Franklin County, Nebraska

For Another Day

This week’s article is a continuation of the Levi Hager story.

“Mr. Hager’s entire stock in store, when he landed in Franklin County, consisted of one yoke oxen, a half interest in a cow, some provisions and three dollars in money. It will be seen by this, that circumstances under which he began pioneer life in Franklin County were not as favorable as might be expected, after considering the marvelous success he has achieved in the score of years intervening. Crops from various causes—chief among which were drought and grasshoppers—were almost a total failure the first four years; but with that invincible determination characteristic of his people, he kept toiling on until prosperity at last dawned upon the country and justly rewarded his assiduous efforts. In May 1879, he disposed of his old preemption on Center Creek and purchased a quarter section of railroad land on the “divide”, in Macon township, on which he now resides. He also filed a timber claim on a quarter section across the road from his newly purchased land, which claim bears the distinction of being the first final proof filed under the new act of Congress, known as the Timber Claim Act, and entitling settlers to the right of land under its provisions. The first house constructed on the new purchase was a 12 x 16 foot sod house, in which he lived six years, and then built the present spacious mansion, which is one of the best residences in the county. Mr. Hager has dealt largely in stock, and from this source he has made and accumulated considerable money. His farm, of three hundred and sixty acres, is one of the best in the county, and is fully equipped with all the modern improvements. He has made a somewhat phenomenal success at fruit growing, and now has apples and peaches bearing on his place.

“Mr. Hager was married March 21, 1872, to Miss Lilly B. Thompson, who was born in Scott County, Illinois, December 9, 1853. Her parents are John and Mary (Chapman) Thompson, the former being a farmer by occupation and a native of Kentucky by birth; the latter was a native of Maryland.

“The congenial union of Mr. and Mrs. Hager has resulted in the birth of four children: Ida B., Frank E., Mary A., and Ebbert D.

“Religiously, Mr. and Mrs. Hager are believers in the Methodist Episcopal faith, and are active members of the organization in their neighborhood.

“Politically, Mr. Hager, although reared a Republican, and for many years a believer in its principles, has of late years allied himself with the Prohibition Party. He has held various local offices, serving in the capacity of justice of peace, of Franklin Precinct, in 1872, and also as county commissioner for a term of three years, commencing in 1877. He is a member of the order of A. F. and A. M. Masonic Lodge at Bloomington, and is highly respected and esteemed by all who know him.

“He has been class-leader in the Methodist Episcopal church since 1873, and director of the school district in his neighborhood for ten years past.”

Levi’s second home in Franklin county was seven miles north of Bloomington, and one half mile west. The story of Levi D. Hager’s family is one of my favorite stories. It is told with such detail that we can take a journey, with this family throughout the years. Next week I will tell you about the love and devotion of a family that opted to not push the old home place over the hill. I will tell you of an old cold house that will be renovated. It’s a heart warming tale of a group of cousins doing all they can to preserve Levi D. Hager’s presence, and to assure that all he worked so hard for will not be forgotten.

The soul of a man is immortal and imperishable. Plato

Rena Donovan, For Another Day.

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