F. Austin was called as the successor of Mr. Spatford in the spring of 1875 and presided over the church until the spring of 1878. After Mr. Austin closed his labors the present pastor, Rev. E. W. Johnson, took charge. The present board of trustees are Christian Holoch. Charles Wullbrandt, A. J. Gilmore and P. Heller.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL
West Blue Mission was established in April, 1869. The first services were held at the residence of John Anderson by Rev. William Worley. one of the first mis- sionaries of the South Platte country. The West Blue class was the first organized in the county, which took place during the following month of May. The West Blue ('ircuit was established in the spring of 1881 and Rev. Mr. Oliver was appointed to this field. The Bussard school is used as a house of worship and a supply regularly furnished to the society.
CHRISTIAN CHURCHI
The Christian Church Society was organized by Rev. Kelso in February, 1873. Rev. Mr. Brittell, the first pastor, was called in the summer of 1873 and his labors cover a period of two years. His resignation took effect during the fall of 1825, after which date to 1882 the pulpit was supplied.
BEAVER CREEK PRECINCT
Beaver Creek Precinct is situated in the centre of the eastern tier of precincts, and is well watered by the creek that courses its way through a gentle valley from which it receives its name. The surface is somewhat crossed by "draws," and the soil here is considered as ranking with that of any portion of the county, in depth and richness. In the spring of 1868 the first settlers found their way into the pre- cinct and established themselves on the banks of the creek, among the many timber groves that fringed its banks. Julius Frost settled on section 28, UT. L. Nichols and R. Clark upon the same section, John Corey and T. Godding on section 26, Charles Le Count on section 24, and William Zweig on section 8; all in township 10, range 1 west. The following spring of 1869 William Gocke took up his homestead on section 34, and Jared Gocke on section 32, and made the first settlements on the "divide." In 1870 a large number of settlers arrived. Among the first were Henry Cesheler and George and Robert Bray, who located on section 24; John Widle on section 32 :
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HHISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
Christian Bristol, Henry Gocke and Henry Wellman, on section 22; Detricht Naber and F. Hoffschneider on section 26; and the following spring, of 1821, they were followed by a host of others, who soon took up all the government land. The first school district was formed in 1869. The first schoolhouse consisted of a dugout built in the banks of a draw, and was furnished with one wooden bench, and a rough pine desk for the teacher. The first school was taught by Frank Manning.
The first church organization in the precinct took place in 1871, under the auspices of the German Methodist Episcopal Church. The initiatory services were held at the house of Henry Gocke under the leadership of Rev. C. Herman, who became the first pastor, officiating until the year 1874. His successor was the Rev. Charles Ott, in the spring of 1875, who remained in charge until 1878. Rev. Mr. Bruns was the next pastor, commencing his labors in the spring of 1878, which elosed after a period of two years. The next pastor, Rev. Mr. Behrns, took charge in 1881. The organizing members were: Detricht Naber, (. Dwehous, II. C. Klein- schmidt. John Widle and John Brahmstedt. Regular services were held at the houses of the members and at the school house until the year 1874, at which date the pres- ent ehureh building was erected. The society is now in a prosperous condition and one of the strongest in the county.
The organization of the German Lutheran Church took place at the school house in district No. 6, in September, 1873, with the Rev. Theodore Gruber in attendance. Henry Gocke, A. Bulgrin and G. Tieken were elected deacons, and HI. Burhopp church clerk. The first resident pastor of the society was Rev. G. Endrs, who com- menced his labors in the fall of 1878. The first church ereeted was a sod building, dedicated in the winter of 1875-76. Services were conducted here until the fall of 1880, at which date the present building was completed and dedicated. It is a fine frame structure and was valued at $2,000.
Waco was the outgrowth of the railroad, and sprang up as a market town upon the advent of the railroad. In 1877 Thomas C. Tagg commeneed buying grain here and shipped the first car load in 1877, upon completion of the railroad to York. The first house erected was a small frame structure, afterwards used as a kitchen, by J. W. Strickler one of the business men of Waco. Nelson Creech and J. W. Arm- strong were early upon the scene and engaged in merchandising. A public school building was erected at a cost of $1,600. The Protestant Methodist, the Methodist Episcopal and Christian Church societies soon had permanent organizations effected at the establishment and laying out of the town.
