Pioneer Stories - Of Furnas County, Nebraska #223768

Fifty years is a short span in the life of Nations and of States, but it marks more than the average length of man's life. Nebraska is young in years as the age of Nations and States is counted, and it seems fitting that in her comparative youth her history be written in large part by the men and women who have made that history. Fortunately there yet remain upon the scene of action many of these pioneer men and women - men and women who braved the dangers of the wilderness, and who through dark days and bright days, through storm and sunshine, through privation and prosperity, have kept their faith and have lived to see the fruition of their hopes. They found Nebraska a barren wilderness; they are leaving it as fruitful as a garden. They endured privation almost unspeakable, yet never faltered. And today they may point with pride to the work they have accomplished, to the state they have builded.<br><br>Two years ago I conceived the idea of having these pioneers write the stories of their early days in Nebraska. The idea met with a ready response - and this volume is the result. Originally the intention was merely to publish the sketches in the Beaver City Times-Tribune, but as the series continued many requests came in that it be published in more convenient and permanent form. Accordingly I have gathered them into this book. My earnest hope is that these stories of the Pioneers, written by themselves, may become an indelible part of the written history of Nebraska.<br><br>To those who have contributed these sketches I return my grateful thanks, and I believe I also voice the thanks of every citizen of Furnas county.