Uriah Wesley Oblinger and Martha Virginia Mattie Thomas were central figures in the pioneer history of the American Midwest during the late 19th century. Their journey from Indiana to Nebraska exemplifies the challenges and resilience of homesteaders seeking new opportunities under the Homestead Act of 1862. Through their letters, preserved by institutions like the Nebraska State Historical Society and the Library of Congress, we gain insight into their lives, struggles, and the broader experience of settlers during that era.
Early Life and Marriage
Uriah Wesley Oblinger was born on May 14, 1842, in Montgomery County, Ohio. His family relocated to Indiana in 1843. Mattie Thomas, his future wife, was born on December 16, 1844, in Onward, Indiana, to William P. and Margaret (Stafford) Thomas. Uriah and Mattie began their courtship during the Civil War, a period when Uriah served in various Indiana regiments. Their correspondence during this time reflects their deepening relationship and shared aspirations. However, due to limited resources and Mattie’s father’s reservations, their marriage was delayed until March 25, 1869.
Homesteading in Nebraska
In the fall of 1872, Uriah, along with Mattie’s brothers Giles and Samuel Thomas, moved west to Nebraska to take advantage of the Homestead Act. They filed claims in Fillmore County, Nebraska, with Uriah establishing his homestead approximately eleven miles west of Geneva in Bennett Township. Mattie and their daughter, Ella, remained in Indiana until the spring of 1873, when they joined Uriah in Nebraska. Their letters from this period vividly describe the hardships and joys of homesteading, including building a sod house, battling harsh weather conditions, and cultivating the land. Mattie’s letter dated June 16, 1873, highlights their community’s efforts to establish religious services and social gatherings, emphasizing the sense of camaraderie among settlers.
Family Life and Challenges
During their seven years on the homestead, the Oblingers faced numerous challenges, including blizzards, droughts, grasshopper infestations, and fluctuating crop prices. Despite these hardships, their letters convey a strong sense of determination and optimism. Tragically, in February 1880, Mattie died during childbirth at the age of 36, along with their infant son. This loss left Uriah with three young daughters Ella (age 9), Stella (age 5), and Maggie (age 2). Unable to manage both farming and raising his children alone, Uriah sold nearly all his possessions and moved to Morristown, Minnesota, to be near his family.
Second Marriage and Later Years
On October 30, 1881, Uriah married Laura Iona Bacon in Le Sueur County, Minnesota. The couple had four children Sadie, Nettie, Lillie, and Chester, who died at nine months of age. Uriah initially supported his family by working for a railroad surveying party, moving throughout the region as sections of the line were completed. After leaving the construction crew in 1882, Uriah took various jobs until 1883, when he returned to Fillmore County, Nebraska, with his family. They rented a farm about a mile and a half south of Uriah’s original homestead, farming there until 1885.
In 1886, the Oblingers moved to Gove County, Kansas. Laura broke her arm in January 1887 and went to her parents’ home in Minnesota for treatment. Many letters survive from this period, detailing their experiences. Laura returned to Gove County in 1887. By the spring of 1891, the Oblingers were living on a rented farm near Wheatland, Missouri, where they stayed until 1894. After the Missouri venture failed, Uriah rented a farm near Danbury, Red Willow County, Nebraska, where his oldest daughter farmed with her family. Laura and the younger children joined him there, but Laura spent the winter of 1895-96 with her parents in San Francisco. She returned to Nebraska during the spring and summer of 1896 but returned to San Francisco permanently that winter. Letters from this period show that despite setbacks, Uriah maintained a basic optimism.
Legacy and Historical Significance
The letters of Uriah and Mattie Oblinger offer a rare and valuable glimpse into the life of 19th-century homesteaders. Their correspondence provides detailed accounts of daily life, challenges, and the emotional landscape of pioneers during a transformative period in American history. These letters have been preserved and are accessible through various historical archives, including the Nebraska State Historical Society and the Library of Congress. They serve as an important resource for understanding the personal experiences behind the broader narrative of westward expansion and settlement in the United States.
The story of Uriah and Mattie Oblinger is a testament to the resilience and determination of early American settlers. Through their letters, we gain insight into the personal experiences of individuals who played a crucial role in shaping the American Midwest. Their legacy continues to be preserved, offering valuable lessons and perspectives for future generations interested in the history of American homesteading and pioneer life.