Robert Wilkinson Furnas (1824 – 1905) was the third Governor of Nebraska . He came to Nebraska in 1856 at age 32. Two months later he published the Nebraska Advertiser, a publication advertising the agricultural opportunities found in Nebraska. He also published the Nebraska Farmer, the first agricultural publication out of Nebraska. In the fall of 1856 he was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Nebraska Territory.
During the Civil War, Furnas...
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Robert Wilkinson Furnas (1824 – 1905) was the third Governor of Nebraska . He came to Nebraska in 1856 at age 32. Two months later he published the Nebraska Advertiser, a publication advertising the agricultural opportunities found in Nebraska. He also published the Nebraska Farmer, the first agricultural publication out of Nebraska. In the fall of 1856 he was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Nebraska Territory.
During the Civil War, Furnas became a colonel in the territorial militia, which was loyal to the Union (American Civil War). In 1862 he commanded three Indian regiments aligned with the Union Army and captured the Cherokee Indian chief John Ross.
After the war, he served as Indian agent for the Omaha, Winnebago, and Ponca tribes. He held many other positions including:
He also helped to create Arbor Day when he was governor. Furnas County, Nebraska, is named in his honor.
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