|
The
History of
Oxford |
by William G. Cutler
Transcribed
by Dale Baldwin
Published
by Andreas' Western Historical Publishing
Company
of Chicago, Illinois, 1882-1883
|
The
early history of Oxford
written in 1882 by William G. Cutler.
For source, go to: http://www.kancoll.org/books/andreas_ne/furnas/furnas-p2.html#oxford
Written
in 1882
Oxford
This
town is located on the north side of the Republican
River, on the gradually inclined slope rising
from the bottom lands of the river up to the
uplands. It is in the extreme eastern part
of the county, near the Harlan County line
and on the line of the Burlington & Missouri
River Railroad in Nebraska. The location of
the town site is a pleasant one, and is surrounded
by a fertile and productive extent of country.
As the town was not located until late in
the year 1879, at the time the railroad was
being constructed up the Republican Valley,
it is yet small but steadily growing. As the
country around it develops more fully, it
promises to become one of the prosperous villages
of the county.
The
first settlement began in February, 1880.
The first settler was E. J. Pease. He was
soon followed by E. E. Wild, H. Schmidt and
the business firm of Forrest & Pinckney.
The
first railroad stake was driven on the town
site in October, 1879, and the first engine
crossed the Harlan County line into the town
February 17, 1880.
The
first store was opened by Forrest & Pinckney,
in March, 1880.
The
post office was established in June, 1880,
and first bore the name of Grand View, but
has since been changed to Oxford. The first
Postmaster was John Burchett.
The
first sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Hampton
in a hardware store, in June, 1880.
The
first marriage was that of Dr. E. B. Guild
and Miss Allie L. Rogers.
The
first death was that of George Tures, who
was accidentally killed October 7, 1881.
There
is one lively local newspaper published here.
It was established in 1881.
There
has been a good school in progress ever since
the beginning of the history of the town.
There
is yet no church building, but the Baptist
have an organization and contemplate building
at an early date.
