History of the State of Nebraska
A Full Account Of Its Growth From An Uninhabited Territory
To A Wealthy And Important State;
Of Its Early Settlements; Its Rapid Increase In Population,
And The Marvellous Development Of Its Great Natural Resources. Also An Extended Description Of Its Counties, Cities,
Town And Villages,
Their Advantages, Industries, Manufactures And Commerce; Biographical Sketches, Portraits Of Prominent Men And
Early Settlers; Views Of Residences And Business Blocks, Cities And Towns.
North Bend
This village, second in importance in Dodge County, is located on the north bend of the Platte River, from which
fact it derives its name. Before the North Bend Town Company was formed, or a solitary shanty erected on its present
site, the locality was a favorite camping place for the endless tide of emigration which poured along the old military
road toward Utah and California. Water and grass were here abundant, and everything favorable for an agreeable
stopping-place. It was these facts, probably, which finally induced speculators to select the spot as the site
for a town. About sixteen capitalists from Omaha, among them Gov. Izard, Secretary Cuming, John I. Redick and Judge
Matthews, formed themselves into a company for the purpose of carrying on a profitable speculation and indirectly
of building up a town. On the 1st of April, 1856, Messrs. Redick and Matthews located the site but the land was
not surveyed until the following July. In the meantime occurred an event which almost completely dispersed the
town organization. Lots were, however, sold to parties who never saw them, at from $50 to $100, so that by the
time actual settlers commenced to journey that way, the town company had disposed of $60,000 worth of property.
Early History
On July 3, 1856, a few Scotch families from Illinois camped about four miles east of North Bend. They were Robert
Millar, wife and four children; George Young, wife and three children; John Millar and wife; William and Alexander
Millar and Miss Eliza Miller. The latter, with her brothers, had driven a herd of cattle from their home in Illinois.
Finding no wood--only water--they retired that night on a cold diet, but arose early the next morning and reached
the present site of North Bend at about 9 o'clock A. M. Although pleased with the appearance of the country, the
party thought they might do better and passed on. They soon returned, however, and erected two log huts near the
present site of James Sloss's farm.
The next month, George J. Turton came from Perry, N. Y. He was an agent of the town company, a practical surveyor,
a man of energy--just the sort of an addition the colony needed. He and William Millar built the town house under
contract, in which the first county election was held. In 1866, it was taken down and removed, as the building
was in the way of the railroad. In July, 1857, James Humphries, M. S. Cotterell, Alex Morrison and John M. Smith
brought a steam saw-mill from Cleveland, Ohio, by an ox-team. Mr. Cotterell's companions preceded him. The party
had in their possession about $4,000 in gold, which they carried in a pouch, each man taking his turn in protecting
the treasure. When they arrived at Omaha, they determined to take an "account of stock", so Messrs. Humphries,
Morrison and Smith went off together, and, choosing a lumber pile for a counter, they proceeded to business. The
operation over, the party proceeded onward. They had neglected, however, to appoint a custodian of the funds, and
each of the three in some way became convinced that his companion had the treasure and the treasury with him. Before
they had gone far, the astounding discovery was made that the bank and its deposits--everything upon which the
mill and all hopes rested--had been left behind, plainly exposed to the greedy eyes of any chance and thievish
wanderer who might be passing along the highway. Three pairs of legs shook and three hearts jumped into three throats
and remained there until the three pair of legs brought the three pioneers to where the $4,000 in gold remained,
safe and entire. There was some relief in the bosoms of those three persons. They proceeded on their way and soon
after (in nearly two weeks), Mr. Cotterell arrived in Omaha. Of course he immediately inquired for his companions,
going to one of those numerous land offices in that city. He says that the walls thereof were hung all around with
paper towns. Among them was "Oreopolis," which he found to be on his course toward North Bend, the destination
of himself and companions. Mr. Cotterell, armed with a small arsenal, started on his journey alone, intending to
put up at "Oreopolis" in some first-class hotel and proceed on his journey the next day. He met a party
of five Indians on his way and divided his provisions with them, knowing that he would soon have good "accommodations."