BAKER PRECINCT
Baker Precinet is situated midway on the western tier of preeincts. The gen- eral formation of the surface is a gentle undulating prairie, well watered by Beaver Creek, which flows through the center east and west, and Lincoln Creek on the northern edge. The "Old Trail" passed through the southern portion on the divide south of Beaver Creek, winding its way as nature provided its roadbed.
At the point known as Porcupine Bluffs, near the line of Hamilton County, it is believed by the writer the first dwelling of the white man in York County was erected.
Benjamin F. Lushbaugh, U. S. Indian Agent of the Pawnees and proprietor of the Nebraska Overland Stage Company, established Porcupine Ranch at the Bluffs
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
in the fall of 1863. It was also a relay station of the stage company, being the next west of Fouse's ranch, on the west line of Seward County, making a "run" of twenty-seven miles. It was kept by Samuel Reaney and operated by him until the Old Trail and stage coach gave place and were superseded by the Union Pacific Rail- way.
The first permanent settlement was made by Thomas Bassett and S. P. Buck- master in December. 1869, Bassett taking a homestead claim on section 10 and Buckmaster on section 6, township 10, range 3. They settled in the timber groves that skirted the Beaver. Bassett built a small dugout and turned the first furrows in breaking on his claim that were made by the plow in the territory now included in Baker Precinct. Marion Shackelford came next, arriving upon his home- stead in March, 1870, taking his claim on section 4. Hle immediately commenced work building a dugout for himself and family, but before it was completed a severe snow storm set in that lasted nearly twenty four hours, so severe that they almost perished from cold. Mr. Shackelford succeeded in foreing his way to the residence of David Baker and in company with him returned to Mrs. Shackelford and the children, whom they found in bed covered by a huge snow drift, and re- moved them to Mr. Baker's house, where they were cared for.
The following June marks the date of settlement of Anthony Heitz, the next settler, who took up his claim on section 10. Mr. lleitz also settled on the creek and obtained his living and money to pay for his homestead claim by trapping the beaver and mink on Beaver Creek.
During the closing months of 1870 quite a number of claims were taken up. Among the first were those of Mrs. Sarah Buckmaster and T. H. Buckmaster, section 6, on Beaver Creek. In the north part Henry Benson settled on section 30, town- ship 11, range 3: in the northeast corner W. K. Atkinson on section 20; in the western part Price Raymond on section 8; Alva Meismer, section 6; Abner Stout. section 10; C. M. Johnson, section 10; Martin Funk, section 14, township 10, range 1: in the south part A. F. Monger, section 23, and the following spring, 1871, A. W. Wellman, section 24, Richard Mutton, Gustavus Faustman, W. A. Thomas, C. A. Siran, all on section 24.
During the years of 1871-72 a large immigration came into the precinct and the sod houses and dngonts could be found scattered all over the upland.
Baker Precinct orginally included North Blue and Henderson precinets, and was named in honor of David Baker, the pioneer of York Precinct. Stephen P. Buckmaster was appointed the first justice of the peace in January, 1870. J. W. Bnekmaster made the first assessment after the creation of Henderson and North Blue precincts.
The first post-office was established in the winter of 1870-71. under the name of Aikins Mills, and was kept at the house of C. Aikins, who received the appoint- ment of postmaster.
Miss Annie Bassett, daughter of Thomas Bassett. was the first child born in the precinct, the date being December, 1869.
Stephen P. Buckmaster built the first frame house in December, 1869, which was blown down during the following winter. The organization of the first school dis- triet, district No. 13, was effected in the spring of 1871. Thomas Bassett was chosen director, Marion Shackelford, moderator, and Stephen P. Buckmaster, treasurer. The first school house erected was a sod building. situated on section 8, near the
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
residence of B. C. Deitrick. School was opened in May, with Alice Babcock as teacher.
The first marriage that took place occurred at the house of Postmaster Chauncey Aikins, in the summer of 1821; the happy participants were Isaac Mullen and Miss S. Aikins, and Justice Buckmaster tied the knot, which was his first official act after receiving his appointment.
