Gov. Furnas

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Born May 5, 1824 in Miami, Ohio to William and Martha Furnas, Gov. Furnas came to Nebraska in 1856.  Within 2 months, he published the Nebraska Advertiser newspaper.  And by 1868, Furnas was publishing the Nebraska Farmer, the first agricultural newspaper to be published in Nebraska.

While Furnas is often remembered for his contributions to agriculture and Arbor Day, he also served six years as regent of the State University and organized the first public school board. 

Furnas also served during the Civil War.  A commissioned colonel in the regular army, he captured the Cherokee Indian, Chief John Ross. He also served under General Sully in a campaign against the Sioux in the Battle of White Stone in September 1863 as a part of the Second Nebraska Calvary.  

Furnas served as the second Nebraska governor from 1873 to 1875.  Among his achievement was the proclamation that created Arbor Day.  Originally conceived as a one day event to encourage Nebraskans to plant trees on in the vast prairie, it became an annual holiday.  

He continued to serve Nebraska after leaving public office by actively serving on several boards as well as helping develop the Nebraska State Fair.  

Robert Wilkerson Furnas died June 1, 1905.