In
the year 1871, the State Legislature
passed a law bounding Antelope County
as follows:
"Commencing
at the southwest corner of Township
23 north, of Range 8 west;
thence
east of the southeast corner of Township
23 north, of Range 5 west; thence
north
to the northeast corner of Township
28 north, of Range 5 west; thence west
to
the
northwest corner of Township 28 north,
of Range 8 west; thence south to the
place
of beginning."
These
boundaries have not been changed.
At
the time of the passage of the above
act, Hon. Leander Gerrard was
a member of the Senate.
In
1870, some Indians stole some valuable
stock from settlers near Columbus, Platte
County. Twenty-four
hours afterward, Mr. Gerrard, S. C.
Smith and E. A. Gerrard were in pursuit.
Their route
lay through what is now Antelope County,
and when near Cedar Creek some of their
number
became too faint from fatigue and hunger
to proceed, having been without food
for two days.
Opportunity offering, they slew
and ate a fine young antelope, rested,
and continued their
pursuit of the Indians to the Niobrara
River; but failed to overtake them.
The circumstances of
the killing of the antelope, led to
the name "Antelope" being
given to the county.
In
accordance with an act of Legislature,
the first general election was held
in June, 1871.
Two
hundred and two votes were polled, and
the following officers were elected: