History of Nebraska, Forest County PA
A Lumber Town of 250 People
1828-1940

TRUMAN DOUD COLLINS

Teddy and his brother, Joe came to Nebraska from Cortland, N.Y. by way of Oil City and the early oilfields.

LEWIS ARNER

Lou came from Armstrong county in 1826. He rode a horse towing a Keel Boat loaded with freight to be discharged between Pittsburgh and Olean, N.Y. on the Allegheny River. In the 1840's, he settled in the Forest County Area dealing in oil, lumber and inn keeping.

FREDERICK R. KLINESTIVER

Fred was born on German Hill. For many years, he held the position of manager of all of Collins' holdings on the Tionesta Creek and surrounding area.

JUDGE LYMAN COOK

Lyman was born at Whitney Point, N.Y. After the Civil War, he came to Forest County. Most of his married life was spent in Nebraska in the lumber business, as a river captain and as a holder of many political offices, including that of Associate Judge.

In the picture he is standing close to the two great loves of his life: his wife, Harriet and the Tionesta Creek.

JAMES ANDREW SMALL

Andy came from Beaver county following the Civil War. Two of his brothers came to the area several years prior to Andy's arrival. Marion Small became a Methodist preacher and Sylvester Small was a newspaper reporter in Oil City and Bradford.

F. X. KREITLER

F.X. came from Brookville, Pennsylvania. He worked for and became a partner of T.D. Collins. Their association thrived for many, many years. Kreitler was also an Associate Judge of Forest County.

GEORGE WATSON

George was an early comer to the area. Following Teddy Collins' arrival in Nebraska, they combined forces in some large ventures, mostly in the lumber business.

JOHN COBB

John came from Vermont to Forest County about 1842.

John and the Lacy's were early pioneers in the lumber business; they made a wide swath throughout the Nebraska area with their trails and modern sawmills.