History of Wilber

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Charles Dana Wilber

Founder of the town of Wilber, Nebraska in 1873, Prof C.D. Wilber was an author, educator, geologist and entrepreneur who helped pioneer the West. Born in 1830 and raised on a farm in Auburn Township, Geauga County, Ohio, he taught at what is now Hiram College, Ohio, then graduated in 1856 from Williams College, Massachusetts, where he was a close friend of James A. Garfield, later the 20th President of the United States. While assaying land for mining companies and railroads, he helped organize the Illinois Natural History Society, and was the first curator of the museum that was a forerunner of the Illinois State Museum. As an advance man for the Burlington Railroad and scientific promoter of Nebraska, he co-authored "Agriculture- Beyond the 100th Meridian," one of the significant documents in the history of Nebraska and the West. He was in 1878 a founding board of director of the Nebraska State Historical Society, and recipient in 1880 of an honorary doctor of laws degree from the University of Nebraska. He resided part-time in Wilber, Nebraska for a decade, but was based in Aurora, Illinois, where he died in 1891. His ancestors were founders of communities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and variations of the family name include Wilbar, Wilbor, Wilbour and Wilbur.

For a lengthy biography, consult E.A. Kral's 48 page supplement published in the Wilber (Nebraska) Republican, August 2, 2000. Copies can be obtained from the Wilber City Office at (402) 821-3233 or toll free at 888-494-5237, or at the Dvoracek Memorial Library at (402) 821-2832, for a donation of $3.00 in person or $6.00 by mail.

Prof. C.D. Wilber Family Reunion

The first-ever C.D. Wilber Celebration was held during the 39th Annual Wilber Czech Festival on August 4-6, 2000, with almost 50 relatives attending the activities. A description of the weekend events was published in the 48 page supplement to the August 2, 2000 Wilber (Nebraska) Republician, which is available from the City Office or the Dvoracek Memorial Library. A review of the celebration was also published in the August 30, 2000 Wilber Republican. Inquires may be made to the City Office at (402) 821-3233, toll free 888-494-5237, or Dvoracek Memorial Library at (402) 821-2832.

Prof. C.D. Wilber Family Announcement

Persons interested in the genealogy of the Wilber/Wilbur/Wilbor family who wish to cooperate with a genealogist may contact Cindy Wilbur, 1600 St. Andrews Drive, Lawrence, Kansas 66047-1700, or telephone 785-832-0127. Cindy presented her information on family genealogy during the first-ever Prof. C.D. Wilber Celebration held during the August 2000 Festival.

The Dvoracek Memorial Library in Wilber houses the 5-volume Wildbores in America and historical research on Prof. Wilber’s life. Also available are community postcards, which feature a photo of Prof. Wilber.

Genealogy of Charles Dana Wilber (Founder of Wilber, NE in 1873)

This family tree is based on the five volume set of John Reid Wilbor and Benjamin Franklin Wilbour's The Wildbores in America, 2nd ed (1933), and an update titled "The English Ancestry of Samuel Wilbore of Boston and William Wilbore of Portsmouth, Rhode Island" published in the New England Historical Genealogical Register, Vol 112 (1958) in April, July and October, and Vol 113 (1959) in January and April. An update through 2000 of Prof Wilber's direct descendants may be found in the 48 page supplement to the August 2, 2000 Wilber (Nebraska) Republican.

1st Generation (8th great grandfather) Thomas Wilbore married Alice. Born 1482 in Royston, West Riding of Yorkshire, England. Died 1564.

2nd Generation (7th great grandfather) Nicholas Wilbore married Ann. Born 1504 in Colchester, County Essex, England. Died 1583 Braintree.

3rd Generation (6th great grandfather) Joseph Wilbore married Mary. Born in Braintree. Died before 1613.

4th Generation (5th great grandfather) John Wilbore married Joan Drane in Felsted. Born in Braintree. Died _____.

5th Generation (4th great grandfather) William Wilbore of Portsmouth, RI married Martha. Born 1630 in Braintree. Died 1710 Tiverton, RI.

6th Generation (3rd great grandfather) Joseph Wilbore married Ann Brownell. Born 1656 Portsmouth, RI. Died May 4, 1729 in Little Compton, RI.

7th Generation (2nd great grandfather) Thomas Wilbore I married Susannah Carr (second wife). Born January 14, 1693 in Little Compton, RI. Died September 1783 in Little Compton, RI.

8th Generation (1st great grandfather) Thomas Wilbor II married Judith Head. Born September 20, 1738 in Chardon, OH. Died 1791 in Little Compton, RI.

9th Generation (grandfather) Pardon Wilbor married Rebecca Irish Bowler. Born January 7, 1783 in Chardon, OH. Died January 25, 1839 in Chardon, OH.

10th Generation (father/mother) George Wilber married Rachel Smith. Born November 19, 1805 in Schoharie, NY. Died April 25, 1881 in Aurora, Illinois.

11th Generation (town founder) Charles Dana Wilber married Nancy Bernister Merrill. Born July 4, 1830 in Auburn, OH. Died December 20, 1891 in Aurora, Illinois.

12th Generation (daughter) Anna Sophia Wilber married William Chapin Booth. Born June 21, 1871 in Bloomington, IL. Died March 6, 1926 in Berkeley, CA.

13th Generation (grandson) Wilber Chapin Booth married May Leone Groshong. Born December 12, 1897 in Elmhurst, CA. Died February 8, 1948 in Oakland, CA.

(granddaughter) Nancy Merrill Booth married Coit Lambert Barnum. Born June 22, 1899 in Elmhurst, CA. Died November 22, 1981 in Sheepranch, CA.

(granddaughter) Anita W. Booth married Kenneth E. Jenner. Born March 15, 1907 in Elmhurst, CA. Died May 10, 1964 in Berkeley, CA.