CENTURY FAMILY OF NEBRASKA
In 2016, the Nebraska State Genealogical Society (NSGS) issued a Certificate of Recognition to Charles and Hester Freeman Meehan as a Century Family of Nebraska for their contribution to the state’s development.
This certificate is specific to the Meehan Family, but several Overton-DeWitty Black Homesteaders arrived in Nebraska before the Meehan Family. Regardless of whether they have applied to the NSGS for recognition as a Century Family, they indeed belong in this group.
Overton, Dawson County
The first wave of Black homesteaders from the Elgin Settlement in Canada settled in Overton, located in Dawson County. Seven of the Meehan children were born here, and three of them are buried here, not having reached much beyond their first birthdays.
DeWitty, Cherry County ~ The Sandhills
DeWitty, later called Audacious, was the epitome of Black community building in Nebraska. Not all DeWitty residents had roots that extended into Canada, but the Canadian contingent was DeWitty’s heart.
Too often, when DeWitty is discussed, only a handful of families are mentioned. This database captures the names and brief biographies of sixty-two families who called DeWitty home. The database was developed from several sources, including Bureau of Land Management records.
Alliance, Box Butte
As families grew and scattered, many relocated to Alliance in Box Butte County. It is in Alliance that Charles and Hester Meehan took their final rest.
Westerville, Custer County
Westerville was the home of the Shores-Speese-Webb families.