Hard times for settlers in Red Willow County

“An Act Appropriating the receipts from the sale and disposal of public lands in certain States and Territories to the construction of irrigation works for the reclamation of arid lands,” more commonly known as the Reclamation Act of 1902, came about after several states had suffered through severe drought conditions. Those states who were to be served by this act were: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North and South Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. Section 5 of this act “Sets certain requirements for those using the water including; half of the land must be for agriculture, a user must pay apportioned charges, a user cannot use more than the apportioned water, user cannot sell entire water to one neighbor or any water to a non-resident, and user must pay apportioned charges annually.” So, the United States Reclamation Service was born, renamed the Bureau of Reclamation in 1907.

Hard years existed in Red Willow County prior to this act. Settlers that had come during “wet” years found that Nebraska could be a tough place to survive during drought. Many of them pulled up stakes and moved on, but if they moved west quite often they found the same drought conditions and they never returned to farming.

The following news items are taken from the McCook Tribune during early 1895. 1894 had been a bust year for farmers and many people were suffering from lack of food and money for coal to purchase for heat in their homes. Train car loads were being shipped to our area for relief, but even the price of transportation stymied their delivery to those needing the help.

“An ounce of substance outweighs a pound of sentiment. In other words, a good juicy ham and a sack of flour goes further with the needy than a volume of good advice on how to get through the winter. (Hams and flour intended for this office may be thrown through the transom (window above the door) if the door is locked.” 1/11/1895

“The Tribune has investigated the case of John Smith, who recently died up in Allen Precinct, Frontier county, about seven miles north of Box Elder, and the cold facts seem to be that the man’s death was due to exposure and starvation. There was some flour and beans in the house at the time of the man’s death, but no bedding, the sick man lying and dying on a heap of old clothes.” Continuing the article noted: “It should be stated, however, that the man’s sensitiveness about taking aid, and his efforts to keep from the public his true condition, is the reason for the sad state of affairs and tragedy.” Shortly before his death, apparently John had refused aid saying; “he thought they could pull through.” “He leaves a wife and two children. The county of Frontier paid the expenses of interment and has secured the services of a nurse for Mrs. Smith who is also sick.” 2/8/1895

“Notice. All Persons needing aid must go to their precinct committee whose duty it is to investigate and distribute aid to individuals. The precinct committee will also furnish affidavits and all necessary blanks to fill the requirements of the relief law lately passed by the legislature and now in force.” 2/01/1895

The examples I found of those suffering through the hard times could fill this writer’s article 10 times over and I’m not sure we even have a point of reference in this country today, but we certainly read of the same occurring in other countries.

Southwest Nebraska Genealogy Society continues to try to provide open library on Tuesday and Thursday starting at 1 p.m. Located at 110 West C Street, Suite M-3, there is an elevator for those who need assistance.