Last Updated on August 26, 2012 by Dennis To pioneers the early mills are of great value. The fine running streams on the south side of the Niobrara offered ample water power which was early utilized for grinding grain and sawing lumber. On Pine creek were the Ritterbush mills for both flour and lumber, Richard […]
This historical sketch of Brown County, Nebraska, primarily sourced from the early settlers’ recollections, aims to capture the essence of the region’s past, strongly tied to its pioneer spirit. Before the arrival of white settlers, the vast prairies, known for their “sea of grass,” served as hunting grounds for local Native American tribes and provided pastures for buffalo herds. The text not only charts significant events like harsh winters and droughts from 1880-1895 but also notes aspects of local life such as the establishment of schools, churches, and law enforcement. The compendium underscores the interplay between the environment, the indigenous people, the wildlife, and the settlers, all converging to shape the civilization that emerged in this part of Nebraska. Through these narratives, the author wishes to honor the fortitude of those early pioneers and provide insight into their lives and challenges.
Last Updated on August 26, 2012 by Dennis A Methodist church was built in 1884. The United Brethern church was organized December 12, 1885, Rev. Campbell, minister. Among the very earliest ministers was John Calvert. Rev. Elias Frame and Jeremiah Frame filed on claims near Johnstown on April 7, 1880, the first filings made in
Last Updated on August 26, 2012 by Dennis In 1904 a new law was passed permitting a homestead of 640 acres to be acquired by five years residence thereon and placing improvements upon it to the value of $800. This was called the “Kinkaid law,” honoring the congressman from this district who secured its enactment
Last Updated on August 26, 2012 by Dennis In 1879 General Crook of the United States army, commanding the department of the Platte was ordered to select a suitable place for a new fort. He made a visit to the region, and recommended a point on the Niobrara River south of the Rosebud agency. The
Last Updated on August 26, 2012 by Dennis One of the most interesting localities in the county is that adjacent to the Niobrara where Nebraska highway No. 7 crosses this stream. It has a scenic beauty all its own and is almost without a rival in the entire state. It has an historic background, replete
Last Updated on August 26, 2012 by Dennis Kid Wade, a young outlaw supposed to be one of the famous gang that operated in this section in early days, was lynched in the early morning hours of February 8, 1884. He was captured in Iowa by a band of vigilantes, given a trial and turned
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Last Updated on August 26, 2012 by Dennis The Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley railroad began building westward in the late 70’s. Each year it pushed farther into the new farming regions. To supply the needs of the new settlers the railroad carried freight, mail, express and passengers to its western terminus, Oakdale, then Neligh
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Last Updated on August 26, 2012 by Dennis Sheldon’s History of Nebraska gives this interesting account of the explorations by the Spaniards. One expedition led by a Scotchman, James Mackey, (Fr. Jacques Machey) reached the region of the North Loup River in 1795-96. He continued westward to the great Sandhill lakes of Cherry County, then
Last Updated on August 26, 2012 by Dennis In the fall of 1881 Long Pine was a hustling little frontier town only a few weeks old. It was headquarters for Berry Brothers stage line and all freight and supplies for Fort Niobrara and surrounding country. The Railroad eating house was operated by Mr. and Mrs.
Last Updated on May 1, 2021 by Dennis (Lila McAndrew) School District No. 10, Ainsworth was organized August 25, 1883, E. A. Palmer was director, J. W. Alden moderator and S. G. Chaney treasurer. The first school in district No. 10 was held in a little log building, northwest of town, on the north bank
Last Updated on August 26, 2012 by Dennis Another class of men sometimes came into this wild, new country. They planned their travels carefully that they might leave no trails for others to follow. They were outlaws who lived by stealing horses from farmers in Iowa and eastern Nebraska. The stolen stock was brought to
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Last Updated on July 20, 2012 by Cleo, “Junior,” as he was affectionately known, was born February 2, 1925 at LaPlata, Missouri. In the spring of the same year he and his family moved to a ranch south of Valentine, Nebraska. He attended country school and then graduated high school in Meadville, Pennsylvania where he
Last Updated on August 26, 2012 by Dennis For a few years, during the 80’s the tide if immigration flowed steadily until there was claim shanty on almost every quarter section of tillable land. The years 1884 and 1885 were marked by an unusual rush of newcomers. A few cattle ranches had been opened in
Last Updated on August 26, 2012 by Dennis Fort Hartsuff near Ord, Nebraska, was built in 1874 to protect settlers of the Loup Valley from Indians and outlaws, but it was too far away to afford any protection to the country along the Niobrara. Congress decided to locate the Sioux on reservations where they could