This did not seem to satisfy his newly found "friends." One of them slapped Brother Cotterell on the
pocket, and made him to understand that it was money he was after. Brother Cotterell had in the meantime been surrounded,
but now made up his mind that he would break through the circle of his enemies and keep his money. He sprang outside
the circle, whereupon one of the savages bent down and commenced to tighten up his bow. Brother Cotterell drew
his shooting irons and threatened the would-be murderer in a tone of voice that would-be murderer understood, for
he and his four companions drew their blankets around them and disappeared over the hills. Well, Mr. Cotterell
determined to avoid hereafter all dusky brothers, and looked with more eagerness than ever for the great town of
"Oreopolis". He never found it, but was thankful enough finally to put up at Col. Fifield's ranch. Arriving
at North Bend, July 12, Mr. Cotterell joined his companions, who had reached the town June 29. The mill was erected
and all the money and strength and hopes of the newly-arrived colony went into the enterprise. It was the first
mill erected in the Platte Valley, and its proprietors (Mr. Cotterell being a millwright) had been induced to locate
by the present of 100 lots, the island in the river near the town, and a crimson-colored representation of the
financial results which the town company held out as a certainty. Attached to the power was a small iron mill for
grinding corn. The mill was in demand even by the people at Fremont, but, although it proved of great advantage
to the early settler for miles around, the originators of the enterprise lost money. It was burned in the fall
of 1860 in a prairie fire. Such was the disappointment felt in the financial results of the project that, as Mr.
Cotterell says, when he saw the fire coming, he felt a positive relief, and when the mill burned "was glad
to see it go."
The following extract from the Centennial history of John Mason Smith, sets forth the most important changes which
took place in North Bend within the next two years:
On the 2d day of August, 1857, another important addition was made to the settlement by the arrival of Mrs. Alexander
Morrison, Mrs. J. M. Smith, and Mrs. James Humphries with her five children. In anticipation of their coming, the
town house had been chinked and shingled. But they were much disappointed with the looks in general; still, with
stout hearts, they accepted the situation, and went to work earnestly and energetically, cheered by the hope that
by and by they would get their reward for all their toils and privations. Mrs. Morrison and Mrs. Humphries brought
chickens with them from Cleveland; these were the first chickens in the town and settlement. What with the prattle
of children, the cackling of hens, the crowing of roosters, things commenced to wear a little of the aspect of
civilization.
In the month of September another addition was made to the settlement, by the arrival of John Sloss, from Cleveland,
Ohio; he went to work for the saw-mill company; he located on a piece of land four miles east of North Bend, now
known as the Sloss farm, and occupied at present by Joseph Skinner.
Another addition and the last in 1857, was made by the arrival of Robert Graham and wife, and James H. Graham,
from Columbiana County, Ohio. They located on land about two miles west of North Bend.
The winter of 1857-58 was open and pleasant. About the only cold weather experienced was in the first part of February;
this was a good thing for the settlement; had the winter been severe, there is no doubt that there would have been
a considerable suffering.
On the 1st of January, 1858, the number of persons in the settlement was twenty-eight; of this number, fifteen
were children under twelve years of age. In the spring of 1858, the town site was jumped and taken from the town
company; they did not comply with the law, and failed to make improvements in the town which the law required.
It was jumped by M. S. Cotterell and J. M. Smith. In fact, the town company had no legal claim, for when they located
the town the land had not been surveyed by the Government. The company did not make much fuss over the loss of
their town. It may be supposed they had sold all the lots they could sell, and not seeing much more money in the
speculation, they let the thing go without showing much fight. J. M. Smith gave up his claim and right in the town
site to Mr. Alexander Morrison, and located on the farm on which he now lives, in the month of June, 1858. The
first post office in North Bend was established in the spring of 1858, G. J. Turton, Postmaster. The first mail
that came to this office was on the 4th of July following; the Northwestern Stage Company put coaches on the road
and ran them tri-weekly between Omaha and Fort Kearney. They had a station at North Bend; Mr. Alexander Morrison
was the first station-keeper. About the time that the Pike's Peak excitement broke out, they ran a daily mail.
This was a thing much needed in the settlement; before the company began to run their coaches, the nearest place
that the settlers could get mail was Omaha; fifty miles is a little too far to go to get the mail everyday, and
sometimes weeks passed before any mail was received; this was very hard upon one or two individuals whose wives
were in the east. Mr. M. S. Cotterell, Jr., was one of the band who whistled "The girl I left behind me."
In the fall of 1857, no mail had been received in the settlement for some time. Mr. Cotterell was very anxious
to hear from his family who were yet in Cleveland. "He guessed he would take a walk as far as Omaha and get
the mail." So off he started, and walked all the way and got the North Bend mail; but there was none for him.
