This brief descriptive history was transcribed from Goodspeed’s Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Adams, Clay, Hall and Hamilton Counties. It contains only the history found in chapters 23-26.
Chapter 23
Topography and Natural History — Beginning — Limits Defined — Population — Above Sea Level — Water Courses — The Platte River — Climatic Features — Disturbing Elements — Indians and Pioneers — First Explorers — Indian Massacres — Forts for Protection — Early White Settlements and Settlers — Reminiscences — Primitive Experiences — Establishment of Grand Island — Some First Things, etc.
Chapter 24
Establishment of County — Transactions of Board — Supplementary Acts — Appointment of officials — Elections — An Interesting Record Book — Commissioners and Supervisors — Tax Levies — Finance — Résumé of Political Events — Returns of Voters — Politicians of Note — Official Record — Judicial History — Summary of Court Affairs — Attorneys Admitted to Practice — Trials of Importance
Chapter 25
First Newspaper in Hall County — Mormon Journals — Immigration Induced by Journalism — Pioneer Papers — Expressed Opinion of Sundry Editors — Agricultural Societies — Grange, Alliance, etc. — Immigration Society — Sugar Beet Industry — An Important Source of Income — Mortgage Record — Educational Interests and Teachers’ Association — Statistics — Physicians’ Circles — Medical and Dental Associations — Transportation Facilities — Railroads — Railroad History
Chapter 26
Foundation of Grand Island City — First Events — Original Plat — Meeting to Organize a Village Government — Organization — Town and City Elections 1873 to 1889 — Pioneers of the City — Building and General Advancement — Soldiers’ Home — Public Library — Merchants’ Club — Board of Trade — Post Office — Banks and Loan Associations — Fire Department and Fires — Manufacturing Industries — Beet Sugar Factory and Improvement Association — Trade Statistics — Hotels — United States Land Office — Church Organizations — City Schools — Secret Societies — Military Societies — Temperance Societies — Musical Associations and Old Base Ball Teams.
Source: Goodspeed brothers. Biographical and historical memoirs of Adams, Clay, Hall and Hamilton counties, Nebraska, comprising a condensed history of the state: a number of biographies of distinguished citizens of the same, a brief descriptive history of each of the counties mentioned, and numerous biographical sketches of the citizens of such counties… Chicago: The Goodspeed publishing co., 1890.