History of Joliet Township

Welcome to our dedicated historical archive of Joliet Township, Nebraska. Originally organized as Looking Glass Precinct in 1873, this fertile prairie community became a cherished home to pioneering Welsh families and neighbors from across the globe. Whether you are conducting family genealogy or exploring local heritage, discover the deep roots of our rural settlement.

From Looking Glass Precinct to Joliet Township

In the early development of this farming area, communities were often known by the heritage of their settlers, including German, Irish, Swedish, Polish, Welsh, and others.

The Welsh community in Joliet Township was made up of people who came from other parts of Nebraska, other communities, Wisconsin, and Wales.

Originally organized as Looking Glass Precinct on August 5, 1873, this western-border precinct of Platte County was later renamed Joliet Township.

Joliet Township is bordered by:

  • Monroe Township to the south
  • Burrows to the east
  • St. Bernard to the north
  • Walker and Woodville to the west

The land in Joliet Township is about one-half rolling hills and one-half level upland. The soil is rich loam and is drained by Shell Creek and its tributaries. The township did not have a trading post.

Early Township Organization

The first election in Joliet Township was held at the home of Robert Jones. The township was established following a petition led by B.J.H. Yerion, an early settler in the area.

Another important community leader was Michael Clark, who was born in Dublin, Ireland, and came to Platte County in 1875. Clark homesteaded a claim in Joliet Township and eventually became the owner of 556 acres of farmland.

He retired in 1913 and moved to Cornlea in Granville Township. His first wife was Miss Mary Sheedy of Columbus Township, who died in 1881. He later married Miss Bridget Whalen, who died in 1917.

Township Officers Elected in 1887

The following officers were elected in the township vote of 1887:

  • Supervisor: Hanson S. Elliott
  • Treasurer: F. Rivet
  • Clerk: Samuel Mahood
  • Assessor: Joseph Rivet

Welsh Families in Joliet Township

By 1910, the Welsh community had grown to include many families connected to the Postville area. Family names included:

Williams - Jones - Davies - Joseph - Parry - Evans - Hughes - James - Lewis - Lloyd - Owens - Thomas - Roberts - Miles -Edwards

Seven years after its establishment, Joliet Township had a population of 305.

Around that time, a local resident wrote a letter to a Columbus newspaper titled “Palestine Valley.” The actual Palestine Valley was a tributary of Looking Glass Creek, about five miles long.

The writer commented:

“I know when you read the heading of this, you will wipe your glasses and pull down that old reliable map of yours, and after looking in vain will say, ‘Where in blazes is Palestine Valley?’”

The name referred to a new post office established in Township 19, Range 4 West, called Palestine Valley. Joseph E. Jacobs was the first postmaster.