What do you think he did? Well, he just turned around and walked back again.
Thomas Patterson and Peter J. Martz settled in the vicinity of North Bend in the summer of 1858, and located on
land about three miles east of North Bend, at present owned and occupied by William Coie and Clark Johnson. Another
addition was made to the settlement about the 1st of October, 1858, by the arrival of James Sloss, his wife and
two children; they came from Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Sloss located on the farm which he now occupies, one mile west
of North Bend.
On the 31st of December the number of persons in North Bend and vicinity was thirty-seven, twelve of these were
under twelve years of age; the only addition made to the settlement in 1859 was made by the arrival of Mr. David
Dickerson and family from New Jersey, and John B. Waterman, from New York. In the spring of 1860, the first public
school was opened; it was located on the west line of Robert Millar's farm, being a small frame building 12x18
feet. The school opened with nine scholars, with Miss Mary Heaton, now Mrs. J. J. Hawthorne, of Fremont, as teacher.
Her salary was $1.25 per week and board.
Brief reference has been made to the fact that Mr. Cotterell and J. M. Smith jumped the town site. When the town
company in Omaha heard of it, they arose in their wrath and wrote to Mr. Cotterell letters of gore, swearing that
they would send their vigilance committee after him and "chuck" him under the ice, unless he vacated.
Letter followed letter, and, as Mr. C. had frequent occasion to visit Omaha on business, he often heard the talk
from the very lips of the members of the company. They knew, it happened, that he was Mr. Cotterell, but were not
aware that he was the individual who had jumped the town site. Upon one occasion, he attended one of the indignation
meetings called by the North Bend Company, and, as the proceedings took a peculiarly vicious shot at him, he arose
and told them that he was the man and the committee could proceed if they so desired there and then. He thought
he had as many friends in Omaha as they, and he was willing to "test the matter." When the committee
found that Mr. C. was a man not to be "bulldozed," he received many very conciliatory letters, offering
to "forgive and forget" if (it amounted to this) he would allow them to get hold of some of the best
land of the town site. But as the survey had not yet been made, he knew too much to yield ground.
An event, however, had occurred some time previous to this date, which must be made a matter of record, it being
the settlement of the first married couple in North Bend. In May, 1857, George J. Turton returned from the East
with his young bride, and went to housekeeping in a room which he had fitted up in the town house.
John B. Waterman and Miss Eliza R. Graham were united in marriage July 28, 1859, this being the first marriage
in the settlement.
The first birth which occurred at the Bend was that by which Seth Young became a resident of the settlement, November
30, 1856. On the 20th of December, 1856, Mrs. Young died, hers being the first death.
George Canfield opened the first place of business in North Bend--a grocery tore--on July 4, 1866.
In the spring of 1867, Robert Graham started the first blacksmith shop.
In 1867, Williams and Perkins built the first hotel.
John Burger shipped the first wheat to Omaha about the same time, and Robert Hall the first live stock.
In the spring of 1868, Dr. Bell, of North Carolina, settled in North Bend, being the first resident physician.
Mr. Cotterell's experience during the first few years at North Bend was not of a nature calculated to inspire love
for the country in which he had settled. He had no team for plowing, and considered himself highly favored when
a neighbor would loan him the use of an old one-eyed mule with which to do some work. He raised some fine hills
of water-melons, however, and his wife sold the "fruit" at a round price to thirsty travelers from California.
The $70 thus obtained was a good start. He finally purchased a bony pair of cows, which could hardly stand when
he bought them, but proved "thoroughbreds" and valuable property. Soon after, a pair of young steers,
purchased from the Captain of an emigrant train who was "hard-up" gladdened the hearts of Mr. and Mrs.
Cotterell. Enabled to clear the mortgage from his farm by a profitable corn contract made with the Government,
Mr. Cotterell lifted himself into fair circumstances and became one of the fortunates in the new country.
In August, 1874, N. Merriam shipped the first carload of grain to Chicago, and in October, the first carload of
hogs. The first cattle to Chicago were shipped by William Cori, in June, 1876. This was the commencement of a large
business which has grown up between the two points. Mr. Cotterell erected the first frame house in town, or indeed
in Dodge County, in 1857. The next year, he brought his family from Cleveland, Ohio, and occupied the paper town
site which he had jumped.
During the next year, Mr. Ely (since County Judge), having married Miss Millar, settled in North Bend and commenced
farming.
