In June, 1869, Company A, First Nebraska Calvary, numbering about 65, was organized for the protection of the frontier: Capt. John Brown; First Lieut., S.J. Alexander; 2nd Lieut., Dr. Butler. The company built a stockade (called Ft. Butler, in honor of the then Governor of the state) on the bank of Spring Creek, and took up their headquarters therein. This greatly aided the early settlements, where newcomers were very likely to remain close as profitable to this source of protection. During 1869-1871, a large number of soldiers and others took claims, principally in the central and southern portion of the county.*************** At a meeting of the citizens of Jefferson county (now Thayer county), Nebraska, at the residence of L.J. Correll, December 28, 1869, for the purpose of devising ways and means for the protection of this country from Indian depredations, C.V. Thodes was chairman and E.M. Correll secretary. Charles A. ____, B.F. Young and L.J. Correll were appointed a committee to prepare a preamble and resolutions to be presented to the authorities. Eld. L.J. Correll was elected as bearer of the petition to General Auger and to start on his mission January 10, 1870. Dr. Walker, E.M. Correll and B.F. Young were appointed a committee to circulate the petition.
*************** In 1870 a company of regulars was stationed at Kiowa. This relieved Co. A, most of whom were settlers. Even at this late day the Indians were still plying their deadly vocation. Five skirmishers of the regulars were attacked a few miles from camp by about fifty red-skins, and only saved themselves by making breastworks of their horses. The Indians, though superior in numbers, would not venture an encounter.
*************** At a meeting held January 11th, a letter was read from Governor Butler expressing his desire to assist the settlers all in his power.
On May 23, 1870, at a meeting of the citizens of the frontier of Jefferson county (now Thayer county), L.J. Correll was elected president and E.M. Correll secretary. It was decided to petition Governor Butler for protection and to effect an immediate military organization. C.J. Rhodes S.J. Alexander and F.J. Hendershot were appointed a committee to draft a petition. A military organization was formed, electing S.J. Alexander captain of the company, J.O. Talmadge first lieutenant and E.M. Correll second lieutenant. L.J. Correll and Isaac Alexander were elected to carry the petition to Governor Butler.
On March 18, 1871, at a meeting of the citizens of Jefferson county, held for the purpose of devising ways and means for the protection of the frontier and the home interests of south western Nebraska, A.C. Ring was chairman and D.W. Hendershot secretary. The citizens enrolled themselves in a company subject to the order of the governor, and elected the following officers: E.M. Correll, captain; Otis T. Johnson, first lieutenant; and F.J. Hendershot, second lieutenant. A petition was signed and E.M. Correll elected to carry the petition to the governor.
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