Equality, Neb., history tied to early judge

Kristen Sindelar
Jul 30, 2023
Jul 30, 2023

1 of 2

The Allen loggie was moved to another location by the grandchildren of William H. Allen before the valley was flooded to construct a dam along Medicine Creek. Each log piece was numbered for easier reassembly.

Submitted photo

By 1882, the Equality Post Office had been discontinued, as shown on this envelope bearing the cancellation stamp written by William H. Allen.

Submitted photo

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Kristen Sindelar

Editor’s Note: This is part two of a two-part series on ghost towns Freedom and Equality in Frontier County, Nebraska.

Towns of Freedom, Equality reflect hopes of early settlers

According to some, Freedom, Nebraska, was named after another post office in the area that was established shortly after the Civil War.

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Equality 1.jpg — Mail was sent to the Tucker log cabin built in 1874, which originally served as the Equality Post Office.
Submitted photo

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Equality 2.jpg — William H. and Margret Allen moved from Michigan to Nebraska and eventually homesteaded in Frontier County. William served as judge of Frontier County.
Submitted photo

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Equality 3.jpg — The family of William H. Allen is pictured in front of the log cabin about 1900. The couple had nine children.
Submitted photo courtesy of Marian Moore

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Equality 5.jpg — In 1989, members of the Frontier County Historical Society erected 16 monuments throughout the county commemorating discontinued post offices. Pictured in front of the Allen log cabin are (from left to right) Waltz Betz, Marlyn Wolf, Charles Mousel, Amos Jurjens, Ken Phillips, Alfred Hinton and Truman Barrett.
Submitted photo

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Mysteries on the Map is a monthly series that highlights a different ghost town and how it contributed to the rich history of Nebraska. Running through the summer months, it pays tribute to the pioneers who endured incredible hardship and paved the way so that we can now enjoy the good life called Nebraska. If you have suggestions or stories to share about a community that no longer exists, contact reporter Kristen Sindelar at Kristen.Sindelar@midwestmessenger.com. Write to the Midwest Messenger at P.O. Box 239, Tekamah, NE 68061.