Little change took place in or around North Bend until the Union Pacific was put through, in 1866. During October
of that year, the town was platted, G. M. Dodge, Chief Engineer, of the Union Pacific Railroad, being the surveyor.
Of the 240 acres including the town site, 160 belonged to Mr. Cotterell and eighty to S. S. Colwell, of Omaha.
The North Bend Of To-Day
Since that time the growth of the village has been steady, North Bend has now a population of 700 people. It contains
about twenty-five business houses, among them being five general stores, two grocery stores, one furniture, two
drug stores, two restaurants, two hotels, one bank, two hardware stores, two wagon shops, three blacksmith shops,
two harness shops, a barber shop, meat market, a tailor shop, shoemaker shop, two grain and livestock dealers,
etc., etc. The North Bend Hotel was built in 1870, and is at present operated by A. L. Norris. The City Hotel,
built in 1876, is owned by John Sievers. The bank is owned by C. C. Kendall.
One of the most important agents of North Bend business prosperity is the wagon bridge across the Platte River,
which was constructed in 1880, at an expense of $16,000, and is 2,810 feet in length, although partially destroyed
by the river flood in 1881. Negotiations are already being made to repair it.
The means of access to the people south of the Platte has rendered North Bend an extensive shipping point. This
branch of business is represented by two large elevators, one of 40,000 bushels capacity, built in 1880, and operated
by Downing & Purcell; the other, of 10,000 bushel capacity, built in 1879 by C. Cusack & Co., and now owned
by C. C. Kendall. Both firms also handle live stock. One of the largest live-stock dealers in the county is the
firm of Smith & Mallon. They deal not only in cattle but in improved horses. The present firm was formed in
July, 1881. John Keith, a leading young business man, has charge of the yards. In a word, North Bend is a living
business town.
Rev. T. E. Heaton, of Fremont, held religious services in North Bend soon after the settlers had fairly located.
The first regular pastor of the Presbyterian Church was Rev. Mr. Proudfit, who was followed by Rev. Isaac Wilson.
The latter remained as pastor until 1877. After a vacancy of a year, Rev. Mr. Inches assumed charge, and has since
remained. The congregation, one of the largest of this denomination in the State, numbers 100 members, and the
Sunday school is successfully maintained with 60 scholars and 8 teachers. Until 1874, the North Bend Methodist
Church was a part of the Fremont Circuit. At that time it was separated and placed under the charge of Rev. D.
S. Davis, who remained six months. He was followed by Rev. William Peck, who also remained only half a year. Rev.
J. G. A. Fleharty followed, remaining two years. After him, Rev. Harriger preached one year; Rev. J. A. Adair two,
and Rev. William Peck one. Rev. D. S. Davis then returned, and is the present pastor. There are two appointments
connected with the church. The total membership is 55. The Sunday school at North Bend has 60 scholars and 6 teachers.
In the fall of 1881, the North Bend School District erected a new schoolhouse. It is conveniently located, and
is a building of which any city might well be proud. Its size and internal arrangements are specially adapted to
the purposes to which it is put. The building, which is of wood, was erected at an expense of $4,800. It is divided
into four rooms, each having a seating capacity of sixty-four scholars. The building contains a fine bell, weighing
300 pounds. Miss Lizzie McGuire, assisted by Mrs. L. Taylor, and Miss Maggie McClutchey, constitute the present
corps of teachers, and furnish daily instruction to 200 pupils. The School Board at present consists of D. L. Norris,
Chairman; C. C. Kendall, Director, and James Sloss, Treasurer.
As an indication of the enterprise of the place, the fire department should be noted. It was organized in 1880,
under the name of the North Bend Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, and possesses, besides the fire bell and building
furnished by the town, a hook and ladder truck, 300 feet of hose, and a good Buckeye force pump. Its officers are:
A. Crawford, Foreman; B. P. Rice, Secretary, and T. B. Purcell, Treasurer.
In 1879, A. B. Ellwood established a paper known as the North Bend Independent, which was edited but not printed
at home. After six months, the paper was bought by Millard & Holcomb, and run by them until 1882, under the
name of the Bulletin. During this time, the paper was printed at North Bend. In 1882, the Bulletin was sold to
C. W. Hyatt, who has since continued it. It is a seven-column folio, of twenty-four-inch columns, and is ably edited,
fully representing the interests of this prosperous business town.
History of the State of Nebraska
Chicago: The Western Historical Company, A. T. Andreas, Proprietor; 1882.
Illustrated.