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I went across the Platt to see Luther Hubbell. I went with Calvin and family. We crossed on the ice. Then I started to go to Calvin's and Luther got lost, and I had to stay all night.
COMMENTARY
At first glance, William Cross’s journal might seem like a monotonous record of daily tasks, but beneath its simplicity lies a compelling account of survival, resilience, and community on the 19th-century American frontier. His entries reveal the constant hardships of frontier life—harsh winter conditions, financial instability, and the relentless physical demands of manual labor—while also underscoring the significance of community bonds in an era lacking in social safety nets.
Within just his first month in town, William crosses the frozen Platte River alone at night, struggles to find steady employment (January 4), faces equipment failures (January 23), and contends with scarce timber supplies (January 9), all while losing valuable income due to uncooperative weather (January 11–12). Yet, amid these difficulties, his journal captures moments of camaraderie and social connection. He spends idle rainy days visiting friends, shares meals at the Gammon home, and escorts young women to Sunday meetings. These interactions highlight the tightly knit rural community where mutual support, shared labor, and companionship were essential for both survival and emotional well-being. His mention of “having a jovial time” despite backbreaking work (January 21) reflects the humor and resilience that defined life in small frontier settlements.
William’s journal begins on New Year’s Day, 1871. Having recently moved from eastern Iowa, he was staying with his friend Calvin Hubbell’s family in Oreapolis, Cass County, Nebraska, just across the Platte River from Iowa. The Hubbells, a large family led by Charles and Charity Hubbell, had nine children—eight sons and one daughter. What brough William to Nebraska and how he came to know Calvin and his family remains unclear. Given that the Hubbells had previously lived in Ohio, Michigan, Iowa, and Wisconsin, it’s possible William had crossed paths with them during his own travels in the preceding decade.
On that frigid first day of 1871, William accompanied the Hubbells across the frozen Platte to retrieve Calvin’s older brother, Luther, from neighboring Mills County, Iowa. Somehow, Luther became lost, forcing William and the Hubbles to stay the night in Iowa. Upon their return to Nebraska, William and Calvin spent their days doing farm chores, including cleaning out the well. By Wednesday, William, eager to secure work, borrowed Luther’s wagon and set out into town—only to return empty-handed. Expanding his search, he crossed the ice again on Thursday to speak with farmers Emmanuel Garrett and Joseph Shaw about employment. Staying past dinner, he made the hazardous journey back across the frozen river alone after dark. His persistence paid off, as the next day he was back in Iowa feeding his horses at Garrett’s and beginning work for Shaw.
At this time, Mills County’s economy revolved around the railroad, and Shaw had hired William to produce railroad ties—a fitting job for the son of a carpenter. From that point on, William spent nearly every day, weather permitting, chopping timber and crafting ties for Shaw and other local farmers.
Throughout January, William’s journal notates his interactions with multiple community members, providing a window into the social fabric of 19th century Mills County. Some of these individuals include:
- On Sunday, January 8, William joined Henry Burkett (29), William Sparkes (26), and Bill Haynie (20) in escorting three young women, the Garrett sisters, Louisa (18) and Sarah (14), and Ellen Rickenbaugh (18), to a morning meeting in the nearby community of Egypt. It’s unclear whether any of the group had an inkling that Ellen Rickenbaugh would eventually become Mrs. Bill Haynie. Henry Burkett was the only member of the group who was already married; his wife, Catherine, had remained home to care for their two young children, Ruth (1) and Elmer (2). Notably, young Elmer would eventually grow up to represent Nebraska for twelve years in the United States Congress and Senate.
Hugh Gammon – A well-established farmer with an estate worth over $18,000. His household included his wife, Sarah Jane (Haynie), and five children.
George Morrow – A farmer with a property valued at $4,000 and two children. He and his wife, Mary (Haynie) had two children. Mary Morrow and Sarah Jane Gammon were sisters.
Mr. Davis and his wife – Possibly either William & Mary or Edward & Sally. While both men were listed as farmers, neither owned land, suggesting they may have been tenant farmers.
D. Haynie – Likely Richard “Dick” Haynie, father of Bill Haynie and uncle to the Haynie sisters.
Oliver Moore – A small-scale farmer with a property valued at just $200. He and his wife, Sarah Jane, had no children.
The two Meadows – Charles Meadow may have been part of the extended Mills family of Oak Township or could have been Charles Davis. The other Meadows was likely a brother.
P. Fletcher – Most likely Bardman Fletcher of neighboring Plattville Township. The initial "P" was likely a transcription error.
Jeff, "the black boy" – A 17-year-old farmhand who lived and worked on the Fletcher farm. He was one of only four Black residents recorded in Mills County in 1870.
Mr. Armsday – Possibly John Armstan of neighboring Glenwood Township. At 54 years old, it would be fitting for William to address him as "Mr."
Judge William – Questionably, William F. William, a young farmer. As there is no record of him serving as a judge, the title may have actually been a nickname.
Ben and Buck – Their identities remain unknown. There were multiple men named Ben in Mills County, but none have been confirmed to have a brother or son named Buck.
Dave Forsythe – Unidentified.