NORTH BLUE PRECINCT
North Blue Precinct is situated in the northwest corner of the county. The north fork of the Blue courses through the precinct, and other minor streams furnish abundant facilities for obtaining pure water. J. W. Kingston is honored as the first settler in the precinet. He arrived in the spring of 1870 and took up a homestead claim on section 8, township 12, range 4. Along the banks of the Blue a few weeks later he was joined by Samuel Cline and Philander Church, who located on the same section. During the summer of 1871 Jordan Denny and V. Dich set- tled on section 4, and A. C. Eberhart on section 8. In the spring of 1871 the south part of the precinct was settled. R. M. Lytle, John Lett, A. M. Draucker and William Cross arrived at the same time, and each took up a claim on section 32. About the same time George Myers and Thomas Mitchell took up their claims on section 2, G. W. Bowers and A. J. Bowers on section 8, Albert and Edward Eastman on section 6. and Riley Myers and James Eads on section 2. In 1842 a large immigra- tion of settlers came into the precinet and took up all the government land. The first school district was organized in the south part of the precinct during the summer of 1822. Robert Lytle was elected director. A. M. Draucker moderator. and Wil- liam Cross, treasurer. During the summer of 1823 the first school was taught, a three months' term, by Miss Carrie Lorence, at the house of William Cross. Arborville was laid out as a town in 1844 by C. S. Harrison. It contained one general merchan- dise store, a blacksmith shop and post-office. The Methodist Episcopal Society organized in 1872. The Congregational Church at Arborville was organized in 1823, at the residence of W. S. Hill, by the Rev. Mr. Harmon, who became the first pastor. Services were held in the school house up to the year 1879, at which time the church building was completed. The society of Presbyterian Church was organized April 23, 1874, by the Rev. Mr. Robinson, synodical missionary, assisted by the Rev. T. K. Hedges. William Greer and John Lett were elected elders and Mr. Hedges was ealled as pastor. Itis labors covered a period of one year and were continued by Rev. Mr. Powell for two years. From 1877 until 1880 the church was without a pastor. Rev. B. F. Sharpe was called in 1880. The United Brethren organized their society in 1875 and erected a church building in 1822. Samuel Cline built the first frame house in the precinet in 1872.
HENDERSON PRECINCT
Henderson Precinct lies in the rich and fertile valley of the Blue River, in the southwest corner of the county. It receives its name from David IIenderson, who in company with his son John Henderson, Randolph Fairbank and Daniel George made the first settlements on the Blue River, JJuly 2. 1866. David Henderson settled on section 20 and the others on section 38. In 1864 but two settlers arrived.
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
Alexander Lowry located on section 28 and Charles White on section 30. The spring of 1868 brought Edward Copsey and Thomas M. Bearse, who established themselves on seetion 28, and in November, 1869, Rollen Sheppard settled on the same section, purchasing the claim of Alexander Lowry. In the spring of 1870 the first elaims were taken up on the prairie. Orlando Darling was the first to arrive, locating on section 26, and shortly after was followed by the settlers who took up their claims in this order: John Staller; J. A. Larkins, section 22; Mr. M. Riggs and Mr. MeCaity, section 14; E. Higby, William Armstrong, F. Leaming, Martin Suliver and George Allen, seefion 10; William Consor, section 22; George Russell, George Williams, John Moore, section 18; Henry Fay, N. I. Hopkins, Fred Hemper, James Addis, section 8. In 1872 this precinct settled very rapidly and all the land was taken up.
The first school established was a subscription school held in the summer of 1868 in a log building owned by Edward Copsey, taught by Mrs. Jarvis Chaffee. In the summer of 1869 the school was again opened in the old log building under the instruction of Mrs. Chaffee. From 1870 to the spring of 1876 the residence of Thomas Bearse was utilized for school purposes. On the third of April, 1876, the organization of the distriet was perfected with the following officials: Daniel George, director: Thomas Bearse, moderator; Randolph Fairbank, treasurer. A frame sehool building was immediately erected and school opened under public instruefion during the ensuing summer. Among the early teachers in this district the names of Miss Nellie Henderson, W. W. Elliott, and O. Darling will be remem- bered with pleasure by both parent and pupil.
