Omaha daily bee., 1909-05-23

been but little necessity for a county poor
farm and at present 1t is occupied only by
the keeper. The county agricultural SO
ciety was organized in 1875 and was n sue
cess from the start. The years 1874, 1875 and
1876 were known as the grasshopper years
and were dark days for the early settlers,
as most of their crops were destroyed
one Of the leading farmers of the county
had his large tobacco patch completely
destroyed. and he said then the grasshop-
pers sat on the fence and begged him for
a chew.
Beaver City, county seat Of Furnas
county, is located on the level valley lands
Of Beaver creek. The location Is a pleas
ant one and not only that, but It is the
center of one Of the richest portions of the
county. Many fine farms In the immediate
vicinity attest to the thrift and industry
of their owners. Every branch OF busi-
ness Is we'll represented. This city has a
population Of about 400, with modern con-
veniences, good schools, two banks. four
churches, no saloons, good FIGURING mill
and several elevators. The first building
erected and the first store was opened
November 1, 1872. by Mckee & Denham.
The first sermon preached in the city was
in July, 1873, by DR.. q. A. Hobson. The
first school was taught in 1874 by Miss
Mile Wilson.
Cambridge is located in the northern part
Of the county, on the Republican river, and
is the Jewel OF the Republican valley. II
is noted for its fine parks and many taste
full residences, we'll maintaining the reputa-
tion Of its ancient namesake. The first
settler was Hiram Doing, who settled and
entered a homestead claim which now
forms a portion of Cambridge. This city
was formerly called Northwood. The next
settler to locate was d. w. Rockwell, who
built a large sod house, put in a stock Of
goods and opened a hotel. This was the
only business house In the town until after
the completion of the railroad In May,
1880. The first postoffice was established
In 1874 and called Medicine Creek. In 1880
the name was changed to Cambridge.
oxford is located on the north side Of the
Republican river in the extreme eastern
part Of the county. The location of the
town is a pleasant and attractive one and
surrounded by a fertile and level country.
The first railroad stake was driven on the
townsite in October, 1879. The first train
entered the county in February. 1880. The
first store was opened by Forest e. Plnck-
ney in March, 1880. The postoffice was
established the folIowing June. The first
~ "oS lANoNiNN ~ NAARNS eA
a hardware store in June, 1880.
Arapahoe is situated on the Republican
river in the northern part Of the county
and has about the same population as
Cambridge, oxford and Beaver City. The
history Of this thriving town began with
organization of a town company at Platts-
mouth. The town was called Arapahoe
from the tribe OF Indians of that name. In
the spring of 1873 when Furnas county was
organized, Arapahoe was declared the
county seat. This was one Of the best
markets Of the county for many years.
There are eight excellent high schools
, in the county and ninety-five rural schools.
There is a total value of school property
|, of s125, 900 with an annual expenditure for
school purposes Of $S5, 900. There are 4,5d0
pupils Of school age in the county with 146
teachers in charge. F.. ]. Munday is
serving his fourth year as county super
intendent OF schools and is evidently the
p right man in the right place.
| The county as a whole is very prosperous
with material wealth, the envy Of all its
neighbors, with schools, the admiration Of
the world, win social conditions, the most
favorable, with churches pointing their
, spires heavenward, with farms and flocks
| and herds, and mills pouring forth their
I wealth. the future Of this county is as
sured. While Furnas county has enjoyed
a rapid growth in recent years, the people
5 are extending tine hand Of welcome to
3 others and all anticipate that the brightest,
2 best and most prosperous days are to fol-
5 low.