Women In
Kearney’s History This is the first of a series of programs
focusing on women who were important to the history of Kearney
Louisa Collins (first woman to settle in Kearney) 1831 - Born in Ohio
1849 - She came with her family to a farm near Iowa City – age 18
Following year she married Asbury Collins, a Methodist minister
Ca 1870
– Living at Red Oak, Iowa Asbury
had health problems described as “hemorrhaging of the lungs” – gave up
preaching
D. N. Smith – friend of Asbury's, land agent for Burlington & Missouri River
Railroad
1871 – April – D.N. & Asbury
located Kearney site
May - Collins family came to
Kearney
Louisa kept a diary for about 2
years beginning May 1, 1871. She did not write something every day
except during about the first month when she and her family moved and
settled in their new home. Here is her first entry and what she wrote
during the day as she rode the train from Council Bluffs to Kearney Station.
1st entry - Red Oak, May 1, 1871
Mr. Collins, Milton, & Finnie have started for our future home in
Nebraska. Little Lou and I are left to follow
on the train
[Milton and Finnie (Finley) were the Collins' sons. At this time they
were 20 and 14. Lou was Louisa's niece whom she was raising following
the death of Lou's mother, Louisa's sister. Lou was 4]
May 13, 1871
Bid adieu to O such dear dear good friends
On
our way, darling Lou and I, to meet the balance of the family
On
the train bound for, shall I say home? (well it is 5 miles west of Kearney
Station, Nebr.) Yes home for it is
home where husband and children are
But O the thought of leaving all beside them that ever was as can be dear on
earth to me again
Home and friends left so far behind
Outside of our family circle I feel that my work is done
O God forgive me if this is wrong but all look dark and bare
Never again do I expect to meet kind and loving friend in hour of sorrow
Never again will it be our privilege to walk to the altar of prayer with
tender hearts and hear the shouts of new
born souls
O Lord thou hast stood by us in hours of deep affliction. Thou will not
forsake us
In thee we would trust
Here my first sight of a Pawnee
such looking beings
my heart sunk within me with fear
is my future home to be surrounded by such beings?
O Lord, save me
how can I live in such fear and dread?
Glad we don’t see any more Pawnees Tonight
(O how glad I am) my dear husband meets me
I will feel sure that I am safe
Asbury did meet them, they
built their home here and, although they left for preaching assignments,
Kearney was their home and they always returned here.