The DeWitty - Audacious Historical Marker soon to be a reality!

Thank you Thank you Thank you!

We did it! We raised $5100 for the historical marker in remembrances of the homesteaders of DeWitty-Audacious, Nebraska. The largest African American Settlement established in the Sandhills of Nebraska in the late 1800's. Contrary to various accountings for the reason of the demise of this town, DeWitty renamed Audacious centered their energy, vision and struggles to achieve the American dream and the audacity to think they could. 

They achieved their mission and this is a fitting memorial for all their struggles.

On behalf of the descendants, we wish to give special credit to Stew Magnuson, author of 'The Last American Highway' who was the backbone of this project and a major contributor. 
Also thank you to The Nebraska State Historical Society for approving the Marker and The Cherry County Historical Society, especially Joyce Muirhead, who helped set up the fundraising bank account. We additionally express our appreciation of the support from the Bulletin and also theNorth Platte Telegraph, Stapleton Enterprise, Lincoln Journal Star and radio station KVSH in Valentine “ for helping get the word out around Nebraska. 

I say we because funding came from far and wide; family, friends and with some the descendants contributing to the funding as well.  
The rest of the team who worked hard to get the word out were Homesteaders descendants: Catherine Blount, a Meehan Descendant, and Marcie Thompkins, who established a Facebook page and yours truly, Joyceann Gray, both descendants of the well-known Walker family. Even my grandchildren Jacob & Leah chipped in and gave $100. 

To Valentine Midland News editor Laura Vroman, I give a special Thank You for allowing me to write articles week after week offering a more balanced view of the rest of the homesteaders. Expounding on the people who worked so hard to give their children a good start in life. People who shared their skills and talents with others to make a hard life worthwhile.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention Lyn Messersmith, without her support I would be still struggling to find precious memories of the lives of the homesteaders.

I hope to see you all at the installation Ceremony!

God is Good

Joyceann Gray

Neighbors that were the Backbone of the Community

DeWitty- Audacious

Here are some more neighbors that were the backbone of the community and who also held the dream of a better life for their family and themselves.

The William H. Rann Family story begins with William and his brother James we believe who made their way to Canada from Kanawha, Virginia. Once on the solid land of freedom they set out to build a life. William married Melany and they had a son William Jr. and James married Ann and they had a son William and daughter, Sarah Ann. They were Bible Christians and hard working farmers.

These two families were among a group of nine families that that decided to head back across the border and claim their rightful place in America. The Kincaid Act of 1862 supported their decision, and so the 1700-mile journey began. Later, In June of 1880, most of them were able to gain more land under the revision in 1904 of the Kincaid Act that allowed for 640 acres; this gave the aspiring farmers a fighting chance to succeed. The Rann family worked their land next to the William Small, Richard Robinson, Leroy Gield, and James Washington families. Not far from the Emanuel, Riley, and Walkers. Forming a co-op of sorts that ensured everyone would benefit from their labors. No one went without food, clothing or shelter. They took care of each other.

The success of the DeWitty-audacious community is measured NOT by how long the town remained standing and NOT how long the families could hang on. The success is measured by the lives and careers of the many descendants who went on to be highly educated political figures, writers, and poets and teachers. They went on to become doctors, soldiers, attorneys, and engineers. They went on to become responsible and caring stand up citizens all across the USA.

So please take a moment and donate whatever you can, to help us all remember our humble beginnings and the people who gave their lives in the Sand Hills of Nebraska.    

 Just click on the picture below!

Remembering DeWitty, Nebraska

 

by Cherry County Historical Society

Their point was not to establish a generational farming community but to create a base for their children and future generations as well as excel in whatever field they chose.  And they had the audacity to think they could.