Written By K. S. Douglass
History of Chase County published by The Chase County Historical Society, December 1938.....
"THE STORY"
"One nice day in the autumn of 1886, a certain young bachelor of south central Iowa, (Wayne County) having decided that it was time to leave the parental roof, with three horses and a covered wagon started for south west Nebraska."
"The first night out the long delayed rain began and continued into the next day, delaying the journey.In due time the Missouri River was reached at Nebraska City where he was ferried across the river and landed on foreign soil, never before having been outside the state of Iowa."
"A stop in the journey was made at York, Nebraska with friends.In a few days, accompanied by one Jim Kelley the journey was continued.After passing through Imperial we were beyond a resemblance of a road so we headed in the general direction of W. H. Kelly's (brother of Jim) place two miles west of Champion which we reached before dark."
"To hasten will say the writer located a quarter section of land in Bussell Precinct where he established a residence the following spring 1887."
"The writer was there in time to see the first buildings and evidences of settlement in the Crete Community, so named because a number of the settlers had come from Crete, Nebraska, as the Thomases, Nolans, Higbys and Hills, all of whom are gone now but the name "Crete Settlement" remains."
"Almost immediately after arrival a Sunday School was organized and met in the house of Wm. Thomas with Mr. Thomas as Superintendent.Since which time religious work has been carried on almost continuously."
"A sod school house was built which became the center for community gatherings.The sod school house has been replaced by a frame one and near by an inviting white church keeps silent vigil over the little cemetery where sleeps many of our noblest pioneers."
"The homesteads of the early settlers have gone to other owners, I believe with but one exception, that of Vinton Kimberling, still owned by descendents."
"Bussell Precinct has had its part in County affairs.E.B. Sutton, deceased, was County Treasurer, I believe two terms.Earn Walker, Harry Jeff Goddard and J.S. Mayo, deceased, each having served as county commissioners."
"Among those engaged in educational work came names such as Ida Kimberling, County Superintendent, prominent among the teachers were Mrs. J. B. Layman, Clara Hickman, Minnie Kimberling, Nellie Kimbering, deceased, Lou Freeland Schultz,deceased, Eva Freeland Martin, Anna Freeland Douglass, Leota Mayo Statz, of years gone by.An attempt will not be made to name the later teachers."
"This is not a complete accunt, but a few remembrances of the writer........K.S. Douglass,December 6, 1938."