Rev. Mr. Colwell preached the first sermon in Henderson Precinet at the resi- denee of David Henderson in 1868, journeying all the way from Saline County to spread the good news of the gospel, and among the early missionaries who labored in this precinct are the Rev. Mr. Austin and Rev. Henry Spafford. No church organization was perfected until the year 1876. During the fall Rev. William F. Hill organized the Congregational Church society at the school honse in district No. 11. The Methodist Episcopal Church also organized its first class about the same time under the instruction of Rev. William Blackwell, and af the Darling school house the United Brethren Church society was organized by Rev. Mr. Anstin ; at the Ellis school house in the south part of the precinct Rev. Mr. Austin organized a second society of the United Brethren Church. This society erected its church building in 1879.
DAVID HENDERSON
David Henderson, one of the sturdy pioneers of York County, came to Nebraska in the year 1866 in company with his family and located in the extreme southwest part of the county.
Soon the farm was sold and preparations were made for the long journey, he being the most eager to start. Five families were soon on their way, crossing the Missouri River in a ferry boat. The last of June found them camped at West Mills, near Camden for a few days' rest and recreation. Here they spent the first 4th of July in Nebraska. Soon the men of the party made a trip farther west, leaving the freight road and following the Blue River. Here they found well known early settlers who kindly helped them to locate claims where wood and water were plentiful. Nebraska City being the nearest land office, it was necessary to make a return frip
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
to secure their land. This being accomplished, they resumed their journey, via the Jack Smith and Jack Sione ranches, since made historie. After traveling some dis- tance west of these places they left the freight road and went southwest over trackless prairies. No bridges in sight, fording streams became a pastime. When near the close of a hot day in July, the travelers sighted trees, and soon the camp fire was lighted for the night. "Under our own vine and fig tree."
After this frequent trips were made to Nebraska City and Brownville for the purchase of provisions and stock for the new farm. Soon a hewn log house of no mean proportions was built and by the 5th of December all were comfortably housed. Autum weather was beautiful as it always is in Nebraska. Strolling bands of Pawnees were frequent visitors in their bright picturesque garb, riding fleet- footed ponies. It made a sight at once novel and interesting. Never harmful or trouble- some, they were really missed when they came no more. The following spring began the realities of opening up the soil and planting trees. Civilization began to dawn after the advent of a few more families.
The Rev. Davis, a Baptist minister and old friend from Monticello, Wis., preached the first sermon in the new log house. The latter became a hostelry for all. From far and near came the tide of immigration and all were made welcome if not comfortable. The first sehool was kept in a small house belonging to E. D. Copsey and was taught by Mrs. Jarvis Chaffee. David Henderson built the first frame school house with a promise of help by the neighbors. Sunday school was held in the houses, people attending from a long distance. Mrs. Henderson, though never quite reconciled to the idea of bringing her family to the frontier, was ever ready to lend her time and talent for the good of the young people. Her hearty greetings and kindly ways enlivened many occasions.
She made firm friends of people in search of new homes and often, as David's teams were the only ones available, they made long pilgrimages with them to locate some new homesteader.
Suffering and hardships were unknown, trials and embarrassments were many. He came quite well equipped for farming : six good horses, money enough to tide him over for a few years. For an example of the high cost of living, Robert and - the present Mrs. E. D. Copsey went to Porcupine station for the mail and to bring a fresh supply of groceries. A small store was kept by two brothers by the name of Higgins. They bought a sack of flour which cost nine dollars and a piece of very dark complexioned bacon, which the less sagacious brother said "had been kept on the roof of the sod house," and for which they paid forty cents per pound.
Often such men as F. A. Bidwell. Fred Roper, and Moses Sydenham sojourned with them, partaking of their hospitality-such as it was -- and gave a helping hand in organizing her beloved Sunday school. At one time the late H. T. Clarke of Omaha, when passing through the country, gave her the first Sunday school library.
Time changes were rung in and Mr. Henderson in his seventy-third year made a voyage to Melbourne, Australia, to visit a younger brother. This seemed to round out and complete the last years of his life as he had a pleasant voyage and most delightful company. After returning he lived like a patriarch of old, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. But it was not long for either to live. They had the "courage of their convictions." This was indeed a great country which they saw develop beyond their highest expectations.
NELLIE H. YOUNG.
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
THE FATHER OF HENDERSON TOWNSHIP DECEASED
David Henderson. of Henderson Township, passed away Friday morning, Feb- ruary 14, 1890. of paralysis. The following press account appeared at that time :
He was born on December 27, 1813, in Dundee, on the River Tweed, Scotland. Ile emigrated from Scotland to Liverpool, Eng., in 1827 and with his wife and three children sailed from Liverpool on the ith day of July, 1844, for America, locat- ing at Jaynesville, Rock County, Wis. From there he removed to Monroe, Green County. Wis., where he resided until the 16th of May, 1866, when he emigrated by team, with his family of seven children. five girls and two boys, Robert being the youngest boy. to York County, Neb., where he was among the first white settlers in the county, there being none west of where he took his homestead. He was the father of Ilenderson Precinet. afterwards Henderson Township and was one of the few who helped to organize York County, all getting office save two or three.
Mr. Henderson was a man of very firm resolution. While surrounded by Indians and wild animals, members of his family as well as those who came with him, were anxious to return to Wisconsin, he was never heard to complain or regret his coming. While he was without means as a homesteader. he leaves a large estate to his heirs.
In 1885, at the age of seventy-three years, he took a trip alone. to Australia. to see a brother, spending six months in that country.
The funeral services were held at the residence of the deceased, Sunday, Feb- ruary 16th. by Rev. Geo. Scott, of the M. E. Church of Sutton. The funeral was the largest ever known in this part of the state, the procession being three- quarters of a mile in length, and was attended by friends from Hamilton, Fill- more and Clay counties.
Mr. Henderson was seventy-six years, one month and twenty-seven days old. Hle leaves a companion at the advanced age of seventy-eight years and seven chil- dren to mourn their loss, besides a host of friends and neighbors. All of his children and grandchildren were present with the exception of one grandchild, Mr. Gone D. Wright of California.
This weary head is at rest, Its achings and thinkings are o'er; This quiet, immovable breast Is heav'd by affliction no more.
STEWART PRECINCT
Stewart Precinct lies in the extreme northeast corner of the county. The principal water course of this precinct is Lincoln Creek, which is of sufficient importance to be valuable for water power, which is utilized in turning the wheels of the Thayer flouring mills, situated on section 31, township 12. It is a large three-story frame structure erected by Messrs. Coggle & Harris and is furnished with two run of stone. The precinct derives its name from James H. Stewart, who, in company with David Doan, Newton Ilyett and John A. Mercer, made the first settlements in it in the spring of 1868. Doan and Hyett settled on section 26, Stewart on section 22, and Mercer on section 20, township 12, range 1. They
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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY
located on Lincoln Creek in the northeast part of the precinct. No further settle- ment was made until the spring of 1820, at which date D. C. Lucas, N. Elliot, Martin Reetz and Henry Reetz, John Robins, William Jones, D. K. Meritt and George Meritt eame into the precinet.
In the spring of 1871 the first settlement was made on the upland by A. II. Rogers, Hl. M. Logan, D. Fenton, on section 34, and Joseph Brown on section 32.
After this time the "prairie schooners" began to east their anchors so often that by the close of 1872 all of the government land was taken up.
The first church society was organized in Stewart Precinet in the summer of 1870, under the auspices of the Baptist Church, by the Rev. Mr. Webb, a missionary preacher, and during the fall a class of the Methodist Episcopal Church was organized by Rev. Mr. Comstock. In the spring of 1871 the United Brethren Church society was organized by Rev. B. M. Allen. The several pastors who have presided over this church are: Rev. H. Spatford, 1872: Rev. D. Dulimier, 1873-74: Rev. A. C. Kenniston, 1875-76: Rev. R. A. Bishop, 1877; Rev. H. Loehr, 1878-19; Rev. H. T. Vangorden. 1880; Rev. John Loehr, 1881: Rev. Shupe, 1882. The organization of these societies took place at the residence of Newton Hyett.
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